Europe
After retirement, the Chairman proceeded on study tour to several countries in Europe including France, Germany, Switzerland, Italy, Austria and Venice. The Chairperson of Adarsh Group, MD and Academic Head of Montfort World School also accompanied. The main objective of the visit, in addition to sight seeing, was to explore the possibilities of research and educational collaboration with universities and research institutes in Europe
North America
The Chairman along with Chairperson of Adarsh Group visited United States of America and Canada for one month (September to October, 2017). The main objective of the visit was to revive scientic ties with eminent scientists, settled in US and Canada, which founder chairman had established during his service period and also to explore possibilities of future collaboration/cooperation in the area of agricultural research and education. During the visit, discussion were held with Dr. Gurdev Khush, Emiratus scientist, University of California, Devis; Dr. N.T.Singh eminent soil scientist in Sacramento and Dr. Peter Felker, an international expert on Prosopis and Cactus rescord.
Collaboration Opportunities with Southern Illinois University (SIU), USA
During the visit to United States, the chairman alongwith chairperson of Adarsh Group visited Southern Illinois University (SIU) in Carbondale for 2 days. They were received by Dr. Andrews (Dean International Education) and Dr. Lee (Coordinater, International Programmes). Possibilities for collaboration in education and research between SIU and Adarsh Group were discussed. This was followed by a visit to various colleges and departments of SIU. Agronomy department of SIU falicitated the chairman with a momento. Possibilities of future collaboration between GSF and SIU in natural resources management research were discussed. As a follow up, Dr. Andrews and Dr. Lee visited Karnal to have further discussion with Adarsh Group to develop MOU for collaboration.
Mauritius – India Joint Workshop on Agriculture
Mauritius–India Joint Workshop was organized by the Ministry of Food Processing and Agriculture in Mauritius to improve agriculture and allied sectors for future food, nutrition and livelihood security and to promote post harvest processing, value addition, marketing, export and trade. The Indian side was represented by Sh. Pritpal Singh Pannu, Chairman, NIFA and coordinator of India-Mauritius initiative; Dr. Gurbachan Singh, Founder Chairman, GSFRED; Dr. R. K. Malik, Ex- Joint Director, National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal and Dr. Satinder Kumar, Deputy Director (Horticulture), Govt. of Haryana. The Mauritius side was represented by Senior Officials of the Ministry of Food Processing and Agriculture. The workshop was inaugurated by the Honourable Minister of Agriculture, Mauritius. Overall scenario of agriculture was presented by Mauritius representative which was followed by a comprehensive presentation by Dr. Gurbachan Singh on scenario of Indian Agriculture. Senior Officers and Scientists from Mauritius side made detailed presentations covering natural resource management, crop improvement, protection and production; horticulture; livestock sector, mechanization; green house and protected cultivation, post harvest processing and value addition, marketing infrastructure, export and trade etc. Each Mauritius presentation was followed by presentations from the Indian side to share technologies and innovations available in India for location specific transfer to Mauritius side. The gaps in knowledge were identified after discussions in smaller groups and proceedings were finalized for approval and implementation in the future.
Participation in Cairo Water Week, Egypt
Dr. Gurbachan Singh was in Cairo (Egypt) from 13-17 Oct, 2018 to participate and present a paper in an international event on water (The Cairo Water Week). The theme of the conference was water conservation for sustainable agriculture. The chairman GSF presented a paper (Biosaline Agriculture: An Alternate to Drainage for Management of Salt Affected Soils) in this conference.
Bali, Indonesia
Dr. Gurbachan Singh participated in the Global Irrigation Forum meeting of International Commission on Irrigation and Drainage (ICID) in Bali, Indonesia. He presented a paper entitled “Reclamation and Management of salt-affected soils: Indian experience” in this international event.