Srinagar | : The International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) and Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir (SKUAST-K) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to enhance collaborative research and academic exchange in climate-resilient agriculture.
The agreement, signed in Hyderabad by ICRISAT’s Director General Dr. Himanshu Pathak and SKUAST-K’s Vice-Chancellor Prof. Nazir Ahmad Ganai, aims to address the challenges of climate change on agricultural productivity and food security, particularly in the ecologically sensitive region of Jammu & Kashmir. This partnership will leverage ICRISAT’s global expertise in dryland agriculture and SKUAST-K’s understanding of the unique agro-climatic conditions of the Himalayan region. Both institutions are committed to developing sustainable agricultural solutions that benefit farmers and enhance food security. The collaboration will facilitate the exchange of faculty members, provide student internship opportunities, and focus on research projects aimed at developing climate-resilient crop varieties and sustainable farming practices. Key initiatives outlined in the MoU include organizing joint workshops and training programs to enhance the skills of researchers and farmers, as well as optimizing the use of advanced research facilities and resources from both institutions. This partnership is expected to accelerate the development of climate-smart agricultural technologies, leading to increased productivity, improved livelihoods for farmers, and enhanced environmental sustainability in Jammu & Kashmir. Both ICRISAT and SKUAST-K are dedicated to achieving the objectives of the MoU and contributing to global efforts in combating climate change through agricultural innovation.
