Archives

Two Indian agri experts here

by Uditha Kumarasinghe

Two leading Indian Agri Scientists have arrived here to look into the progress of the Memorandum of Understanding signed between the Governments of Sri Lanka and India to improve agricultural research methods of the two countries.

Dr. G.Kalu, a leading agri scientist and Dr. R.C. Maheshwari, a prominent energy expert in India held lengthy discussions with Agriculture Minister S.B.Dissanayake on August 20 regarding the quality of locally produced vegetables, transport of farmers produce and storage methods, Executive Director, Sri Lanka Council of Agricultural Research Policy Dr. D.Keerthisinghe told the Daily News.

"As a prominent scientist, Dr.Kalu has made experiments on 42 new varieties of vegetables and written over 10 books on agriculture.

Dr.Maheswari is conducting experiments on new kinds of fuel as an alternative to diesel and patrol for agriculture machines."

The MoU was signed in 1998 and operated from 2000. During their brief visit, the two scientists revived the activities conducted under this MoU during from 2000 to 2002 and also identified its shortcomings. The two countries also hope to formulate a new programme for 2003 and 2004, he said.

The recommendations of this MoU are being implemented by the Sri Lanka Council of Agricultural Research Policy (CARP) and the Indian Agricultural Research Institute, he said. The Minister and the two scientists also revived the progress of the programme implemented by the two countries to combat the crop diseases. The Minister also obtained further information on the Indian agriculture sector. Dr. Keerthisinghe said that under the MoU signed, agricultural plants and seeds will be exchanged between two countries while the Indian Government has pledged to send their scientists specially to develop the dairy industry in Sri Lanka.

The two experts also studied new projects to be implemented by the Government recommended by Dr.M.S. Swaminathan in his report, one of the world's leading agricultural scientists who recently toured in Sri Lanka.

India has assisted the Sri Lankan Government to provide training to those engaged in agriculture and livestock sectors in India under concessionary rates which have not offered by any other country. Full time and short term training will be provided for Sri Lankan agriculture personnel, he added.

News | Business | Features | Editorial | Security
Politics | World | Letters | Sports | Obituaries |

Produced by Lake House
Copyright 2001 The Associated Newspapers of Ceylon Ltd.
Comments and suggestions to :Web Manager