Canada for mutual cooperation with Haryana

CHANDIGARH, NOV 21

Canada has evinced keen interest in mutual cooperation with Haryana in the areas of agriculture, agri- research, dairy development, power, bio-technology and live stock development.

           A delegation led by Premier, Province of Saskatchewan Mr Brad Wall made a courtesy call on the Haryana Chief Minister, Manohar Lal here today and discussed various issues of mutual interest and expressed desire to exchange expertise between Canada and Haryana.

          The Chief Minister welcomed the delegation and assured all support and cooperation of the State government to further strengthen the association between Haryana and Canada.

          Mr Brad Wall apprised the Chief Minister that in Canada, the Saskatchewan economy is truly an innovative and an outstanding one which depends directly on its basic resources especially wheat, oats, peas and pulses and livestock.  He said that Saskatchewan has North America’s leading agri-biotechnology cluster. Mr Wall offered to work on a focused programme on agri-biotechnology and food processing to further strengthen relationship and build trade between Haryana and Saskatchewan.

          In the meeting,  Mr Manohar Lal asked Mr Brad Wall to explore the possibility of cooperation in the field of organic fertilizers also. On this, Deputy Minister, Agriculture Ms Alanna Koch accepted the proposal and said that huge acres of land in Canada are under organic farming. She said that she will definitely take up this matter with the several organizations dealing with agri-biotechnology at Saskatchewan.  

          Mr Brad Wall was informed that there is lot of scope in the areas of research and dairy development in Haryana. The State has Haryana Agricultural University (HAU) beside various research centres catering to the local needs of farmers.

He was also informed that Haryana ranks first in per capita milk production in the Country. Impressed with this achievement, Mr Brad wall expressed keen interest on exchange of research programmes between the universities of both Haryana and Saskatchewan as part of the extension programme.

           In the meeting deliberations were also held for having possible partnership between Haryana and Saskatchewan in development of smart cities in Haryana. Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Mr Sanjeev Kaushal offered all support of the government if Canadian companies could partner in developing any of the cities like Panchkula or Gurgaon as smart cities.

          Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Mr Sanjeev Kaushal, Additional Principal Secretary Mrs Sumita Misra, OSD Mr Jawahar Yadav, Principal Secretary Cooperation Mr Alok Nigam, Principal Secretary Urbal Local Bodies Department Mr S.N Roy, Director Agriculture Mr Brijendar Singh, Managing Director Hafed Mr Ashok Yadav, other senior officers of various department and members of the delegation were also present on this occasion.