“TNAU scientists should collaborate with international scientists for enhancing the possibilities in research, academia and extension work and to prepare the students to compete at the global level,” said Tamil Nadu Agricultural University vice-chancellor K. Ramasamy.

Addressing the International Conference on Open and Distance Learning (ODL) on Sustainable development in Agriculture here, he said module-based learning, like in developed countries, should be incorporated into our educational system to empower the students.

“We have penetrated into only 20 per cent of farming community in the last 60 years of higher educational opportunities . With shrinking of natural resources,the available agricultural technologies should be appropriately transferred to farming communities. Transferring through extension personnel is one way, but the most effective avenue is to educate our farmers and common public through open and distance learning, which is affording endless possibilities for learning to all,” he said.

More than 200 participants from other Indian universities and 10 foreign delegates attended the conference.