PAU to have farm tie-up with S Africa

A seven-member delegation led by South Africa's University of Venda Vice-Chancellor Professor Ramogale today met Punjab Agricultural University Vice-Chancellor Kirpal Singh Aulakh to explore the possibilities of an exchange programme between scientists and students of the two universities.

Aulakh, in his introductory remarks, gave a brief resume of the status of agriculture immediately after independence in 1947 and how the country became self-sufficient in food and how it exported some of its surpluses to deficient countries.

Referring specifically to the role of Punjab in meeting the food deficit, Aulakh said the establishment of PAU in 1962 made a wide difference to the agricultural scene.

Food production in the state logged a quantum jump from 2 million tonnes in the 1960s to over 25 million tonnes at present. The same way, the country's food production shot up from 50 million tonnes in 1950s to 212 million tonnes now.

Aulakh also said PAU would train scientists from South Africa and impart education to South African students. "This will be possible within the ambit of MoU signed at the government level between the South African province concerned and Punjab," he added.

The delegation included Phathela, manager, international relations in the office of the Premier of Limpopo (the province from where the delegation came); Banyini, senior manager, SMME (small, micro, medium enterprises) Development; Tshikolomo, senior manager, crop production in the department of agriculture; Kaseke, general manager, project management in the department of public works; Zama, general manager, research and curriculum development in the Department of Education; and Mayoii, counselor for the South African High Commission in New Delhi.