Ludhiana January 16
A seven-member delegation comprising Deans and Directors, from the University of Florida (UF), USA, visited Punjab Agricultural University today.
The delegation, led by UF Director of International programmes Dr David. J. Sammons, is here to explore areas for mutual co-operation between the two
universities.
At a meeting with PAU Vice-Chancellor Dr K.S. Aulakh, Dr Sammons said the climatic conditions of Punjab and Florida were very similar and they shared many achievements and problems.
Both institutes could benefit from one another’s experiences.
“We are here to explore opportunities of partnership in different areas, specially those related to water management and capacity building,” said Dr Sammons.
He added that an agricultural knowledge initiative (AKI) group had been formed for this purpose.
“The knowledge shared will benefit both institutes and help accelerate the rural development programmes in the two countries,” he added.
The PAU had signed a memorandum of understanding with the University of Florida during Dr Aulakh’s visit to that university in May, 2006.
The delegation is paying a return visit to the PAU on the invitation of Dr Aulakh.
Dr Aulakh said the primary objective of signing the MoU was to enhance academic interchange between the two
institutions.
The exchange of faculty and students under this arrangement would promote academic and research programme of both institutions.
He said earlier the PAU had signed MoUs with Ohio State University, Columbus, USA, University of California, Davis, USA. The university has collaborative arrangement Tropicana, a fruit processing company of the USA that will help strengthen infrastructure for processing of vegetables and fruits in Punjab.
“One plant for processing of kinnow has already started in Abohar,” said Dr Aulakh.
The delegation also had special meetings with PAU Director of Research, Director of Extension Education, and Dean, Postgraduate Studies to discuss collaboration in research, extension and teaching programmes.
Other members of delegation are Dr R. Kirby Barrick, Dr Joan A. Dusky, Dr Wendy D. Graham, Dr Dennis Jett, Dr Mark R. Mellellan and Dr Ramesh Reddy.
The PAU was represented by Director of Research Dr B.S. Dhillon, Director of Extension Education Dr N.S. Malhi, Dean Postgraduate Studies Dr S.S. Chahal, Dean, College of Agriculture, Dr G.S. Chahal, Dean, College of Basic Sciences and Humanities, Dr Tejwant Singh, Dean, College of Agricultural Engineering, Dr V.R. Sharma and Dean, College of Home Science, Dr Jaswinder K. Sangha.
