Four projects will strengthen applied training, producer support, and interdisciplinary
problem-solving in Kentucky agriculture.
FRANKFORT, Ky. — A $1.7 million federal investment will help Kentucky State University expand hands-on
learning for students and deliver practical training and technical support for producers.
The work is designed to improve food safety, strengthen farm businesses, and build
job-ready skills for modern agriculture.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture awarded the University $1.7 million through the
National Institute of Food and Agriculture Capacity Building Grants program. USDA
supports the nation’s food and agriculture systems, and NIFA invests federal dollars
in university-led research, teaching, and community outreach.
Kentucky State, an 1890 land-grant institution, will use the competitive awards to
strengthen teaching, research, and Extension — the University’s community-based outreach
and technical assistance. The work will be led through the College of Agriculture,
Health, and Natural Resources in partnership with the College of Business, Engineering
& Technology.
Together, the four projects reflect Kentucky State’s research cluster approach to
problem-solving, bringing together expertise in agriculture, engineering, business,
and data and geospatial sciences to deliver practical outcomes for producers, students,
and communities.
The awards will advance four areas:
- Specialty crop production and marketing ($600,000)
- Agricultural recruitment through a summer immersion program ($450,000)
- Expanded research, education, and Extension training tied to workforce readiness ($350,000)
- Data competency for agricultural science majors (about $300,000)
Each project is led by a principal investigator, the faculty lead responsible for
overall direction and deliverables. Additional co-investigators contribute specialized
expertise and lead key components of the work.
A $600,000 award for Strengthening Specialty Crop Production and Marketing will support
integrated research, teaching, and Extension activities focused on expanding the production
and marketing of traditional and underutilized vegetable crops.
Dr. Siddhartha Dasgupta, associate research director for the Land Grant Program and
professor of aquaculture, leads the work with co-investigators Dr. Kirk Pomper, professor
of horticulture; Dr. Theoneste Nzaramyimana, assistant professor for urban agriculture;
and Dr. Anuj Chiluwal, assistant professor of agronomy.
The team will identify high-potential crops for Kentucky markets, develop year-round
production and management recommendations tailored to Kentucky soils and climate,
expand Extension programming, and provide students with hands-on learning and applied
research experiences.
A $450,000 award will fund the Harvesting Potential Agricultural Introduction Summer
Program, an immersive experience designed to engage underrepresented high school students
and introduce them to agriculture and related STEM careers.
The program will combine hands-on training with exposure to modern technologies and
sustainable practices, plus mentoring from faculty and industry partners.
Dr. Jamaal Jackson, head men’s basketball coach, will serve as principal investigator,
with graduate student Malik Thompson serving as program director and overseeing implementation
and day-to-day operations.
A third award totaling $350,000 will support “Enhancing Agricultural Research, Education,
and Extension Opportunities for Students and Staff of Kentucky State University.”
Activities will include trainings, certifications, and workshops for middle- and high-school
students, farmers, Kentucky State students, faculty, and Extension personnel. The
project also will expand outreach in sustainable agriculture, food security, climate
resilience, and nutrition.
Dr. Sait Sarr, senior research scientist and adjunct faculty in the College of Agriculture,
Health, and Natural Resources, is the principal investigator, working with co-investigators
Dr. Dasgupta, and Dr. Milon Chowdhury, assistant professor of Ag and Bio Engineering.
The fourth award, totaling approximately $300,000, supports “Data Competency for Agricultural
Science Majors,” an interdisciplinary initiative that will develop new courses and
stackable certificates integrating agriculture, business, mathematics, and computer
science.
Dr. James Obielodan, professor of management information systems, will lead the effort
with co-investigators Dr. Maheteme Gebremedhin, chair of the School of Agriculture
and Natural Resources and associate professor of soil science; Dr. Chi Shen, dean
of the College of Business, Engineering & Technology; Dr. Jyotica Batra, assistant
professor of physics; and Dr. Buddhi Gyawali, professor of geospatial applications,
human dimensions, and climate studies.