A team of scientists from The Australian mango industry visited Jain Irrigation Research farm in Udumalpet, Tamil Nad and interacted with Senior Scientists of Jain Irrigation on December 1. The focus of the Australian team was to discuss the High technology Production package, Ultrahigh Density Mango that Jains have successfully developed and extended to Indian farmers. HIA is set to benefit from a new agreement signed today between (HIA) and the Jain Irrigation systems (JISL), India. David Cliff, director HIA and P.Soman, head of research and Extension Jain Irrigation signed the MOU in presence of the team of scientists.

The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) will allow researchers from JISL and Australian agencies to undertake joint R&D in horticulture for the first time through HIA.

JISL is a major multinational company based in India engaged in agriculture business worldwide including Australia. It has a cutting edge R&D program servicing horticulture industries. While signing the agreement, The HIA Director said, ''Mango is an important crop for both countries. However, until now, there is no formal relationship between two countries to address key research issues in mango. Working collaboratively will benefit both countries as we identify research gaps and potential opportunities.''

It is acknowledged that JISL has made significant strides on commercial scale in Ultra High Density Planting Systems and developing techniques for Tissue Culture of Mango and Genetic Transformation of Mango.

Both JISL and HIA have committed to explore other areas of research in a number of horticultural crops.

Shares of the company gained Rs 0.7, or 0.87%, to trade at Rs 81. The total volume of shares traded was 76,929 at the BSE (10.44 a.m., Tuesday).