Communication importance stressed

Timely and effective communication is vital for the industry. As the global cotton sector is under tremendous pressure in terms of demand and price levels, two factors can be helpful: mission-linked research and effective and timely communication.

In the textile industry, where established giants such as China and India are struggling, research that can lead to cost-effective products via diversification is a critical need. Research that can lead to products to improve life, meet societal requirements and protect the environment will help the industry. The model developed by the agriculture sector, i.e., mission-linked research approach can be followed by the textile sector. This approach emphasises the importance of stakeholders’ views in planning, executing and supporting research programs.

United States’ cotton growers are a good example in supporting and carrying out research that will benefit their cause such as reducing insect pressure, yield improvements amidst environmental stress, contamination control, etc.

Although, there is no simple or straight forward strategy to conduct research, sage advice conveyed by Dr Manickvasagam Sundaram, currently a senior physician in the Department of Medicine at Lakeridge Health, Oshawa, Canada, to Seshadri Ramkumar, Professor, Texas Tech University, USA, is worth noting. Working on parallel projects, although tough will help to reduce risk, was a valuable guidance given to by Dr Sundaram, which helps. Dr Ram says he has used this approach in his 20 years at Texas Tech University that has resulted in products such as toxic chemical decontamination wipe, “FiberTect,” and environmentally friendly oil absorbing mat, “Towelie.”

Dr Sundaram is currently visiting the university laboratory in Lubbock and reiterated the importance of research and effective communication, which are important for practicing physicians, academicians, industrialists and even policy makers. More often research yields results, which are not expected, but they help with improving and will lead to successful outcomes. In such situations, transparent and clear communication clearly helps.

By: Seshadri Ramkumar, Professor, Texas Tech University, USA