In the field of research and other programmes, the Chaudhary Sarwan Kumar Himachal Pradesh Agriculture University (CSKHPAU), Palampur, will collaborate with the UK-based Leicester University. In addition, the university was looking to collaborate with various leading laboratories around the world to provide opportunities for its researchers to work on the most cutting-edge research equipment available in their respective fields.
This collaboration between CSKHPAU & University of Leicester on the conservation and protection of genetic resources of western Himalayan plants, animals, and microbes. University plans to employ modern and novel strategies for efficient genetic enhancement in crops and livestock.
The CSKHPAU intends to start certificate programmes of three weeks duration, certificate programmes (online courses) of three weeks duration, joint courses and programmes through educational partnerships, and dual degree programmes, including master's and diploma courses, in collaboration with the University of Leicester.
Earlier this month, the VC visited the University of Leicester, where he reconnected with old colleagues Professor Pat Heslop-Harrison and Dr Trude Schwarzacher. He also paid a visit to their laboratories at the university's Department of Genetics and Genome Biology.
The VC stated that he intended to forge strong ties between the two institutes in order to harness cutting-edge technologies for capacity building in the fields of chromosome engineering, molecular breeding, and the integrated use of geographic information system (GIS) and earth-observation technologies.
Efforts in these fields would allow us to find solutions to various biotic and abiotic challenges faced by various crop and animal species in the north-western Himalayas as a result of changing climatic scenarios, he said. University of Leicester has one of the most advanced laboratories in the field of molecular cytogenetics. Geoinformatics expertise is also available at the university.
