Australia keen to assist in straw management in Haryana

CHANDIGARH: Australia has evinced keen interest in assisting Haryana in the management of paddy straw. Paddy straw is a major reason for pollution in winter months when farmers resort to open field burning of the agriculture residue.

This was disclosed at a meeting with Australian and Indian origin entrepreneurs held under the chairmanship of the Haryana Agriculture Minister, OP Dhankar, in Sydney, Australia, today. Many industrialists expressed interest in working in Haryana. Dhankar said a private limited company in Australia had expressed the desire to work in Haryana in the field of paddy straw management.

It is engaged in making hard boards from paddy straw. John Gourman, its representative, has already visited Kaithal district to explore the possibilities.

The agriculture minister said 90 lakh acres of land is cultivated in Haryana. The Karnal area is called the bowl of paddy. Since Haryana is working on a concrete solution to the problem posed by paddy straw, it is good that a company which makes hardboard from straw has offered to work in the state. Australian industrialists, especially the company, gave detailed information about their project.

Dhankar said Director, Western Sydney University, Brajesh K Singh, expressed keen desire to open a Center of Excellence in Haryana. Indian origin Doctor of University of Sydney, Dr. Meher Khatak, assured him to help in increasing the milk production through genetic resources in Haryana.
Earlier, National President, Australian Hindu Council, and President of Overseas Friends of BJP Australia, Balesh Singh Dhankar, welcomed the Agriculture Minister, BJP State President Subhash Barla, MLAs Moolchand Sharma and Tek Chand Sharma, and Chairman of Livestock Development Board, Rishi Prasad Sharma.

Source: ECONOMIC TIMES