FAISALABAD, Nov 14: Eighteen farmers and researchers from the Indian Punjab visited the district on Tuesday to share their views with agriculture scientists and researchers here.

The delegation, led by ex-ambassador Parmjeet Singh Sahi, held discussions with the scientists of the University of Agriculture Faisalabad.

Punjab Literacy and Informal Education Minister Husain Jahanian Gardezi said Pakistani and Indian scientists would have to enhance interaction to bring about a revolutionary change in agriculture.

He said both the countries had identical ‘geo-ecological’ and climatic conditions. The problems of the farmers of both the countries were also same, which demands joint ventures and enhancement of mutual cooperation to promote a marketing mechanism and introduce new pest-free varieties of major crops.

He underlined the need for exchange of farmers’ delegations as well as students and scientists for bringing about a sustainable green revolution in the region.

Mr Sahi stressed the need for strong relations between the university of Ludhiana and UAF to meet the emerging challenges of WTO, biotechnology, water shortage, etc, and to enhance the crop production and develop new techniques of storage, marketing and value-addition.

Earlier, acting vice-chancellor Dr Ashfaq told delegation that the institution had completed its 100 years as a pioneer agricultural institution of the subcontinent.

SENTENCED: A local court awarded life term and ordered confiscation of property of Abdul Qadir in a kidnap for ransom case here on Tuesday.