VISIT OF WESTERN (PAKISTAN) PANJAB GOVERNOR TO BOOST BILATERAL TIES BETWEEN BOTH THE COUNTRIES

By 121 News Reporter

Mohali 17^th February:-- Governor of Western (Pakistan) Punjab Janaab Mohammed Sarwar today called on the Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal here on the sidelines of the Progressive Punjab Agriculture Summit (PPAS) and congratulated him for taking this unique initiative to showcase the agriculture and allied farming in a right perspective to change the destiny of millions of farmers in the region.Accompanied by Deputy High Commissioner of Pakistan Mansoor Khan, the Governor highly appreciated the pace of development witnessed in the agriculture and livestock sector in the eastern (Indian) Punjab.

He called upon the need to synergize efforts between both the Punjabs to mutually benefit their farmers through modern farm practices by sharing their experiences and expertise adding he said in furtherance of this objective there should be regular exchange of delegations comprising farmers, farm scientists and agri-economists. Mohammed Sarwar further said that Western Punjab had dominant position in cotton, kinnow, wheat, maize and Basmati like eastern Punjab.The Governor emphasized the need to undertake sustained Research and Development (R&D) in the field of cropping pattern and agriculture production both qualitatively and quantitatively which would emerge both the Punjabs as frontrunner states not only in the sub continent but also across the globe. He said that untapped potential in the field of agro processing could also be explored to enhance the value addition of traditional crops. Buoyed over the success of PPAS, Mohammed Sarwar said that it was a healthy platform for the farmers to compete within themselves and establish new benchmarks of agriculture production.The Chief Minister, while taking part in deliberations, underscored the need for transferring technology in the field of agriculture, horticulture and agro-forestry. He said this summit was exclusively a farmer centric initiative aimed at transforming the lives of beleaguered peasantry, which was passing through acute crisis. Mr. Badal assured the Governor that he would certainly send a high level delegation of progressive farmers from the state to visit Western Punjab to study the existing farm practices there, especially in the cotton, maize and citrus fruits.The Chief Minister also complemented the Governor for the advancements in the livestock sector as Western Punjab was far ahead of us in having exceptionally high yielding varieties of livestock including Sahiwal cow, Nili Ravi Buffalo and Goat breeds. He also laid thrust on exchange of superior germ plasm for the improvement of genetic potential of local breeds. Expressing gratitude to the Governor for his benevolent gesture by gracing the occasion, Mr. Badal said that this step would surely script a new chapter in Indo-Pak ties in general besides further fostering goodwill, brotherhood and peace amongst both the Punjabs in particular.   Later the Governor visited the exhibition and evinced keen interest in the livestock, farm machinery & equipment besides new varieties of hybrid seeds.