RGU inks research deal

RONO HILLS, Mar 20: The Rajiv Gandhi University (RGU) has signed a tripartite Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with People to People Health Foundation (PPHF), New Delhi, and North East Agro Products Private Limited (NEAFPPL), Guwahati, for academic and research collaborations.

The MOU, which was virtually signed on March 15 was officially exchanged on March 21 at the university campus here.

The exchange ceremony was attended by RGU vice-chancellor Prof Saket Kushwaha, PPHFdirector Varghese C Joseph and NEAFPPL director Bipu Saharia.

Speaking on the occasion, Prof Kushwaha expressed hope that the MoU will play a key role in providing the youth of Arunachal with cutting-edge academic and research exposure. He noted that while the state is a hub for various citrus foods and other agricultural crops, it currently lacks any functional food processing unit.

“RGU will allocate some space to both parties, with no financial obligations on its part, which will be beneficial to all stakeholders,” he announced.

RGU registrar Dr NT Rikam acknowledged that the MoU would strengthen the academic and research pursuits of the three organizations and further equip them to generate manpower and benefit the growers.

Finance officer Prof Otem Padung, described it as a welcoming step towards building cooperation that will promote exchanges of mutual benefits. He also emphasized the need for policy frameworks for executing such ventures.

Pinky Dutta Medhi, the project manager of PPHF's Northeast chapter, announced that the foundation would provide equipment to RGU for establishing a food processing unit under the university’s department of food technology, which will work towards the holistic rural development programme of HDFC bank.

She also mentioned the Sakhi Bazar platform, a marketplace for the unit.

RGU joint registrar Dr David Pertin stated that the MoU's validity would be for three years initially and subject to renewal, focusing on the establishment of a food processing unit at the RGU campus.