Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Wednesday, Aug 16, 2006
Online edition of India's National Newspaper Wednesday, Aug 16, 2006 |
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Kerala
Prof. Siddique, whose pioneering research was the launch pad for an Australian chickpea export industry, now valued at more than $200 million annually, is an internationally acknowledged leader in agricultural sciences. Hailing from Eriyad in Kodungallore, he began his agricultural studies in Kerala Agricultural University and enrolled in the University of Western Australia for Ph.D in 1981. He has been living in Perth, Australia, for the past 25 years with wife, Almaz, and two children. Today, Prof. Siddique is known as Australia's pulse pioneer. After exploring the potential of chickpea adaptation, Prof. Siddique introduced, evaluated, bred and selected superior lines of pulses and released elite genetic material as commercial varieties in Australia. During a career that has seen him win many awards, including the recent Fellowship of the Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering, Prof. Siddique entered into international research collaborations. His research links today extend from Turkey, Bangladesh, China and India to major U.S. research centres in Washington State University and the University of Saskatchewan. Prof. Siddique believes that future research should focus on low input cost and improved productivity. This should be based on modern technology, including biotechnology. Prof. Siddique headed a six-year project on chickpea improvement for the dry land environment of India and Australia in collaboration with the Indian Council of Agricultural Research. Capacity building for Indian agricultural science was a key component of the recently-completed project. "Emphasis should be on quality improvement, storage, transport, infrastructure, research and development," says Prof. Siddique. Similarly, the environmental issues of declining land availability, poor soil health, climate change, salinity, pests and diseases, and water shortage should be tackled. He says agricultural science should attract the best students. One should look at models such as the IIMs and IITs for pursuing agricultural research and teaching in India. "Students and staff should not get involved in mainstream politics." Prof. Siddique, who is also the Director of the Centre for Legumes in Mediterranean Agriculture, plans to collaborate with select universities in India on research, training and development. He wants to encourage outstanding students from India to secure scholarships to undertake doctoral studies and short-term trainings in Australian universities. "Agricultural research, training and teaching in the Indian universities, including Kerala Agricultural University, need a closer look and external review to focus on the next 10-15 years," Prof. Siddique says. Prof. Siddique, who has an Australian citizenship, is the vice-president of the Perth Kairali Cultural Club and takes a keen interest in social and cultural activities also.
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