Project Name: The Project for Research and Education Capacity Improvement in Dry zone Agriculture at University of Jaffna

Country: Sri Lanka

Date R/D Signed: Dec 8th, 2021.

Project Site: Faculty of Agriculture, University of Jaffna and Northern Province of Sri Lanka.

Term of Cooperation: June 25th 2022- June 24th 2027 (5 years)

Implementing Organization: Faculty of Agriculture(FOA), University of Jaffna (UOJ)

Background

The Northern Province of Sri Lanka has made gradual progress in basic infrastructure since the end of the conflict, though the incomes of residents in all five districts of the Province are below the national poverty line of Rs.4,856/month (in 2019). In order to correct the disparity within Sri Lanka, further strengthening of social infrastructure and revitalization of social and economic activities are needed. In particular, agriculture and livestock are the main industries in the region and an important means of livelihood for the local people. However, in addition to the lack of agricultural infrastructure and agricultural knowledge, the region is vulnerable to natural disasters and climate change including flood and draught. To stabilize and to improve the livelihoods of the local population, improving agricultural productivity and climate change resilience is an important issue.

The Faculty of Agriculture (FOA), University of Jaffna (UOJ) was established in 1990 in Kilinochchi. The Faculty aims to produce quality human resources in the fields of agricultural and related industries through quality education, advanced research, and knowledge dissemination into the community. The Faculty was temporary shifted to Jaffna in 1997 due to the conflict situation prevailed at that time. After the conflict ended in 2009, the Cabinet Ministries granted approval for the Faculty of Agriculture to return, renovate, and use of the existing buildings at Kilinochchi to re-establish the Faculty. In 2014, the Faculty restarted education and research activities in the new Kilinochchi Premises. However, the infrastructure was inadequate and more extensive facilities were desired.

In 2016, Government of Sri Lanka and Government of Japan entered into Grant Agreement to implement "The Project for the Establishment of Research and Training Complex at the Faculty of Agriculture, University of Jaffna". The project included the construction of a laboratory building and a training building, the development of university farm.

In 2021, the Government of Sri Lanka requested to the Government of Japan for a new technical cooperation project to strengthen the university's education and research infrastructure and university management, while continuing to utilize the facilities and equipment provided in the grant project. This technical cooperation project is expected to enhance the quality of education and research at the Faculty of Agriculture and to contribute to the human resource development that will help improve the productivity of agriculture and the livestock industry in the Northern Province and strengthen their ability to adapt to climate change.

Overall Goal

Qualified human resources for enhancing agricultural productivity and adaptability to climate changes in dry zone agriculture are produced from the Faculty of Agriculture (FOA), University of Jaffna (UOJ).

Project Purpose

Foundation for practice-oriented education and research is enhanced in FOA.

Project  Output 

• Planning Phase

1. Project implementation structure and detailed action plans are developed to enhance the fields of education, research, social engagement/outreach and management of FOA.

• Implementation Phase

2. Academic staff’s teaching abilities for practice-oriented education in FOA are improved.

3. Research capability of academic staff is developed through researches on issues of dry     

    zone agriculture.

4. Social engagement/outreach activities are strengthened.

5. Management system3) to promote education and research is improved

Activities (Implementation Phase)

2.1 Strengthen the CDRMC

2.2 Conduct capacity development trainings on teaching skills.

2.3 Improve the existing learning materials and develop textbooks.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

3.1 Strengthen the FRC

3.2 Conduct trainings/seminars for improving research skills (e.g.,   writing skill for papers and  

      proposals; analytical skills etc.) knowledge.

3.3 Promote research collaboration (research showcase, seminar, networking, etc.). 

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

4.1 Strengthen the OC

4.2 Promote social engagement activities with governmental organizations, local communities 

      and private sector.　

4.3 Increase opportunities of student participations in outreach activities.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

5.1 Improve the system for equipment management at the laboratories.

5.2 Conduct technical training on equipment for academic staff and academic supporting staff.

5.3 Develop Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) and operational manual for the 

      equipment

PTC Members

1. Dean/Prof. K. Pakeerathan-Chairperson

2. Head-Agronomy/Dr. (Mrs.) K. Nishanthan 

3. Dr. (Mrs). L. Pradheeban 

4. Prof. (Mrs.) S. Sivachandran 

5. Head-Animal Science/Dr. S.Thatsaneshkanth

6. Prof. (Miss.) J.  Sinniah

7. Dr. (Mrs.) S. Piratheepan

8. Head-Agricultural Biology/ Dr. (Mrs.) S.Terensan

9. Prof. G. Mikunthan

10. Dr. S. J. Arasakesari

11. Head-Agricultural Chemistry/Prof. (Mrs.) S. Sivakanthan

12. Prof. (Mrs.) N. Gnanavelrajah

13. Prof. S. Vasantharuba

14. Head-Agricultural Engineering/Dr. N. Kannan

15. Mr.M.Prabaharan

16. Mrs.T.Thavaruban

17. Head-Agricultural Economics/Dr. S. Sarujan

18. Dr. K. Sooriyakumar

19. Dr. S. Sivashankar

20. Mr. K. Venugoban [Computer unit]

21. Mr. S. Sritharan [Farm Unit]

22. Mr. Y. Kesavan (study leave) Library

23. Prof.(Dr).  Tohru Mitsunaga-Chief Advisor

24. Dr. (Ms). Yuka Sasaki-Expert

25. Ms. Misako Takayama-Expert

26. Ms. Megumi Shigematsu-Coordinator

27. Ms. Sharanke Kanagalingam-Research Assistant

28. Ms. Shri Lasha Ramakrishnan-Secretary