In a major step towards sustainable farming and climate adaptation, the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT), Hyderabad, and Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir (SKUAST-K) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to promote collaborative research and academic exchange in climate-resilient agriculture.
The agreement was formalized in Hyderabad by Dr. Himanshu Pathak, Director General of ICRISAT, and Prof. Nazir Ahmad Ganai, Vice-Chancellor of SKUAST-K.
This strategic partnership aims to tackle the growing challenges posed by climate change on agriculture and food security in the ecologically sensitive Himalayan region, especially Jammu & Kashmir. It will harness ICRISAT’s global expertise in dryland agriculture and SKUAST-K’s local knowledge of agro-climatic conditions and traditional farming practices.
“We are delighted to partner with SKUAST-K, an institution renowned for its dedication to agricultural advancement in the challenging terrains of Jammu & Kashmir,” said Dr. Himanshu Pathak. “This collaboration underscores our joint commitment to developing sustainable, climate-resilient solutions that will uplift farmers and enhance regional food security.”
Prof. Nazir Ahmad Ganai echoed this sentiment, calling the MoU a “momentous occasion” for SKUAST-K.
“This partnership with a world-leading institution like ICRISAT opens new doors for our faculty and students. It will greatly advance research in climate-resilient agriculture—critical for sustainable farming in our region. We look forward to impactful outcomes that will benefit our farming communities.”
Faculty Exchange: Mutual exchange of faculty to collaborate on research, share expertise, and deliver specialized lectures.
Student Opportunities: Internships, academic projects, and training for students in climate-smart agriculture.
Joint Research Projects: Focused on climate-resilient crop varieties, sustainable farming, water management, and technology adaptation.
Capacity Building: Workshops, seminars, and training programs for researchers, extension workers, and farmers.
Resource Sharing: Optimized use of research facilities, germplasm collections, and technical infrastructure across both institutions.
This partnership is poised to accelerate innovation, improve farm productivity, and promote environmental sustainability in the region. It also aligns with global efforts to combat climate change through agricultural research and development.
Both institutions reaffirmed their long-term commitment to driving transformation in agriculture and empowering local communities to face the future with greater resilience.