Chandigarh, April 29
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Tuesday said the Netherlands has expressed interest in importing roses from the state, following discussions during his recent visit to Europe focused on boosting investment and agricultural cooperation.
Sharing details of his visit, Mann said the Netherlands currently imports roses from Ethiopia but showed willingness to explore sourcing them from Punjab after interactions with his delegation. “We asked why they do not procure roses from India and Punjab. They said no one had approached them earlier. Now they are willing to come here,” he said. He added that if flowers are exported from Punjab at competitive prices, it could provide a major boost to the horticulture sector and benefit farmers. The chief minister said the delegation visited the Keukenhof horticulture model to explore partnerships in high-value crops, modern farming methods, and export-oriented production.
Mann said discussions were also held on strengthening collaboration in agriculture, technology, and innovation, with a focus on crop diversification and research. He highlighted that the outreach has generated interest from global stakeholders and opened avenues for cooperation in agri technology, industry, and education.
He further said proposals for investment and innovation initiatives, including a research and development unit, are being explored, while partnerships in sustainable farming and advanced techniques were also discussed.
The chief minister said the engagements during the visit are expected to translate into long-term collaborations, helping boost exports, attract investment, and support the growth of Punjab’s agriculture and allied sectors.
