Australian diplomat meets cabinet ministerss to explore tie-ups

Ranchi: Australian high commissioner to India, Philip Green, on Tuesday held separate meetings with state agriculture minister Shilpi Neha Tirkey as well as her counterpart in tourism and urban development, Sudivya Kumar during his Jharkhand trip.

Two days ago, he also called upon chief minister Hemant Soren at the latter’s residence upon his arrival.Green held extensive meetings with both the cabinet ministers separately at Project Building. Briefly speaking to reporters, Green said that they are exploring mutual cooperation in the field of indigenous welfare, mining and livestock management among others.Talking to TOI, Tirkey said that the meeting remained positive and they had raised a few demands for overall benefit of the state and farmers here.

She said, “Australia has a proven track record in livestock management and we sought help in this sector so that our farmers can get latest knowledge and upskill themselves.”She added that the talks also focussed on possibility of exploring agro-tourism. “Australia has done some great work in the field of conservation of indigenous people. Here too, we have many indigenous community, many of whom are primarily farmers and forest dwellers. Although, land is an issue in Jharkhand, we discussed on possibilities in their conservation and promotion of agro-tourism,” she said, adding that Green has assured that his office would get back with further information in the coming days.Talks were held from the perspective of cooperation on long-term plans along with agriculture.