Bangkok--21 Aug--Asian Institute of Technology
The Uddaraju Ananda Raju Foundation (URAF), a conglomeration of integrated agri-aqua-based companies engaged in the seafood business from India, has partnered with the Asian Institute of Technology (AIT). A Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) between the two was signed on 20 August 2015 between Mr. U.K. Viswanadha Raju, Managing Trustee, UARF, and Prof. Kazuo Yamamoto, Vice President for Resource Development (VPRD), who was representing AIT President Prof. Worsak Kanok-Nukulchai.
Besides academic and research activities in the fields of fisheries education, aquaculture and allied sectors, AIT will also help UARF in the establishment of the Andhra Pradesh Fisheries and Ocean University, a first of its kind university in India that will be solely dedicated to the fisheries sector. Based in the coastal Indian province of Andhra Pradesh, the foundation is a recognized Research Centre by the Ministry of Science and Technology, Government of India.
URAF and AIT are already working on joint projects on genetic selection of tilapia, and empowerment of farmers, which are underway at the Aquaculture and Aquatic Resources Management field of study at AIT’s School of Environment, Resources and Development (SERD). The MoA also outlines a plan to develop capacity building programs for aqua-farmers in India by organizing technical seminars, and joint publications targeted at farmers. Activities proposed under the agreement include an annual aquaculture seminar series, opportunities for AIT students to undertake internships at URAF, and exposure visits for aqua-farmers and entrepreneurs.
The URAF delegation included Mr. U K Viswanadha Raju, Managing Trustee of Uddaraju Ananda Raju Foundation and CEO of Ananda Group; Prof. C Mohankumar Nair, Adviser, Ananda Group; Mr. U Ramakrishnam Raju, Director, Ananda Group; and Mr. C Ranga Nadha Raju, Director, Godavari Mega Aqua Food Park, Andhra Pradesh, India.
AIT was represented by Prof. Kazuo Yamamoto; Dr. Anil Kumar Anal, Coordinator, Food, Agricultural and Biotechnology (FABS) Cluster, SERD; Dr. Krishan R Salin, Assistant Professor, AARM, SERD; Dr. Gabrielle Groves Punyaratabandhu, Head, External Relations and Communications Office (ERCO); and Ms. Sumana Shrestha, Program Officer, ERCO.
Photo caption: Prof. Kazuo Yamamoto (left) with Mr. U.K. Viswanadha Raju.