Honorable Governor, Telangana inaugurates 110th FOCARs at ICAR-NAARM
Hon’ble Governor of the Telangana State Dr (Smt.) Tamilisai Soundararajan inaugurated the 110th Foundation Course for Agricultural Research Service today at the National Academy of Agricultural Research Management (NAARM), Hyderabad. A total of 135 ARS Probationers representing 28 ARS disciplines and 22 states are undergoing the foundation course during the next three months in three phases. There were 58 female probationers and 77 male probationers.
Hon’ble Governor, appreciated the efforts taken by the Academy in building the capacity of National Agricultural Research System. In her inaugural address, she highlighted the role of research in strengthening our agriculture production and efforts made towards achieving the goal of doubling the farmers’ income set by the Prime Minister of India by 2022. Innovative approaches need to be adopted for enhancing the livelihoods, food and nutrition security in the context of climate change, emergence of new pests and diseases etc. In this context, it was highlighted the achievements made in foreign trade of milk and spices. Focussed research and extension can help in solving issues associated with country’s milk exports by meeting the international standards and today India is a leading exporter of milk. Another success was highlighted is the quantum jump in the revenue generated from spices exports in a short span of time. Farmers always remember and praise the contributions of researchers. Citing her discussion with farmers of Atlanta in USA, she narrated how the farmers of region erected the statue in honor of cotton boll weevil which taught them the value of crop diversification to avoid losses through monoculture of cotton.
She expressed her happiness about the teaching and practising of Yoga during this training program as she has been always a proponent of a proper combination of education and enjoyment. Hon’ble Governor expressed her confidence on the young probationers in taking the agriculture sector to new heights and in bringing second green revolution in the country.
Dr Ch.Srinivasa Rao, Director, ICAR-NAARM welcoming the Honourable Governor, and probationers informed that the Academy is a Gurukul for the agricultural scientific fraternity in the country. The country has increased food production from 50 million tonnes in 1950s to 285 million tonnes today. There is a huge responsibility on these new probationers to help the nation in sustaining this production by overcoming the latest challenges due to climate change. Dr S.K.Soam, Joint Director of the Academy introduced the Chief Guest while Dr RVS Rao, Course Director gave a brief about the training program.
Hon’ble Governor released a publication “Impact of Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) in Capacity Building” and appreciated the authors during the occasion. Other dignitaries that graced the occasion were former Director of the Academy, and Director of ICAR sister institutes in Hyderabad. The program ended with a formal vote of thanks.