Sathguru Management in collaboration with USADI and Cornell University organized a work shop

Work shop to converse the innovations in agricultural education and extension systems. End Quote

(1888PressRelease) January 22, 2015 - HYDERABAD - A two day long workshop on the impact made under USAID funded Agricultural Innovation Partnership (AIP) will be held from 20-21 January, 2015 in New Delhi. The workshop will be a convergence of all AIP partners, USAID, ICAR, government departments, private sector and academic leaders from other institutions, bringing them on a single platform to discuss the innovations that have been made in agricultural education and extension systems at partner institutes Assam Agricultural University (AAU), Banaras Hindu University (BHU) and Sardar Vallabhai Patel University of Agriculture & Technology (SVPUAT) under AIP.

Over the course of two days, participants will deliberate on various interventions that have been made in AIP and the impact it has made in partner institutions. The workshop will therefore be a platform to share lessons learned from AIP; ICAR projects on successful intervention to policy makers and other stakeholders of Indian agriculture. Through brainstorming, the workshop will facilitate the development of an innovative curriculum addressing domestic and global market needs; and will initiate interactions and collaborations among diverse players engaged in exchanging knowledge and delivering technologies. Through panel discussions and presentations, the participants will deliberate on ways to move forward and discuss the scope of AIP in other developing countries. The event will witness panel discussions on various thematic areas viz curriculum development for producing next generation workforce, new paradigm in knowledge delivery, ICT & agriculture extension and role of universities in small and medium enterprise development. "AIP provided Cornell University a unique opportunity to bring together a consortium of US land grant universities to work with Indian agricultural universities to improve the curriculum and extension components. The innovative models introduced under AIP have proved to be successful here and I think these time tested models can be replicated in other universities as well to make an impact. This project has truly been a catalyst for change and has benefitted the Indian agriculture immensely", said Dr. K. V. Raman, Associate Director, Special Projects, CALS, Cornell University.

The agriculture sector in India has witnessed unprecedented transformation over the years and agricultural production has evolved in tune with shifts in consumer demand and preference for finished food products. Today, farming in India has become more complex due to worldwide socio-economic changes and these dynamics require revamped agricultural education, research and extension systems.

Over the last three years, the USAID funded Agricultural Innovation Partnership (AIP) has made unique interventions to reduce rural poverty and hunger in the Indo-Gangetic plains by improving agricultural education through curriculum development and improving farmer productivity through innovative extension activities. The project, led by Cornell University and Sathguru Management Consultants, has facilitated faculty exchange programs that have led to curriculum reforms and technology transfer at partnering Indian Institutions; introduced innovative models such as e-learning and centers for teaching excellence for effective knowledge delivery; facilitated university-industry partnerships that have enhanced technology access to smallholder farmers and local enterprises. AIP's engagement with private sector has also resulted in the development of first of its kind innovative extension models such as mobile solutions. Many of AIP innovations are suitable for replication in other universities. "AIP created and demonstrated effective models for Agriculture Universities to engage in technology transfer to farmers and small enterprises thereby demonstrating the regional economic impact these innovations can create", said Vijayaraghavan, CEO, Sathguru Management Consultants.

About Agricultural Innovation Partnership
The USAID funded Agricultural Innovation Partnership (AIP) project, was launched in 2011 to reduce rural poverty and hunger in the Indo-Gangetic Plains by improving agricultural education through curriculum development and improving farmer productivity through innovative extension interventions. International Programs at the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at Cornell University has led the AIP consortium comprised of five US land grant universities, three Indian Agricultural Institutions, and two private sector firms. The project is managed by Sathguru Management Consultants in India. Through AIP, US universities were able to share their knowledge and resources to improve the lives and livelihoods of rural Indian population. AIP has pioneered effective models of translating university led innovation in partnership with private enterprises for transforming agriculture and rural development in the region.

AIP has also been successful in leveraging resources from ICAR to expand its activities at target Indian institutions. AIP activities are currently being expanded to Malawi. AIP's initiatives have attracted national attention and in many ways have potential for adoption in number of non partner institutions due to contemporary relevance of these initiatives.

Having initiated the transformation process in India, AIP sees both need and opportunity to continue the effort in existing partners and new partners in order to create a sustainable and wider impact.

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