Punjab Agricultural University signs MoU with FieldFresh to promote crop research

NEW DELHI: Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) and FieldFresh Foods, a joint venture between Bharti Enterprises & Del Monte Pacific Limited have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to carry out a corn productivity research programme.

The MoU follows the agreement signed recently between Cambridge University and Bharti Foundation to fund the research Programme.

The collaborative research will examine the relationship between the genetic make-up, environmental factors and crop management of corn in order to develop a production system that is more resilient and helps reduce production costs and greenhouse gas emissions.

The three-year programme, to be funded by FieldFresh, will look at enhancing corn crop yield and minimising greenhouse gas emissions.

Under the project, FieldFresh will also fund a post-doctoral fellowship to conduct field trials the company's Agri Centre of Excellence (ACE) in Ludhiana, Punjab, The fellow will work under the mentorship of PAU scientists.

The research findings of the project will be further translated into guidance for small farmers in India to promote sustainability, financial stability and to eradicate food shortages.