Latest news with #ICRISAT
United News of India
2 days ago
- Business
- United News of India
ICRISAT partners with IFFCO and BBSL to establish state-of-the-art Seed Research Hub in Gujarat
New Delhi, June 4 (UNI) The International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT), the Indian Farmers Fertiliser Cooperative Limited (IFFCO), and Bhartiya Beej Sahkari Samiti Limited (BBSSL) formally entered into a Tripartite Service Agreement to establish the Beej Anusandhan Kendra, a state-of-the-art research center in Gujarat, focused on advancing seed innovation and sustainable agriculture. Under this agreement, ICRISAT has been appointed as the Knowledge Partner responsible for developing the Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the center, the Hyderabad-based research Institute said in a release on Wednesday. This collaboration harnesses ICRISAT's global research expertise, IFFCO's cooperative leadership, and BBSSL's commitment to seed quality and sustainability, creating a strong foundation for impactful agricultural advancement. reinforcing the shared vision of all parties to drive agricultural innovation and seed research. The Beej Anusandhan Kendra (BAK), proposed to be built by IFFCO and operated by BBSSL, aims to foster sustainable agricultural growth through the integration of world-class seed research and development infrastructure. In its role as Knowledge Partner, ICRISAT will provide the scientific and technical expertise to define the center's specifications, core functions, and design framework. "The Beej Anusandhan Kendra represents a convergence of science, cooperation, and grassroots action. As a knowledge partner, ICRISAT is committed to delivering a world-class blueprint that will enable this center to become a hub for seed innovation and farmer empowerment," said Dr Himanshu Pathak, Director General, ICRISAT. This agreement marks a significant milestone in India's cooperative-driven agricultural research ecosystem. BBSSL and IFFCO bring deep grassroots reach and cooperative strength, while ICRISAT contributes its international scientific expertise to create a center poised to benefit millions of farmers. "We are proud to witness this partnership with ICRISAT and BBSSL in laying the groundwork for a research facility that will serve India's farmers through scientific rigor and innovation. "IFFCO remains committed to strengthening the agricultural ecosystem through sustainable and collaborative efforts," shared Yogendra Kumar, Chairman BBSSL and Director – Marketing, IFFCO. "BBSSL envisions the Beej Anusandhan Kendra as a landmark step in supporting Indian agriculture with high-quality seeds and research infrastructure. "With IFFCO's leadership and ICRISAT's technical expertise, we are confident this facility will benefit millions of farmers across the country," said Chetan Joshi, Managing Director, BBSSL. UNI KNR RN
Indian Express
3 days ago
- Business
- Indian Express
ICRISAT launches agri co-op centre for Global South
The International Crops Research Institute for Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) and Research and Information System for Developing Countries (RIS) launched Tuesday a new Centre of Excellence for transformation of agriculture in developing countries through South-South cooperation. The new Centre— ICRISAT Centre of Excellence for South-South Cooperation in Agriculture (ISSCA) — based in Hyderabad, will serve as a catalyst for translating agricultural solutions into scalable impact. At a press meet, RIS Director General Sachin Chaturvedi said this Centre will take India's development experience to other developing nations. It would democratise agricultural knowledge and translate experience into policy. Sharing an example of collaboration between countries, Chaturvedi said Ethiopia and Kenya have approached the RIS, seeking support for institutional framework to have growth of the private seed industry in their countries.
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Business Standard
3 days ago
- General
- Business Standard
ICRISAT, others partner to launch agri cooperation centre for Global South
ICRISAT, India's Ministry of Agriculture and global partners launch centre to strengthen collaboration on agricultural and climate challenges in dryland regions Agencies New Delhi The International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT), a premier global institute dedicated to research in dryland agriculture, has partnered with think-tank Research and Information System for Developing Countries (RIS), India's Ministry of Agriculture, and others to launch a new centre of excellence aimed at strengthening agricultural cooperation among Global South countries. The ICRISAT Centre for Excellence for South-South Cooperation in Agriculture (ISSCA) will facilitate partnerships between countries facing similar agricultural and climate challenges. It will act as a strategic hub for technology transfer, capacity building and innovation exchange in dryland and climate-vulnerable regions. The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), the International Centre for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas (ICARDA), the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation are among the partner organisations involved in the centre. ICRISAT has already identified more than 100 technological solutions spanning crop improvement, natural resource management, horticulture, digital agriculture and mechanisation, which will be made available through the platform. 'We are collecting all those solutions which are tested in some places and those will be opened for others to use,' ICRISAT Director General Himanshu Pathak said, adding that solutions will be mapped for specific countries, locations and farm households. The launch coincided with a memorandum of understanding between ICRISAT and DAKSHIN, a Government of India initiative for capacity-building partnerships in South-South cooperation.
Hans India
01-05-2025
- Science
- Hans India
ICRISAT's sorghum variety creating waves in Saudi Arabia
Hyderabad: Saudi Arabia's rainfed cereal sector is witnessing transformative success, driven by the growing popularity of ICSR 14001, an improved sorghum variety developed by ICRISAT. Locally named 'Mojan', meaning 'Wave' in Arabic, the variety symbolises a sweeping change – bringing increased productivity, resilience, and renewed hope to farming communities. Building on this momentum and deepening the impact of such innovations, a two-week study tour was organised from April 15-26 as part of a collaborative initiative between ICRISAT, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) to boost rainfed cereal production. The programme brought a delegation of researchers, extension agents, and farmers from Saudi Arabia to ICRISAT's headquarters in Hyderabad to strengthen knowledge exchange, explore cutting-edge agricultural technologies, and build capacity for dryland cereal cultivation—particularly sorghum, pearl millet, and sesame. Speaking on the significance behind the name Mojan for the sorghum variety ICSR 14001, Saudi farmer Hassan Habibi said, 'The word Mojan represents generosity and beautiful things. It comes from 'Moj,' which means 'wave' in the sea. When the wind moves through the sorghum plants and the large number of panicles sway, it looks like a wave in the sea. That's why we named it Mojan – because the quantity of production reflects generosity, and the way it moves in the field resembles a wave.' Dr Stanford Blade, Deputy Director General – Research and Innovation, ICRISAT, highlighted another key advantage of the variety: its dual-purpose value. 'The enthusiastic response from Saudi farmers to ICSR 14001 is a testament to the effective partnership among ICRISAT, FAO, and the Government of Saudi Arabia,' said Dr Blade. Interest in Mojan continues to grow, as Saudi Arabian farmers increasingly seek improved crop varieties that can meet their needs not only for food production but also for forage and mechanical harvesting. To respond to this evolving demand, Dr Ephrem Habyarimana, Principal Scientist – Sorghum Breeding at ICRISAT, outlined the Institute's commitment, stating that ICRISAT is ready to provide improved sorghum and dual-purpose pearl millet varieties tailored to local conditions. National Professional Officer, Cereals, FAO – Saudi Arabia, Dr Abdulla Alhendi applauded the collaboration, underscoring the strategic alignment between Saudi Arabia's agricultural goals and ICRISAT's expertise in dryland farming.
Hans India
26-04-2025
- Business
- Hans India
ICRISAT forges new partnership with BITS Pilani
Hyderabad: Ahead of the World Intellectual Property Day, the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) hosted a special event titled 'Celebrating Innovation, Empowering the Future' at its Hyderabad campus. The ICRISAT said on Friday that the two key features during the event were marked with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with BITS Pilani and an IP licensing agreement with Eco-Paryavaran for ICRISAT's Solar Water Hyacinth Harvester. Professor V Ramgopal Rao, Vice Chancellor, BITS Pilani, said, 'The MoU paves the way for cross-disciplinary innovation as BITS forays into the agriculture space. We plan to leverage our strengths in engineering, Artificial Intelligence, and start-ups to address critical agricultural and environmental challenges.' Dr Himanshu Pathak, Director General, ICRISAT, highlighted, 'Our IP strategy is not just about protecting crops and other innovations. It's about building partnerships to deliver technologies to the farmers who need them most. This MoU can spark high-level innovation in the years ahead.
