SOLOMON Islands National University (SINU) will offer degree studies in tropical agriculture starting next year.
Dean of School of Natural Resources and Applied Science (SNRAS) Professor Prem Rai revealed this on Wednesday during the signing of an agreement between SINU and the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAL).
“SNRAS has been offering certificate and diploma programs in tropical agriculture for the past many years, and now plans have been finalised to launch degree program in agriculture as from next year,” Professor Rai said.
He added that this is a big step forward in SINU’s efforts to upgrade academic programs and prepare graduates who can take up managerial and leadership positions in the future.
Professor Rai said the Ministry of Agriculture has been the primary employer of SINU graduates for a long time, but with the diverse opportunities opening in the field of agriculture this is changing.
“In the recent years our graduates are finding other opportunities in employment sector, some even setting up own agri-business and farmers as part of small and medium enterprise initiatives,” he said.
“This is all very good for the Solomon Islands growing economy,” he added.
Professor Rai said that through this collaboration with MAL, SINU strives to set a new bench mark in agriculture education and practice rendering greater value to society.
“Our school also offers programs in forestry and environmental studies besides agriculture.
“In months to come our efforts will be to enter into similar arrangements with Ministry of Forestry and Research as well as Ministry of Environment, Climate Change, Disaster Management and Meteorology (MECDM),” he said.
He added that SNRAS would like to promote its didactic system for the education into grass root agriculture education in the country and help lead the change in teaching that is predominately theoretical to that which is primarily practice based.
By LESLEY SANGA
