Surviving the Pandemic: Adaptive Strategies of Scientists in Agricultural Universities during COVID-19

Description

Page: 218-223

Shreya Kar, Manmeet Kaur, and Dalbeer Singh (Department of Extension Education, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, Punjab)

The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly disrupted global operations across various sectors. The State Agricultural Universities (SAUs) in Northern India, pivotal in the region’s agricultural advancement through teaching, research, and extension activities had to rapidly transition to remote operations. This study investigated the coping mechanisms adopted by scientists at State Agricultural Universities (SAUs) in Northern India during the COVID-19 pandemic. Using data collected from 280 scientists at Punjab Agricultural University and Chaudhary Sarwan Kumar Himachal Pradesh Krishi Vishvavidyalaya, along with 20 scientists from Krishi Vigyan Kendras, the research identified key adaptive strategies employed at both individual and institutional levels. Scientists primarily relied on physical activities (exercise, walking), mindful practices (meditation, yoga, religious activities), entertainment (social media, television, hobbies), health measures (doctor consultations, immunity boosters), financial planning (insurance, savings), and technical adaptation (learning new technologies, seeking assistance). All respondents increased social media usage during lockdowns, maintaining connectivity while working remotely. Institutional support strategies, particularly the implementation of 50% workforce policies, work-from-home arrangements, vaccination facilitation, and online training programs, were highly valued by scientists. The study reveals that these multifaceted approaches enabled scientists to maintain physical and mental well-being while ensuring continuity in teaching, research, and extension activities. The findings provide valuable insights for developing crisis management frameworks that strengthen institutional preparedness for future disruptions in academic and research environments.