PU program to help rebuild Afghanistan

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. (AP) - Purdue University is working to boost education and training in Afghanistan by sending faculty to the war-torn country and bringing Afghan scholars to Indiana.

Four Purdue staff members are on assignment in the country, while 12 instructors from Afghanistan are studying agronomy, agricultural economics, food science and English at Purdue.

The program also teaches National Guard troops to develop crop and livestock production programs.

The project involves renovating facilities, setting up teaching farms, offering staff development and creating veterinary programs and plant diagnostic training.

Graduate student Wali Salari says expanding agriculture education is first step in rebuilding his country.

Information from: Journal and Courier, http://www.jconline.com