TN seeks Aussie help in dairy development

The Tamil Nadu government has sought technical assistance from Australia to promote its dairy sector.

The state administration held talks with senior representatives from Australia and also for co-operation with the country in the area of agriculture and allied activities, besides greater collaboration in research and development in renewable energy, bio-technology and sports medicine.

Patrick Suckling, Australian high commissioner in India, today met Tamil Nadu chief minister O Panneerselvam and had discussions on joint cooperation in various sectors.

During the meeting, the chief minister stated there was considerable potential for cooperation with Australia in the area of agriculture and allied activities, fisheries and deep-sea fishing.

Dairy is another sector which the Tamil Nadu government is strongly encouraging through several initiatives including a flagship scheme for free distribution of milch animals. Technical assistance from Australia to further promote the dairy sector was also sought, stated a state government release.

In the education sector, the chief minister called for a structured arrangement to enable students from poorer families to benefit from global exposure and expressed confidence that Australia with its egalitarian ethos would welcome such an initiative.

The chief minister also called for greater collaboration in research and development in emerging areas like renewable energy, bio-technology and sports medicine.

It also explored possible areas of collaboration in infrastructure development, the release stated. The chief minister also invited investors and the business community from Australia to participate in the Global Investors Meet to be held here on May 23-24.