Shivaji University signs MOU With AIT Thailand for Agri-exports

Kolhapur, Nar 13 (UNI) Shivaji University Kolhapur today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Asian Institute of Technology (AIT), Thailand for agri-business development, marketing and exports.

At a joint press conference here, AIT president Prof Said Irandoust and University Vice-chancellor Manikarao Salunkhe said this will help boost export of agriculture products.

This way rural agri-business can play a significant role in changing the rural landscape, improve their own bottom line and eventually lead to the development of the nation's economy, Prof Irandoust said.

Prof Irandoust has announced his support to the engineering institute to be set-up in Shivaji University with necessary help, Prof Salunkhe added.

While speaking at the joint conference, Prof Irandoust later said the need of the hour was to strengthen farmers and rural producers to withstand the winds of global trade. Huge subsidies provided by Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) country governments to their farmers compromises the ability of developing country farmers to participated in global agricultural trade thus reducing their income and profit streams and to escape poverty.

Approximately, 60 per cent of the Asian population relies on agriculture. The rural economy is an important target group and source of demand for industry and services. It is a critical source of supply for food and raw materials. Therefore in order to optimise the benefits to both sides, it is important to understand the dynamics to of the term 'agri-business', Prof Irandoust stated.

''Globalisation presents many challenges to our region and as such we should co-operate with the aim of achieving mutual benefits,'' he added.

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