In a bid to strengthen its research and academic related works, the Chaudhary Charan Singh Haryana Agricultural University (CCSHAU), Hisar has signed Memoranda of Understanding with University of Illinois, Washington State University and Michigan State University of America.
Under the MoUs, various works would be carried out such as providing financial assistance to CCSHAU faculty at international level, exchange of ideas between faculty, students and farmers, development and expansion of technology, and establishing centres of excellence. The technology developed through this collaboration would also be extended to the Asian and African countries.
CCSHAU Vice Chancellor Prof K P Singh said that the University would work, in collaboration with these American Universities, towards increasing agriculture production by utilising minimum resources and doubling the income of farmers.
To finalise the joint research work, the scientists of CCSHAU would hold a discussion through Skype with Washington State University next year in mid of January, added Singh.
At present, CCSHAU has been working with Prof Kulvinder Gill of Washington State University towards developing a variety of wheat which would be able to bear the heat. This technology would provide relief from damage caused to wheat due to increasing temperature because increase of one degree Celsius in temperature could affect five per cent of production.
Under the MoU signed with University of Illinois, focus would be laid on latest technology of fertilisers, bio fuel and bio products. Natural colour would be extracted from maize and other plants which would be utilised to fulfil needs of food industries.
Following the collaboration, the technology of making bio fuel from crop residue would be upgraded and work would be carried out on extracting ethanol and bio fuel from sugarcane and other crops which would fulfill the need of fuel in future.
On behalf of CCSHAU, Director Human Resource Management, Dr Ashwani Kumar and Kent D Rausch and Dr Vijay Singh of University of Illinois, lou Anna Simon of Michigan State University, and Prof Kulvinder Gill of Washington State University, had signed the MoUs in the presence of Vice-Chancellor CCSHAU, KP Singh.