India needs trained agricultural graduates to meet the needs of more than 60% of the farmers depending on agriculture as their primary profession. National Agricultural Research and Education Systems (NARES) have grown to towering heights over years to take the country from a ‘ship to mouth’ position in late 50’s to a proud ‘self-reliant Food grain nation’. Globalization of education systems has resulted in enhanced knowledge management systems and skilling of human resources through novel learning systems.
Empowering the farming community with new knowledge sets is a daunting task considering the agro-ecological diversity and illiteracy levels. The School of Agricultural Sciences and Technology has recruited highly qualified faculty from different parts of the nation who bring with them their regional knowledge flavour. Fortunately, Indian agriculture has a lot of Indigenous Traditional Knowledge developed out of vast experience over generations which could benefit farmers, if validated in the regional perspective.
Climate change is emerging as a threat to our agricultural systems and there is an urgent need to build awareness among farmers and also develop risk-averting adaptation strategies. I expect that the School to train the undergraduates to holistically address the issues of effective knowledge management systems, be exemplary educators, conduct top-notch research to develop adaptable cost-effective technologies, primary- and secondary value addition to agricultural commodities, and agri-preneurship skills.
