ACADEMIC CROSS POLLINATION: A WAY FORWARD

Today in the western world there is a concept which is very much in fashion i.e. interdisciplinary or cross pollinated academics. Especially in the area of research this is more so a written norm for students taking up any kind of research. All major universities across USA and Europe have courses which allow the students to study the interface that comes into existence due to play between various streams of knowledge. Cross pollination as a concept has been around for a long time with its use in agricultural sciences (Xenogamy) dating back to the 1800s. Cross pollinated flowers or plants are hybrids with traits from both parent flowers/plants. The result is often more diverse and sturdier, one which can face the challenges around it posed by various environmental factors. It is a topic that has been intensively covered in the agricultural research.