UC ANR advisor featured on U.S.-Indian news outlet

UC Agriculture and Natural Resources (UC ANR) advisor Surendra Dara was featured on a half-hour program broadcast by NRI Samay, a California-based public radio service focused on Indian-American news. Dara, an Indian native himself, shared with the host the academic path that led him to his current position serving as an advisor to strawberry and vegetable crops growers in San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara and Ventura counties. Dara is also affiliated with the UC Statewide Integrated Pest Management Program.

The program's host asked how California came to be the No. 1 agricultural state in the United States and a world leader in many specific crops. Dara said the weather plays a role, of course, but he attributed much of the success to California farmers, who are continually improving their production practices. He said the research and extension programs provided by UC ANR Cooperative Extension also contributes significantly to the success of California agriculture.

In India, he said, there is an extension system, but the channels are different. He pointed out that extension is also different in other U.S. states. The University of California is a world renowned 10-campus system that has a separate division dedicated to the extension program - UC ANR.

"We have around 250 scientists responsible for various crops and commodities," Dara said.

The scientists are in regular contact with growers, plus they work to anticipate agricultural problems that might develop in the future.

"We are involved in applied research," Dara said. "We provide science-based practical solutions to farmers that can be used right away."