FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                     Contact: Misty Young

August 19, 2009                                                                             (573)681-6032

[Jefferson City, MO] Lincoln University faculty and staff have shared their expertise with a top agriculture official from Afghanistan. Safi Mohammad Hussein, Director of Agriculture, Irrigation and Livestock for Afghanistan’s Nangarhar province, visited Lincoln University and the university’s Carver Farm on Tuesday to learn more about the institution’s work and research projects in agriculture and aquaculture. 

            Hydroponics, or soilless gardening, was one area of discussion during Director Safi’s visit. Since 2005, the university has been researching improved methods for growing vegetables and herbs, using hydroponic techniques. The project has been successful in yielding leaf vegetables such as arugula and Cos lettuce, herbs such as basil and chives and seed-producing fruit, such as Roma tomatoes. Dr. Jonathan Egilla is the Principal Investigator for this project. 

            Aquaculture specialists Mr. Charles Hicks and Dr. Jim Wetzel showcased their current findings on ways to increase fish production. Dr. Sanjun Gu also shared methods for vegetable production in high tunnels, which are solar-heated facilities used to prolong the growing season. 

            Director Safi’s tour of Lincoln University is part of a weeklong visit to the state through the Missouri National Guard’s Agribusiness Development Program. The program’s aim is to help the farmers of Afghanistan find innovative ways to advance their trade. 

            Director Safi also visited three local farms during Tuesday’s visit: the Lowell Mohler farm (coordinated by USDA/NRCS), the Kitts Gillilan farm and the Wayne Hammon farm. Other stops during Director Safi’s tour have include a visit to the Missouri State Fair with Senator Kit Bond, a tour of the Missouri State Capitol and meetings with representatives from the Missouri Farm Bureau, the Missouri Department of Agriculture and the Missouri Department of Conservation.

 

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