The number of applicants for 600 seats at the University of Agricultural Sciences (UAS), Bangalore, has plummeted from 4,000 in 1996 to a mere 1,200 in 2007.
These disturbing figures loomed large at a workshop, as representatives from Indian agricultural universities and US institutions of higher learning sat down to work out the modalities for heralding agriculture innovation and sustainable development.
The two-day workshop organised jointly by UAS Bangalore, and USAID, Washington, also deliberated on the feasibility of improving agricultural education and research by closer interaction between the two countries, and by establishing a consortium to promote students and faculty exchange, among others.
Former vice-chancellor of UAS, Bangalore, Dr S Bisaliah, pointed out the declining standards in the quality of learning, teaching, and extension programmes in agricultural universities.
Urban-rural divide
Besides, the share of agriculture in the GDP had declined from 45 to 17 pc, increasing the urban-rural divide.
“These aspects need to be the focal point while arriving at a partnership between the two countries in taking up joint research and educational programmes,” he suggested.
Dan Miller, director, General Development Office, USAID, Delhi, stressed the need for involving more women in agricultural research, education and extension programmes.
“More students from families involved in farming should be roped into agricultural universities,” he said. P G Chengappa, vice-chancellor, UAS, Bangalore, attributed the decline in aspirants for agri-based courses to the rise of the IT sector, but added the trend for joining traditional courses was again picking up.
Testing plant material
Earlier, inaugurating the workshop, Haryana Governor A R Kidwai called for close cooperation between the two countries in testing new plant material and seeds. India, with its varied climatic zones, provides an ideal ground for such testing, he said.
Agriculture Minister S A Ravindranath said the State will emphasise on improving the quality of agricultural education, development and transfer of technology to improve the socio-economic condition of farmers. “The government will strive to develop leadership in agriculture for rural development,” the minister added.
Charlie Koo, USAID- Higher Education for Development (HED), Washington said the previous partnerships between India and US has been a success.
He pointed out that the partnership between Iowa State University and UAS, Bangalore, between 2004 and 2007, had explored alternative approaches to traditional, subsidised grain production and provided local farmers with farming models to ensure sustainable agriculture.
In all, as many as 990 local farmers were trained, Charlie Koo said.