Delegation from Britain Agriculture Mission visits PAU to gain knowledge about agricultural technologies

Ludhiana, December 9, 2019: A four-member delegation from Britain Agriculture Mission visited Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) today to gain knowledge about agricultural technologies.

The delegation comprised Nicola Yates, Programme Manager, Rothamsted Research; Chris Delf, Manager, Crop Health and Protection; Mark Jerman, Head, Agriculture, Satellite Applications Catapult; and Swati Saxena, Senior Science and Innovation Adviser, British High Commission.

Nicola Yates said the visit to PAU was aimed at fortifying the relations between the two countries and learning about latest agri-technologies, thus, benefiting the agricultural scientists as well as the farmers of both the sides.

Chris Delf lauded PAU for its remarkable contribution to the agricultural development of India and said: “We have heard about PAU’s accomplishments even in Britain.”

Mark Jerman dwelt on satellite services through remote sensing and data collection in agriculture in Europe. He also informed about the use of chemicals in crops.

Dr Navtej Singh Bains, Director of Research, said: “PAU is the mother of Green Revolution. The Punjab Agricultural University and the farmers of the state have toiled hard to make the country food secure.” He apprised the delegation of the three major components of PAU - research, teaching and extension. He also explained the development of new crop varieties, farm machinery and processing technologies; water conservation technologies; maintenance of soil health; straw management and efforts to enhance farm profits.

Dr GK Sangha, Dean, Postgraduate Studies, said the interaction would benefit both the sides.

The PAU experts addressed all the queries of the delegation members. Later, the delegation was presented with a set of PAU publications. Present on the occasion were deans, directors and heads of the departments of PAU.