Union Minister Unveils ASEAN-India Fellowship Programme
In a significant move to bolster educational ties and advance agricultural research, Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare and Rural Development, Mr. Shivraj Singh Chouhan, launched the ASEAN-India Fellowship for Higher Education in Agriculture and Allied Sciences. The launch event saw the presence of Union Ministers of State for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Mr. Bhagirath Choudhary and Mr. Ram Nath Thakur.
ICAR’s Role in Elevating Agricultural Education
During the event, Mr. Chouhan praised the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) for its pivotal role in shaping and ensuring the quality of agricultural education across India. He highlighted ICAR’s efforts in setting the rules, policies, and standards that have helped agrarian education thrive, contributing to the sector’s sustainable development. Currently, approximately 135 international students are pursuing their degrees at various agricultural universities in India. Mr. Chouhan emphasized that ASEAN is a cornerstone of India’s ‘Act East Policy’ and the ‘Indo-Pacific Vision,’ with India fully supporting ASEAN unity and centrality.
Fellowship Programme to Strengthen ASEAN-India Collaboration
The ASEAN-India Fellowship Programme aims to support postgraduate studies in emerging fields of agriculture and allied sciences. As part of this initiative, Indian faculty members will be facilitated with introductory visits to ASEAN member countries to aid in ASEAN capacity-building. Mr. Chouhan noted that these efforts would promote the development of a pool of expert human resources in ASEAN, fostering growth in agriculture and allied sciences. He also emphasized that the long-term degree courses in India would enable researchers from both regions to stay connected and better understand agriculture-related issues.
Philippines Ambassador Highlights Collaborative Spirit
Mr. Josel F Ignacio, Ambassador of the Philippines to India and India’s (ASEAN) Country Coordinator, expressed optimism about the fellowship programme’s potential to cultivate expert human resources within ASEAN. He highlighted the programme’s embodiment of collaboration and mutual growth, reflecting the spirit of the ASEAN-India partnership.
ICAR’s Contributions to Food Security in ASEAN
Mr. Sanjay Garg, Additional Secretary (DARE) and Secretary (ICAR), elaborated on ICAR’s contributions to addressing food security issues faced by ASEAN countries. He provided insights into the significance of the collaboration between ASEAN countries and India in advancing agricultural research and education.
Emphasis on ASEAN Cooperation and Act East Policies
Ms. Paramita Tripathi, Joint Secretary, Oceania & Indo-Pacific, Ministry of External Affairs, discussed the ASEAN Cooperation Project and provided an overview of India’s ‘Act East Policies,’ underscoring the strategic importance of this initiative.
Programme to Foster Long-term Academic Ties
Starting from the academic year 2024-25, a total of 50 fellowships (10 per year) will be awarded to students from ASEAN member countries for a master’s degree in agriculture and allied sciences. The ASEAN-India Fund has approved the project for five years, covering fellowships, admission fees, living expenses, and incidental expenses for the students. This initiative is expected to enhance the quality of research-based education for students from ASEAN member countries, bringing India and the ASEAN community closer together and fostering intercultural and international knowledge exchange.
This initiative is set to expose students to cutting-edge research offered by Indian agricultural universities, preparing them for future innovations and fostering a deeper understanding of agriculture-related issues in both ASEAN and India.
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