NAMSAI, Oct 13: Arunachal University of Studies (AUS), Namsai, and ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI), Assam, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen academic cooperation, agricultural research, innovation and capacity building in agriculture and allied sciences.
The collaboration aims to promote student exchange, faculty development, joint research projects, knowledge sharing and other academic activities. Under the agreement, eligible AUS students will have opportunities for internships, laboratory and field-based training, participation in research projects and visits to ICAR-IARI’s experimental farms and research facilities.
The partnership will also facilitate joint research and publications in emerging areas, including climate-resilient agriculture, precision farming, artificial intelligence in agriculture, green agricultural technologies, hydroponics, controlled-environment farming, horticulture, crop sciences, soil and water management, agricultural biotechnology, organic and natural farming, and region-specific agricultural innovations for the Northeast.
The MoU also provides for the exchange of scientific expertise, academic resources, laboratory facilities and technical information, alongside collaborative research and extension activities aimed at benefiting farming communities across Northeast India.
AUS Vice-Chancellor Prof Ajeya Jha said the agreement reflected the university’s commitment to strengthening agricultural education, research and innovation in the Northeast. The partnership would provide students and faculty members access to advanced research facilities, expert mentorship and collaborative opportunities, contributing to sustainable agricultural development and rural empowerment in the region, he said.
Dr Amjad Khansaheb Balange, Head (APF) and Campus In-charge of ICAR-IARI, Assam, said the Institute was pleased to collaborate with AUS to promote scientific research, capacity building and technology dissemination.
The partnership would foster innovation, strengthen academic and research linkages, and support the development of climate-resilient and farmer-centric agricultural solutions for the Northeast, he added.
The MoU is expected to provide a framework for long-term collaborative programmes aimed at advancing agricultural education, research excellence, sustainable farming practices and rural development across the region.