FieldFresh signs MoU with Punjab Agricultural University to promote crop research

New Delhi, October 12, 2016: FieldFresh Foods, a joint venture between Bharti Enterprises & Del Monte Pacific Limited and Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (“MoU”) to carry out Corn Productivity Research Programme. The MoU follows the agreement signed recently between Cambridge University and Bharti Foundation to fund the research Programme. The MoU was signed by Yogesh Bellani, CEO, FieldFresh Foods and Dr. Baldev Singh Dhillon, Vice Chancellor, Punjab Agricultural University.

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.

On the occasion, Mr. Rakesh Bharti Mittal, Vice Chairman, Bharti Enterprises, said, “Agriculture is the primary source of livelihood for about 58 per cent of India’s population and investment in crop research would greatly benefit India farmers. This partnership with Punjab Agricultural University reiterates our commitment to promote agriculture to achieve sustainable and inclusive growth.”

The three-year programme, to be funded by FieldFresh, will aim at enhancing corn crop yield and minimizing greenhouse gas emissions. Under the project, FieldFresh will also fund a Post-Doctoral Fellowship to conduct field trials at FieldFresh’s Agri Centre of Excellence (ACE) in Ladhowal (Ludhiana), Punjab, where the company is currently running various crop management trials and partners with farmers to improve overall crop economics. The Post-Doctoral Fellow will work under the mentorship of PAU Scientists.

Speaking on the partnership, Dr. Baldev Singh Dhillon, Vice Chancellor, Punjab Agricultural University, said, “The research programme aims to improve effectiveness of technology used in agriculture to increase productivity, and improve farmer wellbeing by providing better income prospects. We are thankful to FieldFresh Foods for partnering with us in this endeavor and appreciate their passion and commitment in the field of agriculture

Commenting on the partnership, Mr. Yogesh Bellani, CEO, FieldFresh Foods, said, “We are committed to strengthen our commitment to enhance productivity both in terms of quantity and quality. The partnership will allow us to work in collaboration with a premier institute towards achieving the larger cause of sustainable agriculture in the country.”

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. Additionally, the research outcomes will be shared with other stakeholders.