CAU to introduce PhD programmes in six new departments

Imphal/Dec 13, 2012:  Efforts are on to open PhD programmes in eight departments of Central Agricultural University (CAU) Imphal from the coming academic session, said Dean Professor N Iboton Singh of CAU. He stated this in his presidential speech at the prize distribution programme of the ‘19th College Week 2012’ of this university.

Professor Iboton said that PhD can be done in ‘Plant Breeding and Genetics’ and ‘Soil Science and Agri-chemistry’ at present. The university is trying to award doctorate degree in eight departments from the coming academic session. Departments of Agronomy, Plant Pathology, Entomology, Horticulture, Agri Extension and Agri Economics are in six new departments in which PhDs will be awarded. CAU will take three seats each for every department. The university, which was established in 1993, has a total strength of around 400 students today in BSc, MSc and PhD programmes.

Professor Iboton also emphasised the need for students to participate in ‘College Week 2012’ as engaging in co-curricular activities will help stay fit and, added they should not concentrate on academics only. The university has produced many brilliant students so far, with some students topping in Agricultural Research Service (ARS) exams conducted by ICAR. Yoga classes are conducted and a gym has been opened here for the students and the staffs, he informed.

Today’s chief guest Professor M Rohinikumar, who is the Director of Research CAU, said that the university is progressing at a fast pace comparing to the rest of the established universities of the country. It has made exceptional achievements in the fields of academic, research and extension department. CAU is one of those universities which has produced good number of JRFs. It has also produced nine successful technologies including ‘CAU R3’, and is also marching ahead in the field of crop improvement and farming in hill districts. As the largest demonstration farm in the country, the university is also planting oil-yielding mustard seeds in an area of 1000 hectares in one time.

The guest of honour, Professor M Premjit Singh, Director of Extension Education CAU said that CAU is working at its best to bring agricultural development in the north-east region and also to produce human resource successfully. Technologies are also made available to poor farmers, and will promote ‘value-based education’. He added that College Week will help in inculcating health and responsibilities to the students.

The week was held from November 24 to December 5 and included many sports, cultural and literary events. The prizes to the winners of the events were also distributed today.

Source: The People's Chronicle