The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the initiative was signed on July 11, 2025. The partnership, under the Centre of Excellence for South–South Cooperation in Agriculture (ISSCA), will focus on validating climate-resilient innovations and ensuring last-mile adoption among farmers.

Founded in 1964, JFarm is TAFE’s flagship CSR programme that promotes farmer education and technology access. Building on successful models in Bhawanimandi (Rajasthan), Telangana, and Maharashtra, the new centre will further TAFE’s aim of improving productivity through scale-appropriate mechanisation and resource conservation.

The centre will integrate ICRISAT’s innovations, including machine-harvestable chickpea, with TAFE’s mechanisation capabilities. Special attention will be given to soil conservation, efficient water use, and crop-residue processing, with training modules tailored for tractor and equipment operation.

The facility will also showcase JFarm Services’ Farmer-to-Farmer (F2F) Digital Custom Hiring model, allowing farmers to access machinery without owning it, and support entrepreneurship through agricultural service models.

TAFE’s Group President Dr. T.R. Kesavan remarked, “With ICRISAT’s scientific excellence and our mechanisation expertise, we aim to empower every farmer through precision farming solutions and resource stewardship.”

ICRISAT Director General Dr. Himanshu Pathak noted, “Mechanisation is critical for achieving Viksit Bharat. This partnership is a step toward reducing dependency on chemicals and manual labour while promoting scalable, eco-friendly agriculture, especially in Africa.”

Beyond training, the centre will act as a platform for collaboration among startups, industry experts, institutions, and farming communities, promoting holistic, inclusive agricultural development.