August 5, 2024
K-State's Feed the Future Sustainable Intensification Innovation Lab leadership recognized by government of Cambodia
Kansas State University's Feed the Future Innovation Lab on Collaborative Research for Sustainable Intensification, or SIIL, hosted its 2024 annual meeting, June 17-18 in Phnom Penh, Cambodia.
More than 160 participants were 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, or USAID, — Cambodia, and other partners including private sector, producers and farmer organizations.
A celebration of the longtime partnership between the SIIL and the Royal University of Agriculture, or RUA, was hosted by the Center of Excellence on Sustainable Agricultural Intensification and Nutrition, or CESAIN. The CESAIN team held this event to highlight the 10 years of achievements that both SIIL and CESAIN have had in Cambodia.
One of the important action item of this day was the commitment of the Cambodian Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, or 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 codeveloped and cocreated the CESAIN, were all recognized for their exceptional leadership in advancing agricultural research and education, fostering innovation and enhancing capacity-building. The honorees included P.V. Vara Prasad, university distinguished professor; R.O. Kruse endowed professor and director of the SIIL; Jan B. Middendorf, associate director of the SIIL; and Manny R. Reyes, research professor in the SIIL.
"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 said. "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."
Ernie Minton, Eldon Gideon dean of the College of Agriculture and director of K-State Research and Extension at K-State, emphasized the importance of SIIL's accomplishments in the sustainability and resilience of the global agrifood systems.
"The College of Agriculture is very proud of the SIIL's impactful achievements in the field of international research and development with the goal of eliminating global food insecurity and malnutrition," Minton said. "Their commitment and dedication to finding practical solutions to address these global challenges inspire all of us at K-State."