UNIVERSITY OF NORTH BENGAL
Title of the practice: Agro-business Support
The context that required the initiation of the practice: The University, though not an agricultural university, was acutely aware of the fact that the main land use pattern of the surrounding region is agricultural. Moreover the cropping pattern is largely rice and tea plantation. There existed a large opportunity to grow fruits and flowers and augment earning of the agriculturists. The cultivators are unaware of facts and skillsets necessary for higher and diversified agricultural productivity. Moreover the cultivators need proper training and certification for developing agro based projects and access financial and other administrative support for entrepreneurship. Hence the University started the Centre for Floriculture and Agro-business Management (CFABM) and Department of tea Science.
Objectives of the practice:
The Practice: The Department of Tea Science started with collaboration of Tea industry and in course of time it started PG programme, MSc in Tea Science. It helps tea growers by offering services like soil testing and improved agro-practices. CFABM demonstrates to growers cultivation of new crops, organic agricultural practices through onsite training and on farm training.
Obstacles faced if any and strategies adopted to overcome them:CFABM was introduced in September, 2006. At the end of five years the project grant was no longer available but it was continued with some revolving funds. The University however decided to continue the project by merging it with the department of Biotechnology in 2013-14. The existence of CFABM thus saved it started functioning in a better way
Impact of the practice: The Tea entrepreneurs get the service of soil testing in increasing number and the Department of Tea Science gets revenue. The following figures show the success of the endeavour:
At present the practice of CFABM is successful in popularising cultivation of Strawberry and Dragon Fruit among Nepal, Bhutan and Assam, in addition to North Bengal. Every month 2-3 trials are organised on farm of the growers. CFABM is now going to declare two villages in GTA area as Organic villages. It also earns about Rs. 50,000 revenue per year.
Resources required: The Department of Tea Science requires more sophisticated t equipment and CFABM needs dedicated budgetary allocation for training programmes and support from PKVY, RKVY, DDUGRY etc
About the Institution:
Title of the practice: Institutional Felicitation of Retiring Employees
The context that required the initiation of the practice: The initial practice was one of extending farewell to retiring employees from respective departments and offices. This was neither regular nor did it cover all places of duty and residence that are associated with a given staff throughout his or her tenure. Moreover on retirement it was necessary to provide the financial receivables like P.F and gratuity which were often delayed. Hence it was felt that on the day of the retirement the HEI should provide all dues and in a manner which befits long service rendered to the institution and that can be arranged only centrally by the Administration.
The Practice: The practice was introduced in September, 2018. On a particular day the retiring employees are invited in the university’s Conference Hall through circular requesting everybody to assemble for a function wherein the concerned employees are offered flower, clothes, sweets, benefits of leave encashment and gratuity.
Obstacles faced if any and strategies adopted to overcome them:Initially only employees of concerned sections used to be present and attendance was not satisfactory. The highest level of Authority then briefed all employees about the uniqueness of this practice and as a result the participation from all sections were ensured.
Impact of the practice: So far 10 such events as described below have been organised.
Resources required: The University is planning for introduction of HRMS so that more effective organisation of this practice can be ensured.