CATIE and the University of Agricultural Sciences of Dharwad Forge Alliance to Boost Agricultural Innovation

• The agreement between both institutions aims to foster the development of joint projects in the areas of education, research, and agricultural extension.

Parameshgonda L. Patil, Vice Chancellor of the University of Agricultural Sciences of Dharwad (UASD) in India, and Chandragonda R. Patil, Professor and Head of the Department of Agricultural Microbiology, visited CATIE (Tropical Agricultural Research and Higher Education Center) with the objective of strengthening academic and research cooperation between both institutions.

During the visit, a memorandum of understanding was signed to formalize this intention of collaboration, aiming to promote academic, research, and extension programs in the short and medium term.

Founded in 1986 in the state of Karnataka, India, UASD is recognized for its focus on agricultural education and research, with an emphasis on improving agricultural productivity and sustainability, especially in a region facing significant challenges for rural development. On the other hand, CATIE is a leading institution in agricultural research and sustainable development in Latin America, with extensive experience in topics such as coffee genetics, agroforestry systems, and biodiversity.

Collaboration Objectives

The primary objective of the agreement between the two institutions is to foster the development of joint projects in the areas of education, research, and agricultural extension. Notable projects include those related to the development of sustainable technologies and the strengthening of technical capacities for professionals and students at both institutions.

This collaboration will also seek to generate positive impacts in areas such as climate change adaptation, natural resource management, and crop genetic improvement.

The official visit began with a welcome led by CATIE’s Director General, Luis Pocasangre. “It’s a pleasure to welcome you to our campus, and I’m very pleased to learn not only about the great educational and research work UASD is doing but also how both institutions have identified a wealth of specific areas for joint work,” he said.

The Vice Chancellor of UASD presented CATIE’s Director General with a comprehensive overview of the university, detailing its history, student numbers, and the impact it has across India through the work students and graduates are doing for food security.

Tour of Key Units

The delegation continued their agenda with CATIE’s Director of Education, Fernando Casanoves, to discuss possible academic collaborations. A presentation followed on CATIE’s research work, highlighting their expertise in Payment for Environmental Services (PES) in Costa Rica and its relevance within the country’s Nationally Appropriate Mitigation Actions (NAMA) for greenhouse gas emissions reduction.

The agenda continued with a visit to CATIE’s biotechnology laboratories, where they were welcomed by William Solano, a specialist in Plant Genetic Resources from the Agroforestry and Coffee and Cocoa Genetic Improvement Unit. Additionally, they toured the International Cacao and Coffee Collection and the agroforestry systems, where the delegation observed progress in research applied to agricultural sustainability.

The day concluded with a tour of CATIE’s Botanical Garden, guided by experts José Coto and Edgar Alvarado, who presented the diversity of plant species and CATIE’s work in biodiversity conservation.

Future Outlook

Both institutions are committed to developing joint projects that benefit sustainable agriculture, environmental protection, and the training of future leaders in the agricultural sector.

This alliance promises to strengthen the role of scientific research and technological innovation in creating a more sustainable and productive future for rural communities in India and Latin America.