Anand agri varsity signs pact with Chinese GAR

Ahmedabad, Nov 17 (UNI) Anand Agriculture University (AAU) Vice Chancellor Prof M C Varshneya inked a pact on mutual cooperation with Guangxi Autonomous Region (GAR) Deputy Director General Dr Jiang Heshang here today.

The two were part of the ongoing Confederation of Indian Industry(CII)'s two-day AgriFare 2006 held here. The agrifare is the third international convention and exhibition being held in the state on agro and food processing industry.

''This kind of platform is very good for scientists, businessmen and farmers to realise the full potential of agri and food processing sector'', Dr Hasheng said.

According to CII-Gujarat Council chairman Chetan Tamboli, the state has not attained the desired progress in food processing.

''Our dream is that once we realise our full potential in food processing and agri sectors, our rural Gujarat will become truly vibrant and self-sufficient'', Mr Tamboli said in his inaugural address.

''Gujarat has shown the way in agriculture to the rest of the states, thanks to our Chief Minister Narendra Modi'', said National Committee on Food Processing and CII Chairman Piruz Khambhatta.

Terming the food and agriculture sector as a golden sector for rural India, Mr Khambhatta said that it was meant to boost employment and social security.

''CII is very active in the food processing sector. It had led a 40-member team earlier to meet Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. CII is also working on Free Trade Agreement (FTA)'', Mr Khambhatta said.

''Farmers can help India leap into the 21st century. However, the technology used by the Indian farmers is pathetic'', said Joint MD MCX India Pvt Ltd Mr Lamon Rutten.

''The state government's steps taken in last several years in agri&food processing sector would be of vital significance to the industry and agriculture sector'', said Gujarat Agro Industries Corporation (GAIC) MD SC Srivastav.

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