In Finland, Bhagwant Mann pitches Punjab as global agriculture, innovation hub

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann used his visit to Finland to pitch the state as a global partner in agriculture, innovation and clean technology, while urging the Punjabi diaspora to play a larger role in Punjab’s economic transformation.

Addressing members of the Punjabi community during his trip on Wednesday, Mann said Punjab was undergoing rapid development and called on overseas Punjabis to contribute expertise, investment and global networks to accelerate growth.

The outreach comes as the AAP government seeks to deepen international partnerships and position Punjab as a hub for research, food innovation and sustainable agriculture.

Mann stressed the need for closer cooperation between Punjab and Finland, particularly in dairy systems, animal science and value-added food processing, saying such partnerships could directly benefit farmers and strengthen the state’s rural economy.

"Stronger global ties, bigger opportunities for Punjab. Under the AAP government, CM @BhagwantMann is engaging the Punjabi diaspora and building partnerships with Finland to drive growth in dairy, nutrition, innovation, and clean technology. From boosting agriculture to opening doors for youth and research collaboration, Punjab is stepping onto the global stage," AAP tweeted.

During meetings with Indian envoy Hemant H Kotalwar, Mann explored ways to boost trade ties and institutional collaboration. He highlighted Finland’s strengths in manufacturing, engineering, electronics and dairy, describing the Nordic nation as a valuable long-term partner for Punjab.

At the University of Helsinki, the Punjab delegation discussed collaboration in food and agricultural sciences, including milk quality, livestock sustainability, dairy technology and innovation-led research. The discussions also focused on student exchanges, joint academic projects and industry-linked research programmes.

Punjab government officials proposed cooperation on food grain storage, pest control and post-harvest management, areas viewed as critical for food security and reducing agricultural losses. The delegation advocated environmentally friendly practices such as bio-based treatments, improved storage systems and low-chemical preservation methods.

The visit also spotlighted Finnish innovation in alternative nutrition. Punjab explored the potential use of Solein – a protein produced using air-based technology – for school meal and nutrition schemes, including Anganwadi programmes.

Officials said Punjab would assess the feasibility of adopting the product to support nutrition initiatives and improve food sustainability.

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(with inputs from PTI)