Horticulture varsity, CABI ink MoU on agri research

Metro India News | Hyderabad 

Sri Konda Laxman Horticultural University has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with CABI International to promote collaboration in agricultural research, training, extension services and capacity building.

University Vice-Chancellor Dr. D. Raji Reddy said the partnership would facilitate advanced research, technical integration and knowledge sharing. He said online courses offered through the collaboration would enable students to learn at their convenience and urged them to make full use of the opportunity.

Raji Reddy said the courses would soon be extended to farmers and agricultural extension officers. He also said there was a possibility of incorporating the courses into the university’s regular academic curriculum.

Emphasising the need for science-based farming, he cautioned farmers against relying on unverified information circulating on social media. He advised them to consult agricultural experts before making decisions related to crop cultivation.

The Vice-Chancellor also stressed the importance of real-time digital tools and a hybrid teaching model combining online and offline learning. Such an approach, he said, would help address emerging challenges including climate change, increasing pest infestations and the indiscriminate use of pesticides. Dr. Malavika Chaudhury, Global Team Leader at CABI International, said the organisation offered online courses covering important agricultural areas,

including pest and disease management, soil fertility, seeds, agribusiness and digital farming. She said CABI operates across three continents and 48 countries. Registrar Dr. Bhagavan, Director of Research Dr. Lakshmi Narayana, International Program Director Dr. Srinivasan, CABI South Asia Agriculture Digital Tools Coordinator Dr. Madhuri Manjari and other senior officials, faculty members and experts attended the programme.