Harvesting knowledge: Nauni, Romania varsity ink pact

In a significant step towards strengthening international academic and research ties, Dr YS Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry (UHF), Nauni, has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the University of Agronomic Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Bucharest (USAMV), Romania.

The MoU was formally signed on Friday by Prof Rajeshwar Singh Chandel, Vice-Chancellor of UHF Nauni, and Prof Stanica Florin, Vice-Rector of USAMV, alongside Prof Dr Asanica Adrian Constantin. The signing ceremony also saw the presence of Dr Thibaut Mallausa, Project Manager of the Global ACROPICS initiative and Dr Inder Dev, Director of Extension Education at UHF.

This partnership reflects USAMV’s keen interest in UHF’s research on temperate and subtropical fruit crops. As per the agreement, both institutions will collaborate on academic and research exchanges, sharing expertise and innovations in horticulture. USAMV’s active research areas — ranging from kiwi, grapes, pears, apricots, and figs to avocados, blueberries and cherries — align well with UHF’s research strengths and regional focus.

The MoU was signed on the sidelines of the European Research Alliance Event, held in collaboration with the International Agroecological Crop Protection Initiative (ACPI), the EU-funded ACROPICS project and the European Cooperation in Science and Technology (COST). UHF Nauni is a partner in the ACROPICS project, which aims to advance agroecological crop protection innovations and significantly reduce the use of chemical pesticides.

Founded in 1852, USAMV is Romania’s oldest and largest institution for agronomic education. With seven faculties — including Agriculture, Horticulture, Veterinary Medicine and Biotechnologies — the university serves over 12,000 students and boasts cutting-edge, multidisciplinary research facilities.

This MoU follows UHF’s earlier agreement with the Horting Institute of Research, Development for Processing and Marketing of Horticultural Products, Bucharest, further extending its global academic outreach.

Himachal Tribune