Punjab CM Seeks Support from the German Agribusiness Alliance for Agri-Food Development

Punjab's Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Friday asked for help from the German Agribusiness Alliance (GBA) for the sustainable growth of the state's agri-food sector.

Mann, who is on a seven-day trip to Germany, met in Berlin on Thursday evening with senior GBA and other senior representatives.

Mann stated that the expertise of the GAA, a business initiative of top associations and companies in the agri-food sector can be highly beneficial for the Punjabi food growers.

During discussions, Mann stated that the alliance can help Punjabi farmers in optimum crop management practices in the field. Mann invited the GAA partners to Punjab and said that the state-led Green Revolution had made India the world leader in several commodities in addition to making the country self-sufficient in Agri production.

According to Mann, Punjab is one of India's top producers of milk and a leader in the production of cereals. He said that the state's robust infrastructure has made it a great destination for major MNCs looking to invest.

Mann urges Claus Sauter for collaboration

Mann also met with Claus Sauter, the founder, and CEO of Verbio Vereinigte BioEnergie AG, in Berlin, and urged the bioenergy giant to look into potential future partnerships with Punjab in the field of renewable energy.

Mann said that Verbio has a strong connection to the state because its Indian subsidiary recently put into operation at Sangrur one of the world's largest biofuels (Biomethane/Bio-CNG) manufacturing facilities, with a 33 tonne per day capacity. According to him, bio-CNG will produce biogas through the "anaerobic digestion process," which is a great way to address and solve the issue of stubble burning.

Mann urged the company to expand their affiliation with Punjab and build new product verticals in the state while outlining his vision and policies for the development of the industrial ecosystem in the state. According to an official statement, Mann and Claus Sauter talked about the group's project in the state and its role in managing the state's Crop residue.