The Indian Government is helping its Afghanistan counterpart to establish an agricultural university and is also assisting it in setting up a genetic garden in Kandahar, said eminent agriculture scientist M.S. Swaminathan on Tuesday.
Addressing students and faculty members here during the inauguration of the 100 Foundation Course of Agricultural Research Service (ARS) at the National Academy of Agricultural Research Management (NAARM), he said: “The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) is being increasingly called upon to help developing countries. Our government is also helping the Government of Myanmar to establish an advanced Centre for Agricultural Research and Education as well as a Rice BioPark at Ney Pei Taw.”
The Foundation Course for ARS comprises four modules – orientation and awareness creation, enhancing research competencies, practicing participatory research and developing research proposal.
The course will also emphasise on experiential visits, case analysis, interactive lecture discussions, seminars and presentations, and other comprehensive methods of learning.
Dr. Swaminathan suggested that ICAR and NAARM could organise special training programmes during the identified special international years. “For example, this year, there could be one on the International Year of Family Planning, and in 2015, there could be another in connection with the International Year of Soil,” he stated. Commemorating the event, a special postage cover and stamp was released by the NAARM.
