Verma inducted as fellow of International Academy of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering
May 11, 2018
By Mary Hightower
U of A System Division of Agriculture
Fast facts
- Verma inducted in April at meeting in Turkey
- Dept chair recognized for leadership in ASABE global initiative for food, energy, water security
(363 words)
(Newsrooms: with downloadable file headshot of Verma)
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FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – Lalit Verma, professor and head of the Biological and Agricultural Engineering Department at the University of Arkansas and the U of A System Division of Agriculture has been inducted as a fellow of the International Academy of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering.
The induction took place during the 19th World Congress of the Commission Internationale du Génie Rural International Commission of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering meeting on April 23.
Verma was recognized for his sustained high-caliber contributions to the profession of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering, including spearheading the Global Initiative of the American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineering and serving as the society’s president during 2013-2014.
“I am humbled and honored by this recognition by the International Commission of my profession,” Verma said.
“Biological and Agricultural Engineering is engaged in providing engineering solutions for food, energy and water security in the global arena,” he said. “The challenges are quite different from one region to the other in our world.
“Adaptable and appropriate technology and designs are essential for efficient uses of very limited natural resources while addressing the sustainability and climate challenges,” Verma said. “Our profession is involved in meeting the essential needs and improvement of the quality of life around the globe.”
The main purpose of the academy is to identify and recognize individuals distinguished by their scientific and professional contributions to agricultural and biosystems engineering. Other purposes of the academy include fostering international cooperation and exchange of information, promoting agricultural and biosystems engineering and other sciences and technology of importance for this area, and stimulating international education and training in agricultural and biosystems engineering.
Verma, a Fellow of ASABE, AIMBE, IBE, and ISAE is internationally recognized for his research in rice and forage post-harvest engineering and technology, and for his outstanding contributions as an educator, dedicated researcher, and society leader. He has provided leadership in the development and promotion of biological engineering, a science-based discipline. As department head, he coordinated the transformation of small and unsustainable agricultural engineering programs into vibrant and growing biological engineering programs at two public land-grant universities, with leadership in coordinating the development of skill competencies and accreditation criteria.
About the Division of Agriculture
The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture’s mission is to strengthen agriculture, communities, and families by connecting trusted research to the adoption of best practices. Through the Agricultural Experiment Station and the Cooperative Extension Service, the Division of Agriculture conducts research and extension work within the nation’s historic land grant education system.
The Division of Agriculture is one of 20 entities within the University of Arkansas System. It has offices in all 75 counties in Arkansas and faculty on five system campuses.
The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture offers all its Extension and Research programs to all eligible persons without regard to race, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, religion, age, disability, marital or veteran status, genetic information, or any other legally protected status, and is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer.
Media Contact: Mary Hightower
Dir. of Communication Services
U of A System Division of Agriculture
Cooperative Extension Service
(501) 671-2126
mhightower@uada.edu