Within the scope of the agricultural extension project, representatives of the US Department of Agriculture (USDA), Washington and Tbilisi offices, international education specialists, experts of the Prairie View A&M University of the US Central State University and the "Farmer of the Future" made an official visit to Batumi Shota Rustveli State University.
Members of the delegation met the BSU Rector Merab Khalvashi, Deputy Rector Tamar Siradze, Deans, professors and researchers. The members of the delegation got acquainted with the educational programs of the agricultural direction of the university, researches of the scientific institute, infrastructure, laboratories and clinics. Also, the works carried out in the direction of extension.
The purpose of the visit is to share international experience in the process of developing a pilot extension model for the Ajara region, to hold meetings with local parties and to work intensively on the next years' activities.
The main part of the meetings of the five-day visit will be held at the Batumi Shota Rustaveli State University, which is the key link of the program and the main participant in the integration of education, research and extension components, which will ensure the involvement of young people in agriculture and popularization of the field in the future. With the help of the US Department of Agriculture, it is planned to establish an "Agro Clinic" on the basis of BSU, which should play an important role in agrarian extension in coordination with the Ministry of Agriculture.
During the visit, meetings and trainings will be held by: representative of the US Department of Agriculture (USDA), project manager Benjamin Karin, US international education specialist Lisa Loxman, representative of US Central State University, international expert Prosper Duamekpor and US Prairie View A&M University representative, international expert Cynthia Fairfax.
Other partners of the program will be actively involved in the events provided by the visit: Ministry of Agriculture of the Autonomous Republic of Ajara, Extension Service, as well as local schools and youth, including: students, school students and young farmers.
| Back |
