In a significant move to boost agricultural research and innovation, the Faculty of Agricultural Sciences at Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) inaugurated a Nodal Cell funded by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), New Delhi. The inauguration ceremony took place in the presence of Vice-Chancellor Professor Naima Khatoon and was attended by faculty members, non-teaching staff, and students from undergraduate, postgraduate, and PhD programs.
The event began with Professor Khatoon formally inaugurating the cell by cutting the ribbon. Heads of all departments within the faculty and the coordinator of the Centre for Agricultural Education (CAE) were also present on the occasion. During her address, the Vice-Chancellor praised the faculty for its achievements in recent years and highlighted the vital role of agricultural research and extension services in ensuring national food and nutritional security. She stressed the importance of implementing the “Lab to Land” concept, which focuses on transferring innovations from research laboratories directly to farmers. She also announced the approval of new teaching positions in the faculty, which will significantly enhance both the academic and research environment.
Dean of the Faculty, Professor Akram A. Khan, welcomed the Vice-Chancellor and expressed his gratitude for her consistent support and leadership. He shared the progress of the faculty, noting that it started with just four departments and now offers 17 academic programs, including a B.Sc. (Hons.) in Agriculture. He emphasized that the newly inaugurated nodal cell would not only strengthen scientific research but also help bring lab-developed technologies to the farming community. Professor Khan described this initiative as an important step toward improving food security and promoting sustainable agricultural practices in India.
The event was anchored by Dr. Maryam Fatima, Assistant Professor in the Department of Home Science, while the vote of thanks was delivered by Professor Mujibur Rahman Khan. He acknowledged the Vice-Chancellor’s visionary thinking and her commitment to advancing agricultural education and research at AMU.
Throughout the ceremony, speakers underlined the need to integrate agricultural education, research, and innovation with rural development. They noted that the establishment of the nodal cell marks a major initiative in this direction. In the coming years, this cell is expected to serve as a key center for research, technical advancement, and the professional growth of students. AMU’s initiative is being seen as a meaningful contribution to the vision of a “Developed India,” and stands as an inspiring example of how academic institutions can drive rural and agricultural transformation through dedicated efforts.
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