Chair Inauguration and One-day National Workshop
The Red Palm Weevil Research Chair was inaugurated by Prof. Dr. Abdullah Abdurrehman Al Othman, President of the University in the august presence of His Excellencey Mr. Mohammed Al Sheeha, Deputy Minister of Agriculture, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on Saturday the 16th of January 2010 at the College of Food and Agricultural Sciences. In his speech Prof. Dr. Abdullah Abdurrehman Al Othman expressed his happiness over the excellent strategic plan and collaborative research being done with other centers of excellence by the RPW research chair and emphasized that everyone should work hard for academic excellence. Prof. Dr. Abdullah AlOthman expressed his thanks to His Excellency the Minister of Agriculture Dr. Fahd Al Balghanim for his support, and cooperation with Agricultural College of the University. He also pointed out that the nation has reposed great responsibility on King Saud University by earmarking one of the biggest budget allocation for making the university one of the leading institutions in the world. He lauded the initiatives launched by the agriculture Ministry under the guidance of His Excellency the Minister of Agriculture for the benefit of the community.
HE Mr. Mohammed Al Sheeha in his remarks complimented the Chair for their efforts to collaborate with the ministry and extended full cooperation and support from his department. He also said that the linkages between the university and ministry is a good sign for solving the problems of the farmers in the Kingdom.
Prof. Dr. Ali Saeed AlGhamdi, Vice President, Graduate Studies and Scientific Research of the University in spite of his preoccupation sent his greetings and best wishes for the success of workshop. His has been the guiding force behind all activities of the chair.
Prof. Dr. Saleh Abdullah Aldosari, Director of the chair welcomed the guests and briefed the audience about the activities of the chair. He thanked the President for his keen interest and full support of the programs of the chair and hoped to receive the same kind of support in future. He also expressed his gratitude to Prof. Dr. Ali Saeed AlGhamdi, for taking special interest and providing full support for the success of chair’s activities.
Prof. Dr. Polana Vidyasagar, Chair professor briefed the chief guest, dignitaries and participants about the strategic plan of the chair. The inaugural lecture on “Strategies for sustainable management of Red Palm Weevil, Rhynchophorus ferrugineus in date palm orchards of Saudi Arabia” was delivered by him at the beginning of the function. Prof. Dr. Yousif Aldryhim also gave a talk on “Ecological aspects in the control of Red Palm Weevil”.
As part of the inaugural function a video was screened to highlight the achievements so far and the future thrust areas. The website of the chair, www.rpwrc-ksu.org was ceremoniously launched by the University’s President.
Two signing ceremonies also took place during the inauguration of the chair. The first MOU was signed between the RPWRC and Center of Excellence in Biotechnology Research by Prof. Dr. Saleh Aldosari and Prof. Dr. Omar Al-Attas, Director of CEBR.
The second MOU was signed by Prof. Dr. Saleh Aldosari and Prof. Salah Al Eid on behalf of RPWRC and Date Palm Research Center (Center of Excellence), King Faisal University, Al Hassa to conduct collaborative research.
After presentation of mementos to the important dignitaries the function came to a close.
On this occasion a booklet was published to provide information about vision, mission, objectives and activities of the chair. The inaugural workshop of the RPWRC was well attended by the university staff, employees, and guests from the Ministry of Agriculture and others. On behalf of the RPWRC we thank all the people who attended the meeting and made it a big success.
20 agricultural engineers from all parts of Saudi Arabia attended the training program titled, “First National Training Program on Management of Red Palm Weevil”, scheduled between January 17 – 27, 2010. Detailed program itinerary can be viewed by clicking on the pdf icon.
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