Punjab inks pact with Canadian province

AMRITSAR: The Punjab government on Monday inked a joint statement on agriculture cooperation with Canada’s Alberta province to work together in the agriculture sector, including agricultural research, animal husbandry and agri-food ventures.

State cabinet minister Bikram Singh Majithia and minister for human services, Alberta, Manmeet Singh Bhullar signed the joint statement in the presence of Alison Redford, premier of the province of Alberta.

Under the pact, Punjab and Alberta will work together to identify areas of common interest and explore opportunities for scheduling joint-exchange programmes for scientists to share their expertise.

“Both Punjab and Alberta can prosper by sharing innovative agriculture and food-processing technologies and experience,” Majithia said.

Alberta has a reputation for high-quality food with successful programmes and systems in place, Majithia said.

These systems could help in increasing productivity, reduce spoilage and conserve precious non-renewable resources while reducing the impact on environment, he added.

Redford said, “Our delegation is on a trade mission to India from January 11 to 17.”

“Our trade mission to India is an important occasion to build on Alberta’s strong relationship with one of the world’s fastestgrowing economies”, said she.

The signing of a joint statement on agriculture with Punjab today is a concrete step towards increasing trade and cooperation opportunities to the mutual benefit of Alberta and Punjab,” said Premier Redford.