Capt seeks Dutch cooperation in agro, dairy farming

Punjab Chief Minister Capt Amarinder Singh on Tuesday discussed a series of measures with the Netherlands ambassador to India for promotion of farm diversification in the State.

Dairy, animal husbandry and floriculture were some of the key areas in which the two sides agreed to explore cooperation, along with promotion of piggery and goatery, an official spokesperson said after a luncheon meeting between the Chief Minister and a Dutch delegation, led by Ambassador Alphonsus Stoelinga.

The Chief Minister sought from the Netherland exchange embryo transfer technology and supply sexed semen doses to improve the quality of livestock for improving and augmenting milk production by dairy animals.

He suggested establishment of units by leading Dutch milk processing companies in order to supplement the income of Punjab’s farmers, said the spokesperson.

The Chief Minister deputed Additional Chief Secretary (Development) Viswajeet Khanna as nodal officer to coordinate with the Dutch embassy to chalk out a comprehensive action plan on the various issues discussed during the meeting.

The proposed group would be tasked with suggesting ways and means to implement farm diversification, and to recommend a viable technology for scientific disposal of stubble or other bio-wastes after studying the prevalent practices followed in the Netherlands.

The Chief Minister assured the visiting delegation that he would personally take up the issue of starting special air cargo flights from Amritsar and Mohali international airports to the Netherlands for facilitating mutual trade in flowers, fruits, vegetables, dairy products etc.