Chandigarh, April 28: Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann presented a report on his recent trips to the Netherlands and Finland, highlighting significant global partnerships in agriculture, industry, and innovation. These agreements are set to directly benefit farmers, youth, and the state’s economy.
In a media interaction, Mann emphasized that the government’s primary goal is to integrate Punjab into the global supply chain and attract substantial investments to create new job opportunities. Key decisions made during the visits include the establishment of a new semiconductor research laboratory in Punjab, which will position Mohali as a major IT hub.
In an educational breakthrough, Punjab’s teachers will receive world-class training in Finland to equip children with modern educational techniques. Additionally, renowned Dutch hockey players will mentor local youth. To drive transformation in agriculture, a strong focus will be placed on horticulture and crop diversification, adopting modern agricultural models in collaboration with PAU.
Increasing farmers’ income through horticulture and new technologies remains a top priority. The Punjab government is fully committed to making every sector globally recognized and ensuring public prosperity.
Mann noted that a ₹1,300 crore grant supported by JICA, along with significant interest from global companies and advanced agricultural technology collaboration from Keukenhof to Finland, will accelerate crop diversification, attract investments, and firmly establish Punjab as a global hub for innovation, research and development, and high-value agriculture.
He mentioned that the delegation visited the world-famous horticultural center, Keukenhof, which attracts 40,000 tourists daily, engaging with its representatives. The visit aimed to explore partnership opportunities in agriculture, discussing collaboration for horticultural development and the potential for exporting roses from Punjab.
Mann highlighted that besides the JICA investment, this partnership will play a crucial role in promoting crop diversification. The trip also aimed to enhance industrial investment and partnerships, strengthen educational and research exchanges, focus on technology transfer, and plan for Punjab’s overall development.
During the visit, possibilities for joint projects in modern agricultural techniques and sustainable farming were explored, with agreements reached on collaborating for high-value crops and export-quality production. This journey has opened doors to new industrial investments, partnerships, skill development, and educational exchange opportunities.
He stressed the importance of forming strategic partnerships, which included an agreement on technology and innovation exchange.
Mann concluded that the delegation visited the world horticultural center and met with representatives from the Netherlands India Chamber of Commerce and Trade. They also engaged with the Punjabi community, explaining that indoor farming can yield 100 kilograms of tomatoes per square meter, while only six kilograms can be produced on outdoor land.
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