ICRISAT and Kaveri University Forge Strategic Partnership to Advance AgriTech Education, Research, and Innovation

Media Release

July 31, 2025

In a strategic move to advance climate-resilient agriculture and nurture next-generation talent across India and the Global South, the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) and Kaveri University signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on 30 July 2025 to foster research collaboration, technology development, and student exchange.

The MoU was signed by Dr Himanshu Pathak, Director General of ICRISAT, and Dr V. Praveen Rao, Vice Chancellor of Kaveri University, in the presence of Chancellor Mr G.V. Bhaskar Rao, during a ceremony held at the university’s campus in Gouraram, Siddipet district in Telangana, India.

Strategic Convergence for Future-Ready Agriculture

Speaking at the MoU signing ceremony, Dr Pathak emphasized the urgent need for academic institutions and international research centers to collaborate more closely in addressing the multifaceted challenges of global agriculture.

“The future of agriculture depends on how well we integrate science, technology, education, and policy. This partnership with Kaveri University is an investment in building the next generation of agri-innovators and ensuring that research outcomes translate to real-world impact, especially for smallholder farmers,” said Dr Pathak.

The partnership aims to:

Facilitate joint research initiatives in climate-smart agriculture, digital farming, crop breeding, and bio-innovation
Promote student and faculty exchange programs to enhance cross-institutional learning
Leverage ICRISAT’s international expertise and Kaveri University’s localized, tech-driven curriculum
Enable translational research that directly benefits farming communities in dryland and rainfed regions

Fostering an Ecosystem of Innovation

During his visit, Dr Pathak toured Kaveri University’s advanced laboratories and experiential learning platforms, including AI- and IoT-enabled precision farming modules, drone and robotics units, and biotechnology and crop physiology research facilities. He commended the university’s integrated academia–industry ecosystem as a forward-looking model that equips students with real-world skills and cultivates innovation at the intersection of science and practice.

At the Kaveri Seeds R&D Centre, Dr Pathak reviewed genomic analysis infrastructure, high-throughput seed quality testing systems, and biotechnology-driven varietal development pipelines. He personally invited students and faculty to engage with ICRISAT’s global research programs at its Hyderabad headquarters, encouraging deeper collaboration and knowledge exchange to support resilient and climate-smart agriculture.

Dr Pathak also embraced the opportunity to address students from agriculture, engineering, and data science disciplines, underscoring the critical role of agriculture in driving economic development, ecological sustainability, and rural transformation. He urged students to harness science, empathy, and entrepreneurship to build inclusive and tech-driven food systems.

A Shared Vision for Transformational Impact

The signing of this MoU reflects ICRISAT’s continued commitment to strengthening partnerships with leading national and international institutions in the Global South to co-create solutions for resilient, productive, and profitable agriculture—particularly in dryland regions where innovation is most needed. The agreement also underscores the importance of public–private partnerships in accelerating agricultural R&D and promoting farmer-centric innovations.

Dr V. Praveen Rao, Vice-Chancellor of Kaveri University, and other senior officials expressed appreciation for the collaboration, noting its potential to elevate the university’s academic and research profile on a national and global stage.

Dr Rao noted that the ICRISAT–Kaveri University partnership opens new avenues for developing future-ready agricultural professionals and scaling innovations that respond to climate change, food security, and rural transformation.