The weeklong programme organized by the Department of Commerce, Dibrugarh University, commenced on the 20th of July 2020 (Monday) under the UGC SAP DRS I granted to the Department. The programme was inaugurated by Honourable Vice Chancellor of Dibrugarh University Prof. Ranjit Tamuli. In his inaugural speech, he expressed his satisfaction towards the effort made by the Department to organize such kind of Faculty development programme during the prevailing pandemic period. Emphasizing on the theme of the FDP, he was of the opinion that agriculture and the rural base are the two pillars of Indian Socio-economic system. “The marketing of agricultural produce receives much importance during this crucial period across the globe”, he added.
Earlier the session begins with a welcome note by the coordinator of the FDP Dr. Bipasha Chetiya, Assistant Professor, Department of Commerce, Dibrugarh University highlighting the objective and purpose of the programme followed by a welcome address from the Head of the Department, Dr. Chimun Kr. Nath. Two of the esteemed Resource Persons of the FDP, who were present during the Session, Prof. Navin Mathur and Prof. Anil Mehta, also offered their brief opening speeches on the occasion. Thereafter, the 1st Technical session was conducted by the UGC SAP DRS I Coordinator of the Department, Prof. Ashit Saha – starting with a welcome note and touching upon the distinct character and significant requirements of Agricultural and Rural Marketing Research.
There were 100 participants, who have actively participated in the programme, representing 14 states of India. The FDP also saw a blend of Academicians and Practitioners from the fields of Marketing in general and of Agricultural and Rural Marketing in specific, who acted as the Resource Persons during the various Technical Sessions. The Resource Persons of the FDP includes Prof. Navin Mathur, Prof. N.M. Sharma and Prof. Anil Mehta all are Former Professors of University of Rajasthan, Flt Lt Manoj Kr. Gogoi, Executive Director, North East Zone, Food Corporation of India, Prof. Chandan Hazarika, Assam Agricultural University, Assam, Dr. Vinod Kr. Vidyarthi, Deputy General Manager, NABARD Corporate Office, Mumbai, Dr. Bipasha Chetiya Barua and Dr. Chimun Kr. Nath, both from Department of Commerce, Dibrugarh University.
On July 25, 2020 after the technical sessions of the day a brief valedictory session was organized with all the Resource Persons, who have deliberated in the FDP, has offered their Closing Remarks and words of encouragement and appreciation. Many participant representatives from various states offered their acknowledgement and appreciation regarding the programme and shared their experiences throughout the week. Finally, with a Formal Vote of Thanks from the UGC SAP DRS I Coordinator, Prof. Ashit Saha, the FDP evidenced its closure.