Most of the countries in Africa and Asia face similar challenges and constraints as in India. Therefore, it was thought that the success of the Indian agriculture can be aptly replicated in African and Asian countries through the transfer of successful innovations and technologies. In this context, Feed The Future India Triangular Training (FTF-ITT), a collaborative program of the United States of America represented by USAID and the Government of India represented by the National Institute of Agricultural Extension Management (MANAGE), was designed and implemented with the objective of addressing human and institutional capacity gaps to deal with the food security challenges in selected African and Asian countries. ICAR-Indian Institute of Horticultural Research in the recent past (2019) has imparted 21 days training programme to the African nationals. To continue the contacts established through Feed The Future India Triangular Training (FTF ITT), MANAGE has started monthly International Webinar Series on Technology Backstopping for Agri-Extension: Indian Experiences from April, 2021. On 31 August 2021, the activity of “ICAR- Indian Institute of Horticultural Research- (IIHR)” was presented for international audience through this webinar series. The programme started with the welcome address of Dr. Mahantesh Shirur, Deputy Director (Agril. Extn.), MANAGE, Hyderabad.
Dr Chandra Shekara, Director General, MANAGE, introduced the monthly webinar series in brief and its importance. He stated only few of the countries have achieved self-sufficiency in agriculture through effective synergy between scientists, extension agencies and farmers. But ever green revolution is what required at this point of time. By 2025, 49% population will be in hunger. Nutritional and livelihood security remains as immanent challenge. Hence, these webinars are the platforms, which bridge the gap.
Dr BN Srinivasa Murthy, Director, ICAR-IIHR, Bengaluru expressed that several of the crops and technologies developed in Indian context aptly applies to African countries and stressed to take benefit of it. He also mentioned international agencies like FAO has themed year 2021 as “International year of fruits and vegetables”, is to draw the attention of the significance. He also stressed about the eradication of hunger and malnutrition, especially, which is prevalent among children and women through solutions available fruits and vegetables. He also highlighted the international collaboration among African countries like Kenya among the common crops like Pomegranate, Karonda etc. He suggested trainees to adopt bee keeping for pollination.
Mr. Atheequlla G.A, Scientist, Division of social sciences and Training presented a overview of ICAR-IIHR varieties and technologies and possible areas of collaboration. There was a good discussion between international audience, DAESI programme facilitators, who attended the meeting and the resource persons. Dr. R Venkattakumar, Principal Scientist and Head (I/c) of the Division of Social Science and Training delivered the concluding remarks. He also clarified the queries of the participants relating to international collaboration. The major issues raised by the trainees were on entrepreneurship support from the institute, interventions for change in climate, nutrition issues etc. The programme ended with vote of thanks from Dr Mahantesh Shirur.
