UNICAL, Thai University Partner On Agricultural Development, Technology, Knowledge Transfer
By Ebi COLLINS
The University of Calabar (UNICAL) and Kasetsart University, Thailand, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to develop agriculture and its value chain, as well as technological knowledge transfer.
The MoU, signed at the Council Chambers of the University of Calabar, focuses on joint catfish and tilapia farming and research, medicinal plants extraction as well as domesticated chicken research and farming.
Other areas of the pact include wildlife, landscape management, shrimp hatchery development and technology transfer, joint grants application and implementation, including rubber and Indian bamboo diversification, among others.
The MoU signed by the Vice President of Kasetsart University, Dr. Ratanaporn Dhamakosol and the Vice Chancellor of UNICAL, Prof Florence Obi, covers an initial three year period, subject to renewal based on communication and mutual agreement.
The parties also recommended a six month prior notice in case of a desire to terminate the Memorandum of Understanding.
Speaking after signing the pact, University of Calabar Vice Chancellor, Prof Florence Obi, expressed hope that the development would lead to agricultural revolution and a change in the economic landscape of the institution, state and nation at large.
Obi who pledged the institution's total commitment to the collaboration, remarked that the development would create opportunities aimed at curbing societal ills.
Leader of the Kasetsart University team, Dr. Ratanaporn Dhamakosol in his speech advocated for a public private partnership (PPP) arrangement in order to tackle some noticeable challenges in the Nigeria agricultural sector.
She listed such challenges to include lack of technical know-how to handle heavy duty agricultural machineries, poor value chain coordination and data management.
Dhamakosol called for the establishment of a rice research and production institute, commencement of rubber research and extraction of coconut and tissue culture.
The team leader announced the availability of grants to support students who intend studying for Master's degree in Fishery in Thailand as well as space availability for UNICAL academics who would want to come, live and work in Thailand for a three month period.
