A recent trip to India by a Southern Institute of Technology (SIT) delegation has facilitated the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between SIT and Gobind Ballabh Pant University of Agriculture & Technology (GBPUAT).
The SIT delegation of SIT Operations Lead, Daryl Haggerty and SIT In-country marketing officer (South Asia & UAE), Sayani Bhowmick travelled to Northern India last week to visit GBPUAT. The first agricultural university established (1960) after India gained independence, it has approximately 4,300 students and is viewed as a forerunner in India’s Green Revolution, which saw significant increases in crop production - mainly rice and wheat – through using high-yield crop varieties, artificial fertilisers and pesticides.
The MOU, which was signed by Mr Haggerty for SIT and for GBPUAT, Vice-chancellor, Dr Manmohan Singh Chauhan, took place on Tuesday, 18th March, at the GBPUAT campus, is to promote research collaboration, student and staff exchanges, and developing joint programmes between the two institutes, on topics such as dairy, fisheries, and crop research, sustainable agricultural practices and reduction of greenhouse gases.
Speaking to Pioneer News Service, Pantnagar, the VC said the agreement would give researchers and students in both countries opportunities to learn and expand their knowledge at a global level.
Mr Haggerty stated the exchange of ideas and technology for research and programme development between the two institutes would benefit all involved; “SIT will be able to share some of the depth and expertise from New Zealand’s agricultural sector, providing BPUAT students with primary industry skills and knowledge.” He looked forward to growing the cooperation between the two institutes and seeing the student exchange programme proceed.
While at GBPUAT campus, he toured the Fisheries and Crop Research Centre and the National Agricultural Higher Education Project, viewed some of the current research and development projects, as well as the university’s advanced technologies.
Over the duration of the trip, the delegation has met with several of SIT’s university partners in India, as well as SIT agents and NZ Education Reps in India (NZERI). Mr Haggerty also attended the Asia-Pacific Association for International Education (APAIE) expo in Delhi (24 - 28 March) with Education NZ and signed a further three MOUs with~Integral University, Noida International University and Manav Rachna University.