June 11, 2012 admin

EXPERTS DISCUSS VEGETABLE PROCESSING AND MARKETING ISSUES AT PAU

LUDHIANA, JUNE 11:-To find out solutions to the problems being faced by processing industry and vegetable growers, the Directorate of Extension Education organised a meeting at the Punjab Agricultural University (PAU). The meet saw the participation of vegetable growers, proprietors of vegetable processing industry, representatives of Punjab Mandi Board, Directorate of Horticulture, Punjab Agro and PAU experts. The scientists observed, “The predominance of paddy and wheat rotation in Punjab has led to many problems. To break this monoculture, vegetables are the best alternative. But the constraints in processing and marketing of vegetables are becoming great impediments in the expansion of their area and call for the attention of the experts.”
Dr Bhajneek Singh, Deputy Director, Horticulture, Punjab, apprised the participants of the various schemes, launched by the Punjab Government, for the farmers as well as industrialists.
Mr. Gaganjeet Kaysyap, Executive Director, Punjab Agro, said that Punjab Agro is making enormous efforts in the field of processing by entering into partnership with the private players.
Dr H.S. Sidhu, General Manager, Punjab Mandi Board, impressed upon the processing as well as producing units to take benefits from Mandi Board.
Dr P.K. Khanna, Technical Advisor to the PAU Vice- Chancellor-cum Additional Director Research (Food Science, Nutrition and Engineering), stated that partnerships should be promoted for mutual benefits. He assured that the PAU will lend its full support in the development of varieties and their technologies.
Dr P.S. Brar, Head, Department of Vegetable Science, shed light on different varieties of vegetable crops which can be grown as a cash crop.
Mr N.S. Brar, Director, PAGRO, Pvt. Ltd., Mr Satnam Singh of Manns’ field and Mr Parveen Dewan of Himalyan Food and Dr Ramandeep Singh of PAU shared their views about contract farming and expressed that minimum floor price and contract farming system should be legalized so that both the partners should be beneficial.
Dr H.S. Dhaliwal, Additional Director of Extension Education, PAU, welcomed the participants and the dignitaries and presented an overview of the key objectives of the interaction. Dr T.S. Riar, Professor of Extension Education, proposed the vote of thanks.
 

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