Australia Awards South and West Asia

Twenty Indian professionals from diverse public and private institutions and non-government organisations working in the agriculture, trade and food security sectors recently participated in an Australia Awards Short Course on Agriculture and Food Security. The Short Course, which saw the participants travel to Australia and also involved online components, was delivered by University of New England from 26 May to 6 August 2025.

The course was designed to support mid-level professionals working in sectors relevant to agriculture, trade and food security to further deepen their understanding of the subject. The course aimed to support participants in developing solutions that are locally grounded and globally informed by leveraging Australia’s expertise in agricultural innovation, climate-resilient production systems, inclusive policy frameworks and value-chain efficiency.

Participants welcomed at University of New England.

In addition to guest presentations and masterclasses from experts while in Australia, the participants visited the Costa Tomato Exchange in Guyra, Peterson’s Vineyard and Winery in Armidale, a grazing farm for cattle and sheep, the Centre for Animal Research and Teaching and controlled environment facilities at University of New England, and the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO)  and the Australian National University in Canberra. All these destinations acted as live case studies enabling the participants to witness technological innovations, climate adaptation strategies and sustainable practices in action.

They also had the chance to network and discuss future collaborative ideas with the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority, Poultry Hub Australia, University of New England’s Animal Genetics Breeding Unit, Costa Group (a protected cropping and export agribusiness), and Grains Research and Development Corporation.

Course participant Dr Chandra Shekhar Gupta, who is a Scientific Officer – Pest Risk Analysis at the National Institute of Plant Health Management in Hyderabad, said, “The Short Course was an enriching and transformative learning experience. It provided valuable insights into global best practices in Australia, innovative technologies and sustainable strategies that can be adapted to the Indian context. The interactive sessions, field visits and exchange of ideas with participants from diverse backgrounds greatly enhanced my understanding and perspective. I deeply appreciate the exceptional hospitality, the well-organised program structure, and the opportunity to build lasting professional networks with experts and peers from Australia and across the region. The Return-to-Work Plan made me understand biosecurity laws and their implementation in Australia and how the same can be replicable in Indian contexts.”

Participants during their visit to CSIRO.

Participant Dr Kavitha Kasala, Associate Scientist at the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics in Telangana, said, “The course brought in an inclusivity and systems lens, helping us understand how co-created solutions are more impactful than siloed approaches. It was an experiential journey—an amalgamation of virtual and physical knowledge-sharing deeply immersed in the Australian context. What stood out was the forward-thinking approach of linking industry with research and policy for enabling timely, evidence-based action. The course offered valuable insights into sustainable agriculture and food security, which we can meaningfully adapt and apply in India.”

Additionally, participant Dr Janampet Razia Sultana, Assistant Professor at PV Narsimha Rao Telangana Veterinary University in Hyderabad, said, “The Short Course was an enriching experience that broadened my knowledge and inspired me to apply innovative and inclusive approaches in my work. Thoughtfully designed with a blend of expert lectures, interactive discussions and exposure visits, it enabled me to connect theoretical concepts with real-world applications. I gained valuable insights into innovative practices, proven best approaches and inclusive methods, particularly in the context of livestock production and management.”

Participants at the Australian National University.

Participant Dr Ani Bency Jacob, Assistant Commissioner at the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying in Delhi, said, “The Short Course was an enriching experience that broadened my technical expertise, strengthened professional networks and deepened my understanding of sustainable livestock development. The exposure to Australia’s advanced biosecurity systems, precision agriculture and collaborative research models have equipped me with actionable strategies to enhance India’s animal husbandry sector.”

Dr Abhishek Das, Scientist – Agricultural Economics at the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics in Hyderabad, said, “The Short Course was a transformative experience, combining the interactive high-level course structure on different aspects of agricultural systems from our host institute, the University of New England, with insights from leading experts at CSIRO, Australian National University, and Grains Research and Development Corporation, and practical visits to Australian farming regions. These interactions offered fresh perspectives and innovative approaches to address India’s agricultural and food security challenges. The support from the University of New England and the Australia Awards – India team was incredible, making our stay productive, comfortable and truly memorable.”

Feature photo: Participants pictured at Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority, Armidale, with Dr Paul Kristiansen (person holding the photograph on the right), Associate Professor at University of New England.