Strengthening Agricultural Education: MOU Between Browns Agriculture Company PLC and UCIARS

A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Browns Agriculture Company PLC and the Institute for Agro-Technology and Rural Sciences (UCIARS) signifies a pivotal step towards fostering a synergistic partnership. This MOU was signed by Mr Sanjaya Nissanka, the Cluster Chief Operations Officer on behalf of Browns Agriculture Company PLC, and Senior Professor (Chair) H.D. Karunaratne, the Vice Chancellor of the University, on August 28, 2023. This collaboration establishes a strong foundation for the development of an innovative agricultural machinery training program in Sri Lanka. The MOU also outlines a range of collaborative activities that leverage the unique strengths of UCIARS, further reinforcing their commitment to academic excellence and practical application in the realm of agriculture.

1. Establishment of Agricultural Machinery Training and Research Centre in the Southern Region: The signing of this MOU signifies a shared aspiration to establish an Agricultural Machinery Training and Research Centre in the Southern region. This centre will serve as a hub for learning, research, and innovation, fostering a dynamic environment that bridges academia and industry.
2. Training Programs for Various Stakeholders and Farming Communities: Both parties acknowledge the importance of knowledge dissemination and skill enhancement. In this spirit, UCIARS will organize specialized training programs targeted at diverse groups including undergraduate students, Development Officers (DOs), Agricultural Instructors (AIs), and local farmers in the Southern region. By imparting practical skills and up-to-date knowledge, these programs will contribute to the growth of the agricultural sector in Sri Lanka.
3. Integration of Industrial Training in Degree Programs: Recognizing the significance of hands-on experience, Browns Agriculture Company commits to facilitating industrial training opportunities for UCIARS undergraduates. This collaboration aims to enhance students ‘Industrial Motor Mechanic Skills in the field of agriculture’, aligning academic learning with real-world demands.
4. Collaborative Research Projects for Agricultural Machinery Development: Joint research endeavours will form a cornerstone of this partnership. Both institutions will collaborate on projects that involve testing, modification, and adaptation of agricultural machinery. Through rigorous research and experimentation, innovative solutions will be devised to address the evolving challenges of the agricultural industry.
5. Promotion of Commercialization and Patenting: The MOU underscores the importance of translating innovative ideas into marketable solutions. Browns Agriculture Company and UCIARS commit to fostering a culture of innovation that not only leads to the invention of new machinery but also ensures their commercialization. Additionally, the two parties will explore opportunities for patenting their inventions to protect and promote intellectual property.
6. Dissemination of Knowledge and Outreach: Recognizing the value of sharing knowledge, UCIARS and Browns Agriculture Company pledge to collaborate on the creation of promotional materials and scientific communications. These materials will serve as conduits for disseminating valuable information to a wider audience, contributing to the collective growth of the agricultural community.
7. Teacher Training Program for Agricultural Machinery Education: The collaboration extends beyond higher education to encompass the development of schoolteachers’ capabilities. UCIARS will host training programs aimed at equipping schoolteachers with expertise in agricultural machinery. By enhancing educators’ knowledge, this initiative will ripple through classrooms, ensuring that future generations are well-versed in modern agricultural practices.
8. Demonstration Unit for Machineries and Materials: A concrete manifestation of this collaboration will be the establishment of a demonstration unit at UCIARS. This unit will showcase agricultural machinery and reading materials, providing a tangible space for experiential learning and exploration.

Browns Agriculture Company’s commitment to this partnership is unwavering. The company will provide the necessary machinery for training, facilitate the dissemination of educational resources such as lectures and materials, and offer theoretical knowledge and hands-on training to all participants. At the culmination of the training programs, certificates will be awarded as a testament to the participants’ newfound skills and expertise.
In conclusion, this MOU marks the beginning of a transformative collaboration between Browns Agriculture Company and UCIARS. Through the combined efforts of these two institutions, agricultural machinery education will be elevated to new heights, empowering individuals, benefiting the industry, and contributing to the overall prosperity of Sri Lanka’s agricultural landscape.