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Date: 2025-04-09
Amhara Agricultural Research Institute (ARARI) acknowledged Dr. Charles Higgins and renamed its biotechnology laboratory in the name of him.
Dr. Charles Higgins is a long-time ally and heartily partner of ARARI who has contributed a lot for the establishment and advancement of the institute's biotechnology laboratory. Dr. Higgins is also a dedicated collaborator and supporter of ARARI’s potato research program.
Dr. Higgins is an American agronomist, plant breeder, farmer, writer, philanthropist, mentor, potato ambassador and leader who runs his own farm and he is a man who has a great affection for Ethiopia.
He has become so well-known through the potato industry, is usually enough to establish Higgins as the person being referenced. To improve the livelihood of potato growing farmers in Ethiopia, Dr. Higgins started the project, "Ethiopian Sustainable Food Project', in 2007 and has been supporting ARARI a lot through the project.
Dr Higgins supported ARARI in strengthening its tissue culture lab facility and establishment of several screen houses for high-quality mini-tuber production. He has played a great role in the establishment of ARARI's Molecular laboratory station in Bahir Dar. Since purchasing and transporting of laboratory equipment and chemicals from the international market demands high capital and has a lot of challenges, Dr. Higgins simplified all these challenges of ARARI by purchasing and transporting of tissue culture and Molecular laboratory equipment and chemicals covering all the costs.
His support in potato utilization (mainly for solar drying construction and promotion) is also encouraging and ARARI has benefited in these area.
Beyond supporting potato research and multiplication activities, Dr. Higgins supported food oat breeding and seed production activities for the three varieties released so far.
He, together with his wife, Judy and friends frequently travels to Ethiopia every year and advice Ethiopian potato researchers and the ARARI management for providing disease free potato planting material to farmers.
He is leading the fund raising and planning of the Ethiopian Sustainable Food Project. In general, his contribution is immense in achieving access to improved potato seed to Ethiopian farmers.
Through the Ethiopian Sustainable Food Project, Dr Higgins is supporting plantlet production using potato Tissue Lab and mini-tuber production using the available 13 screen houses of the institute; potato seed distribution and promotion to farmers using demonstration, community based seed production and pre-scaling up approaches; on-farm seed potato storage, solar dehydration of potato and vegetables, nutrition research and information dissemination; potato bread and potato utilization promotion and oat research, breeder seed production and promotion.
Due to these and other top contribution of Dr. Charles Higgins, the ARARI management decided to acknowledge Dr Higgins and thus the institute is proud to announce the renaming of ARARI Tissue Culture Lab to the "Dr Higgins Biotechnology Laboratory" in honour of Dr. Higgins contributions to improve the livelihoods of Ethiopian Potato farmers.
During the renaming ceremony, Dr. Higgins representative and board member of Ethiopian Sustainable Food Project, Professor Walter De Jong has attended and welcomed ARARI's decision.
Dr. Asimare Dejen, Director General of ARARI elaborated Dr. Higgins's contribution in the agricultural sector and appreciated his dedication, commitment, and heartfelt support for ARARI and his affection for Ethiopia.
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Science grows food; peace sustains itFood security remains one of the most pressing global challenges, especially in regions affected by conflict and environmental instability. Agricultural research plays a pivotal role in addressing this challenge by developing resilient crop varieties, sustainable farming practices, and innovative technologies tailored to local conditions. However, the effectiveness of these solutions can be undermined by conflicts, wars, and instabilities caused by many human-made issues that disrupt farming activities, displace communities, and hinder access to markets and resources. Effective conflict management strategies are essential to create an environment where agricultural innovations can thrive. By integrating agricultural research with conflict-sensitive approaches, stakeholders can ensure that interventions reach the most vulnerable populations. Collaborative efforts between governments, researchers, and communities are vital to restoring trust and fostering long-term resilience. Ultimately, the path to food security lies in harmonizing science and peacebuilding efforts. With coordinated action, we can cultivate not only thriving farms but also stable communities, paving the way for a sustainable future for all. Author: Solomon Abate Mekonnen Date: 2024-12-21 43:21:08 |
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Enhancing Research Publishing: New Digital Journal Management SystemThe Amhara Agricultural Research Institute (ARARI) is proud to introduce its new Digital Journal Management System, designed to streamline the process of tracking submissions and publications. This advanced system offers a seamless experience for authors, reviewers, and editors, ensuring that every step of the publication process is efficient and transparent. By adopting this digital solution, ARARI aims to foster a more organized and accessible platform for research publishing, ultimately advancing the dissemination of vital agricultural research. Author: Solomon AM Date: 2024-05-24 10:24:01 |
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ARARI Revolutionizes Research Engagement with Innovative Digital SystemThe Amhara Agricultural Research Institute (ARARI) is transforming its research operations by implementing a cutting-edge digital system. This innovative platform aims to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of agricultural research, streamline data management, and foster seamless communication among researchers. By embracing digital technology, ARARI is poised to accelerate scientific discoveries and ensure sustainable agricultural development in the region. Author: Solomon AM Date: 2024-05-24 50:24:09 |
Science grows food; peace sustains it |
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Food security remains one of the most pressing global challenges, especially in regions affected by conflict and environmental instability. Agricultural research plays a pivotal role in addressing this challenge by developing resilient crop varieties, sustainable farming practices, and innovative technologies tailored to local conditions. However, the effectiveness of these solutions can be undermined by conflicts, wars, and instabilities caused by many human-made issues that disrupt farming activities, displace communities, and hinder access to markets and resources. Effective conflict management strategies are essential to create an environment where agricultural innovations can thrive. By integrating agricultural research with conflict-sensitive approaches, stakeholders can ensure that interventions reach the most vulnerable populations. Collaborative efforts between governments, researchers, and communities are vital to restoring trust and fostering long-term resilience. Ultimately, the path to food security lies in harmonizing science and peacebuilding efforts. With coordinated action, we can cultivate not only thriving farms but also stable communities, paving the way for a sustainable future for all. Author: Solomon Abate Mekonnen Date: 2024-12-21 43:21:08 |
Enhancing Research Publishing: New Digital Journal Management System |
|
|
The Amhara Agricultural Research Institute (ARARI) is proud to introduce its new Digital Journal Management System, designed to streamline the process of tracking submissions and publications. This advanced system offers a seamless experience for authors, reviewers, and editors, ensuring that every step of the publication process is efficient and transparent. By adopting this digital solution, ARARI aims to foster a more organized and accessible platform for research publishing, ultimately advancing the dissemination of vital agricultural research. Author: Solomon AM Date: 2024-05-24 10:24:01 |
ARARI Revolutionizes Research Engagement with Innovative Digital System |
|
|
The Amhara Agricultural Research Institute (ARARI) is transforming its research operations by implementing a cutting-edge digital system. This innovative platform aims to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of agricultural research, streamline data management, and foster seamless communication among researchers. By embracing digital technology, ARARI is poised to accelerate scientific discoveries and ensure sustainable agricultural development in the region. Author: Solomon AM Date: 2024-05-24 50:24:09 |
| Important Links | Our address | Collaboration & Partnership | |
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Ethiopian Institute of Agricultural Research BoA, Amhara Ministry of Agriculture ATI K-Ersha ILRI FAO Ethiopian Statistical Services (ESS) EFWPDA, Amhara |
Contacts |
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Food System Resilience Program (FSRP) Climate Action Through Landscape Management (CALM) Resilient Agriculture for Inclusive and Sustainable Ethiopian Food Systems (RAISE-FS) International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT) Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA) International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas (ICARDA) International Potato Center (CIP) |
