Belgium Delegation Visits PAU To Explore Collaborative Areas

Ludhiana, August 10, 2015: A two-member delegation from the Embassy of the Kingdom of Belgium visited Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) today to explore mutually beneficial areas for collaboration. The delegation, comprising H.E.Mr Jan Luykx, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Belgium and Mr Antoine Delcourt, Counsellor, Economic Affairs, Embassy of the Kingdom of Belgium, interacted with Dr Baldev Singh Dhillon, Vice-Chancellor, PAU; senior officials, deans of constituent colleges, and heads of various departments of the University.

Giving a presentation on the research set-up of PAU, Dr Dhillon highlighted, “The University has developed/recommended 757 crop varieties and hybrids till date, out of which, 145 have been released at the national level.” PAU has emerged as a leader in conservation agriculture in the country with the development of technologies like zero tillage, leaf colour chart, tensiometer, happy seeder and laser land leveler, he said. Apart from this, he explained the delegation about drip irrigation and fertigation techniques, bio-fertilizers for yield enhancement, integrated pest management, protected cultivation, farm mechanization, agro-processing technologies, subsidiary occupations, Kisan Melas and farmers’ attraction for seeds, seed production, research collaborations at international level, recognitions won by PAU and future thrust areas. Dr Dhillon said that PAU was open to cooperation in all fields but the first priority was exposure to scientists by collaborating in research projects. “Exchange of scientists is the need of the hour,” he said. Dr Dhillon also apprised the delegation of the academic set-up of PAU.

Mr Jan Luykx appreciated the motherly role of PAU in Green Revolution. He said “This is my visit to Punjab and I wish to have cooperation in the areas of food processing and research on sugarbeet.” He also discussed the academic and extension programmes of PAU.

Mr Antone Delcourt highlighted the achievements of Belgium with focus on various agri-technologies.

Earlier, Dr Chander Mohan, Additional Director Communication welcomed the delegation members, PAU VC, senior officials and faculty of the University. He traced the history of the agricultural development of Punjab, in particular, and India, in general. Besides, he also gave a brief introduction of PAU, a premier agricultural institute of the country.

Dr R.S. Sidhu, Director of Extension Education, while proposing the vote of thanks, said that this was the beginning of a new relationship and there was a long distance to travel. He hoped that this collaboration would strengthen the relationship between India and Belgium.

Later, Dr Dhillon presented a set of PAU publications to the visiting delegation. The members also visited the Museum of Rural life of Punjab at PAU.