Oz can help Gujarat tackle drought: Consul General

AHMEDABAD: The recent drought prediction for India by US-based meterological service provider AccuWeather and delayed monsoon may have sounded alarm bells in the government. But Gujarat in particular and India as a whole can get some help from Down Under in tackling the calamity if it strikes.
In an interview to TOI, Australian consul general Mark Pierce said that his country’s experience in handling drought situations can come handy for India.
“Australia has dealt with droughts using various techniques such as changing water farming practices to less water intensive crops. Australian agriculture practices are large-scale and the products and outputs are of high quality. We can collaborate with Gujarat as well as other states in this regard,” Pierce said.
Australia is already working on water basic management projects on Brahmani-Bitarani River in Odisha and Kosi River in Bihar.
Describing Australia relationship with Gujarat as “critical,” the consul general also called for “state-specific” approaches to various initiatives that Australia can offer and build state-to-state links.
Referring to Oz participation in Vibrant Gujarat 2014, Pierce emphasized on the long-term relationship. “We want an enduring relation and not a one-off or stop-start relation. Australia and Gujarat need to continuously explore new opportunities to build trade and investment in many areas where closer cooperation can be envisaged to benefit both sides,” he said.
The consul general outlined infrastructure development, agriculture and water management, skills development as some the key areas where Australia would like to provide its expertise to Gujarat.
“India needs smart cities which have low carbon footprints i.e. more efficient environmental management and reduced utility costs, in order to support the ballooning population in India. Australia can offer expertise and collaboration on infrastructure projects to develop these cities in Gujarat and then progress to other states,” he said.
At present, 200 Australian companies operate in India and have made a total investment of A$9,814 million up to 2014.