US varsity explores ties with CCS Haryana

Chandigarh, July 26: A five-member high-level delegation from Maryland University in the US is on a five-day visit to CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar to identify fields for mutual cooperation in teaching and research.

The American delegation yesterday visited research farm and veterinary clinics of the university. During their stay, the delegation will evaluate infrastructural facilities available at the CCS HAU and hold discussions with faculty members.

The team, led by Dr Raymond J Miller, Director, International Training Programme, will have a meeting with Haryana Governor Dr A R Kidwai tomorrow at the campus, a spokesman of the university said.

The Vice-Chancellor of the University, Dr J C Katyal, who chaired a meeting with the delegation said Haryana agriculture was on crossroads with an immense need of technological breakthrough for enhanced productivity on sustainable basis to enable farmers earn better return.

Director of Research, CCS HAU, Dr B S Chhillar apprised the delegation about the strengths and weaknesses of the university and priorities set for teaching and research.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr Raymond J Miller said he was impressed with the accomplishments of HAU and maintained that besides teaching and research there was more to share in extension of education between the two. Therefore, both the universities would be immensely benefited out of mutual collaboration and cooperation, he emphasised.

He also sought information regarding annual budget, administrative set-up, operative research schemes, faculty strength, student-teacher ratio at the university.

The University of Maryland and Haryana Agricultural University had signed an MoU in April last to establish a friendly relationship to promote and accelerate programmes of research, training and extension in agriculture and allied sciences on the initiative of Dr Kidwai, who had visited Baltimore (USA) in April, 2005.

A joint declaration to promote cooperation in trade, agriculture, pharmaceutical and education had also been signed by both the states. The HAU team of senior officers had identified animal and plant biotechnology, fruit-vegetable production, marketing and processing and curriculum development as priority areas for cooperation.

UNI