$300,000 US aid for Punjab varsity

The Punjab Agriculture University, Ludhiana, has received a $300,000 assistance from the US to upgrade farming techniques in the state.

"Punjab, which is facing the problem of plenty, needs to explore markets of developed countries and this US government initiative will help farmers improve the longevity of their produce," said BC Gupta, financial commissioner.

The project was aimed at upgrading the post-harvest infrastructure technology and processing facilities, said the vice-chancellor of the university. The project would include exchange of scientists and students, and research and development would be given priority, he said.

The project would also help farmers in increasing their access to the developed markets and combating the problem of plenty, he added.

David C Mulford, US Ambassador to India, stressed the need for aggressive ideas from young farmers.