Experts from Aberystwyth University, UK, study plants in Bhagalpur. Picture by Amit Kumar

Impressed with the work culture and innovations at Bihar Agriculture University (BAU), Sabour, experts from Aberystwyth University, UK, have expressed the desire for student and faculty exchange programmes.

C.J. Thomas, international director, Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences, John Grattan, the pro-vice-chancellor and Rattan Yadav, the research leader of the UK varsity, have been camping at BAU since Monday.

The team was here to observe the changing scenario of agriculture at BAU. The foreign team was welcomed on Tuesday evening by vice-chancellor M.L. Choudhary who expressed his views on research and expansion of the varsity.

In his speech, Choudhary focused on new areas of research like remote sensing, geographical information system, molecular biology and use of IT in extension system.

A PowerPoint presentation was shown by the director, research, Ravi Gopal Singh, on research and extension activities, apart from national and international collaborative projects handled by the university.

The dean (agriculture), senior faculty members and scientists were also present at the event. R.N. Sharma, the chairperson, Plant Breeding and Genetics, gave a vote of thanks.

On Tuesday, Thomas, Grattan and Yadav visited agriculture experimental plots — Azolla biofertiliser production, IFS model, high-density orchards, brinjal/tomato germplasm screening for heat tolerance, plant nurseries, apiculture, sub tropical fruit section and protected cultivation.

The programme was co-ordinated by Ravi Gopal. The experts also visited Sahu Parbatta at Naugachia sub-division to see the outreach programme and hybrid maize seed production process followed by an interaction with farmers.

In the wrap-up meeting, Choudhary, Thomas and Grattan talked in detail regarding the proposed exchange programme of students and faculty between the universities. Thomas said he had learnt a lot from BAU on how to reach farmers through helplines, community radio stations and voice SMS.

“I will try to implement these processes in my university,” he said.

Other members also appreciated the functioning of the varsity and said innovations like producing more with less of water, nutrients, land and energy was an outstanding feature.

BAU, Sabour is a pillar of education and research in the field of agriculture.

The area of operation of this agricultural university comprises 26 districts — Araria, Arwal, Aurangabad, Banka, Bhabhua, Bhagalpur, Bhojpur, Buxar, Gaya, Jamui, Jehanabad, Katihar, Kishanganj, Khagaria, Lakhisarai, Madhepura, Munger, Nalanda, Nawada, Patna, Purnea, Rohtas, Saharsa, Sheikhpura, Khagaria and Supaul.