Friday, August 27, 2010

AGRICULTURE AND AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH WILL LEAD TO GROWTH: DR. MAYEE

Those involved in agricultural research, agriculture teaching and transfer of technology are performing the noble profession. This was stated by Dr. C.D. Mayee, Chairman, Agricultural Service Recruitment Board (ASRB), New Delhi while delivering a talk on \' Employment avenues in agricultural research services \' to the students and faculty of Punjab Agricultural University today. This programme organized by theAlumni Association of College of Agriculture, was chaired by the PAU Vice-Chancellor, Dr. Manjit Singh Kang while Deans, Directors and other Officers of the University also participated.



Dr. Mayee elaborated the national agricultural research system (NARS) that involves 6200 scientists in the federal system of 78 All India Coordinated Research Projects, 56 State Agricultural Universities (SAU\'s) including three horticultural Universities and Veterinary Universities of India. The 56 SAUs offer degrees in 90 subjects, Dr. Mayee said adding that the Indian agricultural system has agricultural education linked to agricultural research and extension education. He disclosed that there are 30000 teachers working in SAUs in addition to about 6000 in ICAR system, who are actively involved in teaching, research and extension activities and contributing to the development of agriculture. Dr. Mayee said that the private sector achievements to substantiated growth in agricultural research wherein the seed companies also employ scientists thus adding to the battery of farm scientists in the country. To have the optimum output, investment in agriculture sector should increase, observed Dr. Mayee emphasizing that another green revolution can not come without the strength of human resource.



There are tremendous opportunities of employment in agriculture, said he while disclosing that during the last 4-5 years, more than 1100 scientists were recruited in the ICAR system in 60 disciplines and that 290 ARS positions are available. He said that generally for each position available five times more candidates are expected to apply. Whether to go in for fame or fortune, the priority differs with different people. Those who have lust for fame should go in for agricultural related jobs and those for fortune in some business sector. There should be frequent exchange of scientists from ICAR system to SAUs and vice verse. There should also be more flow of information between the two, said Dr. Mayee.



He disclosed that the major mandate of ASRB is to conduct NET, a pre-requisite for the initial recruitment in SAUs, recruitment to entry level scientific position of the ARS through All India Competitive Examination, assessment of merit promotion and grant of incentive to scientists of ARS, induction of the existing scientists of the ICAR to ARS under initial constitution of ARS, etc. He discussed the specific improvements that have been made in the holding of national eligibility test (NET) and ARS examinations. Dr. Mayee said that over the time, the PAU bulk towards ARS is diminishing and it needs to be improved. Nearly, 60% recruitment is from two three Universities in the south.



Dr. Mayee highlighted the agricultural crisis that the country is currently facing in terms of the impact of climate change, reduced factor productivity, environmental degradation and depleting water and other natural resources. These issues need to be made a part of curriculum as also of research agenda of SAUs, he observed. The \'Catch them young\' approach to select potential students for ARS through on campus selection is the new innovation that ASRB has introduced recently. Dr. Mayee responded to the specific queries of students and faculty members.



Dr. Kang said that teaching is the noblest profession. \'If you want power, teach\' said he. He asked the students to participate in competing for the ARS positions. Agriculture is faced with a range of constraints that demand dedicated contributions by agricultural teachers and scientists. He said that the burgeoning population of India requires enhancement of food grain production, which he said was oscillating around 230 million tons during the last decade. The food grain requirement after four decades will be more than 400 million tons, said Dr. Kang adding that this could be achieved either by expanding area for production or increasing productivity per unit area and input used. He suggested youngsters that instead of looking for jobs, they should be entrepreneurs to become creators of job opportunities. There are many PAU alumni who have followed this path on foreign lands. Dr. Kang thanked Dr. Mayee for delivering a though provoking talk that he said would motivate the students.



Earlier, Dr. M.S.Aulakh welcomed Dr. Mayee, Dr. Kang and others present and introduced about Dr. Mayee. The executive of the Alumni Association of College of Agriculture presented a memento to the Speaker.
News From: http://www.7StarNews.com

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