A 17-member 'Agri Pass group' from France visited the Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) here today to study the agricultural scenario of the state and have an overview of its research and extension programmes.
The delegation was led by Thomas De Belle and Maryvonne Salaun, and comprised French farmers.
The delegation interacted with the Additional Directors of Research and Extension Education, and experts of Plant Breeding and Genetics.
Additional Director of Research (Crop Improvement) Dr R K Gumber, while highlighting the research achievements of PAU, said the varsity has developed (and released) 772 varieties and hybrids till date, out of which, 155 have been released at the national level.
He said the University has provided technical guidance and expertise for establishing 272 Agro-Food Industry Centres in Punjab.
Alternate crops, water use efficiency, post-harvest management and value addition, setting-up of agro-processing units, and application of biotechnology are some of the future thrust areas, he added.
Dr Gumber also shed light on the landmark achievements in crop improvement and varieties released in other countries.
Additional Director of Extension Education Dr P S Aulakh, while briefing about the set-up of the Directorate of Extension Education, said, "It aims at disseminating latest research findings among the farmers, farm women, entrepreneurs and extension personnel.
