APAARI signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Asian Institute of Technology (AIT), Bangkok, Thailand to promote the application of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) for sustainable agricultural development in the Asia-Pacific region. Dr Raj Paroda, Executive Secretary, APAARI and Prof. Said Irandoust, President, AIT signed and exchanged the MoU on 12th February, 2010 in a ceremony at AIT Campus.

The MoU is intended to facilitate further development of the Asia-Pacific Agricultural Research Information System (APARIS), an APAARI initiative aimed to promote the application of ICTs for sustainable agricultural development in the region. The MoU provides a framework for cooperation between APAARI and AIT Extension for mutually beneficial cooperation in promoting, participating, and delivering leadership development programs and conducting training and building capacity.

Under the MoU, APAARI and AIT agreed to facilitate greater adoption of ICTs in agricultural research in the Asia-Pacific region; share resources, as well as responsibility for management of joint programs and projects; organize activities of mutual interest including conferences, workshops and training courses in fulfillment of their missions; publish the results of research and collaborative work by the staff from both parties; facilitate training in related areas at AIT Extension and backstop knowledge sharing activities through on-line mentoring.

Prof Sudip K. Rakshit, Vice President for Research, AIT; Dr Jonathan Shaw, Director AIT Extension; Dr Attaluri Srinivasacharyulu, APARIS Coordinator and Mr P.K.Saha, Liaison Officer, APAARI were present on the occasion.