Punjab Agri University signs MoU with New Zealand reseach group

Ludhiana, Oct 6 (UNI) A tripartite MoU was today signed between Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) and New Zealand based Massey University and Landcare Research Organization.

The purpose of the MoU is to share knowledge and enter into collaborative and cooperative teaching and research. The MoU identifies six areas of synchronised functioning, namely sustainable and integrated land use for agriculture, green house gas emissions in relation to agriculture, post-harvest technology and management, agri-processing and management, agri-business, food technology and food sciences.

While Vice-Chancellor Dr K S Aulakh signed on behalf of PAU, Chief Executive Dr Warren Parker signed on behalf of Landcare Research New Zealand Limited and Professor Jagith Kinnear, Vice-Chancellor and President signed on behalf of Massey University.

India's High Commissioner to New Zealand, Kadakath Pathrose Ernet signed the MoU as a witness.

The promoter and initiator of this MoU is Dr Surinder Saggar, Principal Scientist and Research Leader with the Landcare Research.

The MoU, according to PAU Dean Postgraduate Studies, Dr S S Chahal, links India and New Zealand in agriculture, food and environmental research and education. This is the first time that a New Zealand University and a National Research Institute there have joined forces in such a manner.

The window provided by PAU will give New Zealand researchers international exposure to issues related to agriculture, food and environment and also broaden opportunities for undergraduate and postgraduate students and teachers at the start of their careers.

This MoU will also pave the way for PAU scientists and teachers to go to Landcare Research and Massey University to widen their perspective on environmental economics and integrated pest ecology.

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