AP Govt inks MoA with ICRISAT
Hyderabad, Jan 17 (INN): In its efforts to make agriculture sustainable and profitable, the Government of Andhra Pradesh signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) with International Crop Research Institute for Semi-arid Tropics (ICRISAT) for providing assistance in the AP's Primary Sector Mission.
The agreement with ICRISAT is part of the state government's plans to increase productivity of agriculture and allied sectors. Through this, best technological tools and scientific practices from across the world will be incorporated into Primary Sector activities, Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu said.
The MoA was signed in presence of the Chief Minister by Special Chief Secretary (Planning) S.P. Tucker and ICRISAT Director-General David Bergvinson.
As part of the agreement, ICRISAT will Prepare 'Strategy Paper' for Primary Sector Mission; Hold research and development and establish 'sites of learning' in districts; Bring in international expertise from other CGIAR centres such as International Livestock Research Centre (ILRI), International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), International Water Management (IWMI), Asia Vegetable Research and Development Centre (AVRDC), International Centre for Improvement of Maize and Development Centre (AVRDC), World Fish Centre and International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI). This consortium (of international organizations) will also bring in regional and national research institutions to benefit farmers.
The ICRISAT will also facilitate detailed plan preparations for operationalizing the mission annually by providing guidance and technical support to Mission Coordinator; Establish pilot sites of learning in 13 districts (10,000 hectares each) for increasing productivity, profitability and sustainability through science-led development and climate-smart agriculture; Develop quality assurance system for soil analytical laboratories in the state, undertake capacity building for staff and help in upgrading existing soil labs for complete nutrient profile analysis and assist in PPP mode guidelines and mobilize private entrepreneurs and preparing DPRs and organize Global Investors Meet.
News Posted: 17 January, 2015
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