Mahatma Gandhi University organised an interaction programme with farmers and Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs) and an exhibition cum sale at the campus on September 28. Minister for Water Resources and Housing, Adv. Mons Joseph inaugurated the event. MGU has taken steps to address the concerns of farmers right from its early days, he said at his inauguration speech.

Former Vice-Chancellor Dr. U. R. Ananthamurthy had extended strong support to the agricultural fair. This interaction programme is a continuation of that legacy. “I had also participated in the discussions held during the early days of this programme,” he added. He urged the Vice-Chancellor to  establish a permanent facility on the campus for the sale of locally produced agricultural products.

The minister said Mahatma Gandhi University was the first to come forward to implement the initiatives proposed by the state government to strengthen linkages between the knowledge and agricultural sectors, and deserves special appreciation for the initiative.

The minister honoured Prof. K. J. Kurian, who has served as a mentor to several organisations in bringing agricultural products to the market. Fr. Deepu received the award for the Best Farmer Producer Organisation on behalf of the Peerumade Development Society from the minister.

University Vice-Chancellor Prof. (Dr.) D. Mavoothu presided over the function. Syndicate members Dr. Jobin Chamakkala, Dr. Alson Mart, Dr. Rajesh Komath, Prof. (Dr.) Girish Kumar G. S., Dr. Ison V. Vanchipurackal and Ann Sebastian, and Director of the university’s Business Innovation and Incubation Centre, Prof. (Dr.) Radhakrishnan E. K., attended the event.

The primary objective of the programme is to connect the practical problems and requirements of farmers with the academic and research activities of the university. The challenges faced by farmers will be taken up as study projects by students. The university will provide direct support to transform ideas and technologies developed at the university into products for farmers and facilitate their entry into the market. The university’s Business Innovation and Incubation Centre will provide the necessary guidance, technology support, product development assistance and entrepreneurial support for such initiatives. In addition, the Kerala Institute of Science, Technology and Innovation will support research tailored to the needs of farmers.