August 6, 2024
K-State’s Feed the Future Sustainable Intensification Innovation Lab Leadership Recognized by the Government of Cambodia
Kansas State University’s Feed the Future Innovation Lab on Collaborative Research for Sustainable Intensification (SIIL) held its 2024 Annual Meeting, June 17th - 18th in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. There were over 160 participants in attendance representing over 15 countries across the globe, along with many scholars, policy makers and government officials from Cambodia. The attendees included partners and funding recipients of the SIIL, along with representatives of government and non-government entities, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) – Cambodia, and other partners including private sector, producers and farmer organizations.
A celebration of the long-time partnership between the SIIL and the Royal University of Agriculture (RUA) was hosted at RUA by the Center of Excellence on Sustainable Agricultural Intensification and Nutrition (CESAIN). The CESAIN team held this event to highlight the ten years of achievements that both SIIL and CE SAIN have had in Cambodia.
One of the important action items of this day was the commitment of the Cambodian Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF) to institutionalize CESAIN within RUA. This action ensures that the activities and impact of CESAIN will continue well beyond the life span of SIIL, an enormously significant outcome.
In addition to highlighting the importance and contributions of the CESAIN, the leaders of the SIIL who co-developed and co-created the CESAIN in collaboration with RUA and USAID were recognized for their hard work and commitment. Following years of dedication to the international agricultural research and development Drs. P.V. Vara Prasad, Jan B. Middendorf, and Manny R. Reyes were all recognized for their exceptional leadership in advancing agricultural research and education, fostering innovation, and enhancing capacity-building. This recognition was presented by the Mission Director of USAID-Cambodia, Kerry Pelzman, and H.E. Chan Sovuth, the MAFF Minister of State, and presence of H.E. Bunthan Ngo, the Rector of the RUA.
P.V. Vara Prasad, university distinguished professor, R.O. Kruse endowed professor and Director of the SIIL commented on how honored he is to accept this recognition.
"Receiving this recognition is a profound honor that reflects the dedication and collective efforts of our partners, collaborators, scholars and staff in advancing agricultural research, education and outreach.” Prasad stated. “We [the entire SIIL family and K-State] are deeply grateful for this appreciation and will remain committed to building human and social capital, and improving lives and livelihoods of people engaged in agrifood systems in Cambodia and around the world."
The Eldon Gideon Dean of the College of Agriculture and Director of K-State Research and Extension at K-State, Dr. Ernie Minton emphasized the importance of SIILs accomplishments in the sustainability and resilience of the global agrifood systems.
Minton said that "The College of Agriculture is very proud of the SIILs impactful achievements in the field of international research and development with the goal of eliminating global food insecurity and malnutrition. Their commitment and dedication to finding practical solutions to address these global challenges inspire all of us at K-State."