By Blake Jackson
Lincoln University of Missouri (LU) recently hosted Dr. Manjit Misra, Director of the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA), for a tour of the university's College of Agriculture, Environmental and Human Sciences (CAEHS) and its innovative research programs.
NIFA is a major funder of LU's CAEHS research, which focuses on addressing food insecurity, nutrition education, and economic growth in diverse, limited-resource communities.
During his visit, Dr. Misra toured the Charles E. Dickinson Research Center (DRC), a state-of-the-art facility that houses greenhouses, laboratories, and classrooms for hands-on learning. He also visited the George Washington Carver Farm, a historical site and educational resource that showcases LU's Jesup Wagon 2.0, a mobile classroom and equipment station that provides outreach to small farmers.
Dr. Misra was particularly interested in LU's research on quinoa and industrial hemp. Quinoa is a nutrient-rich crop that has the potential to improve food security and nutrition. LU researchers are studying how to grow quinoa greens, which are a lesser used but beneficial part of the plant. Industrial hemp is a versatile crop with a wide range of potential uses, including food, fiber, and medicine. LU's Hemp Institute is working to promote the growth of the hemp industry in Missouri and beyond.
Dr. Misra praised LU's commitment to agricultural research and innovation. He said that LU's work is "making a tangible impact on people's lives." He also highlighted the importance of promoting nutritious diets and the role of agriculture in promoting economic growth in rural communities.
The visit by Dr. Misra and other NIFA representatives underscores the strong partnership between LU and NIFA. This partnership is essential to LU's ability to fulfill its mission of improving the quality of life for diverse, limited-resource citizens.
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Categories: Missouri, Education