We would like to have more Indian students with agricultural background, said French delegates at Amity University

NEW DELHI, MARCH 19: A high-profile delegation from France visited the Amity University, Noida campus to explore the possible areas of collaboration, areas of mutual interests and exchange programmes for French and Indian students duly supported by the French Ministry of Agriculture, which would prove beneficial for both the countries in the long run.

Françoise Moreau-Lalanne, the Counsellor for Agricultural Affairs, Embassy of France in India expressed that number of exchange students from India in France are very less in the area of study on agriculture. India is primarily an agrarian economy; therefore, we would like to have more Indian students from agricultural background to visit France and research in collaboration with the French students. She said both India and France have some common fields of interest which we could work upon. She averred that she would like to help students from Amity who want to pursue research in France and need financial assistance and scholarships. She exclaimed that we need to understand each other’s strengths, weaknesses and requirements, as developing nations, for better collaboration.

Jean-Christophe Ygrié, EPLEFPA Lozère – LaCanourgue, with the help of a presentation, apprised about the key areas in which the French ministry has worked till date with the Indian government. He said that we would like to collaborate with Amity in the field of education and research by facilitating the concept of exchange students. He averred that Agroecology could also be an area for possible collaboration. He apprised that we are working in networks to reach our goals like the Indian network and the Brazilian network. He told that we abide by the motto of the French Ministry, –Produce Differently, that’s why are constantly collaborating with countries for innovations.

Prof. (Dr.) Gurinder Singh, Group Vice-Chancellor, Amity University apprised that we are seeking for possible collaboration with the French delegation on Student exchange, Food exchange, Horticulture and Wine culture. He apprised that Amity University has the largest number of French speaking students with over 15000 students. He said that we, as an institution have, tremendous respect for French language, culture and heritage. He suggested the formation of a matrix which would facilitate the process of collaboration.

Dr. Nutan Kaushik, Director General, Food & Agriculture Foundation, Amity University said that Amity University has been working closely in the areas related to agriculture and organics. She exclaimed that departments like Amity Institute of Herbal Research, Amity Institute of organic Agriculture and Amity Institute of Phytochemistry and phytomedicine have contributed thoroughly in the development of Amity University in the field of agriculture. She apprised about the awareness campaigns that have been launched at Amity for Farmer’s Skill Enhancement. She said that her foundation’s thematic focus areas were – Improving agricultural productivity, Improving nutritional status for women and children and human outreach.