While inaugurating a meeting of Vice-Chancellors
of state, deemed and central agricultural universities from all across
India at the National Agricultural Science Center, New Delhi, Dr Montek
Singh Ahluwalia, deputy chairman of Planning Commission, Government of
India, said, “Innovative approach should be adopted to strengthen
agricultural research and education in India. State agricultural
universities can play an important role in this direction by providing
research-based projects with the help of industry.”
Dr Ahluwalia lauded the role played by the National Agricultural
Research System in India. He urged agricultural research institutes to
re-orient themselves before the 12th Five Year Plan to tackle the
challenges of food security and climate change. Referring to the gap in
agricultural growth rate and land productivity of China and India, he
stressed the need to be more research-based solutions to issues. “Four
percent agricultural growth is needed for a growing economy like India.
It would require more investment in knowledge management, institutional
support and diversification in agriculture, government is also willing
to fund such projects,” he added. He suggested a new mechanism to fund
research projects instead of funding universities.
Dr S Ayyappan, secretary, Department of Agriculture Research and
Education (DARE) and director-general, Indian Council of Agricultural
Research (ICAR) highlighted the role and contribution made by the ICAR
institutes and agricultural universities in developing new technology
and seeds for Indian farmers. He expressed confidence in converting
some institutes into the center of excellence.
Dr RB Lal, president, Indian Agricultural Universities Association,
urged for more research covering all aspects of Indian agriculture.
NIMR invites academia, industry to genetics
lecture
The National Institute of Malaria Research (NIMR),
New Delhi, in collaboration with Institut Pasteur, Paris, France and
Global Health Institute, Switzerland; is organizing a global lecture
course on Molecular and Evolutionary Genetics of Malaria from November
21-December 4, 2010 at New Delhi.
Researchers from universities, research institutes and the industry are
invited to participate in this unique forum to exchange views. The
faculty of the course includes the renowned scientists from the US,
France, Germany, India, UK and many more countries.
The lecture course is expected to benefit researchers both in academia
and the industry by providing an opportunity to be up-to-date with the
latest knowledge in the area of malarial genetics, and thus, work in
the direction of finding newer and better options for malarial drugs.