PATCANCHERU, 11 July 2025: In a strategic move to address the growing agricultural challenges posed by climate change, 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 jointly promote climate-resilient agriculture in Jammu & Kashmir.
The MoU was formalised on Tuesday at ICRISAT headquarters in Hyderabad by Director General Dr. Himanshu Pathak and SKUAST-K Vice-Chancellor Prof Nazir Ahmad Ganai, marking a long-term commitment to research-led agricultural transformation in one of India’s most ecologically fragile regions.
“This partnership reflects our shared goal of building sustainable and science-driven solutions for farming communities that are on the frontlines of climate vulnerability,” said Dr. Pathak. “Our aim is to combine global research expertise with local knowledge to ensure food security, resilience, and improved farmer livelihoods.”
Focus on Innovation, Soil Health, and Capacity Building
The collaboration will focus on joint research, faculty and student exchange, and the co-development of climate-resilient crop varieties tailored to the agro-ecological conditions of the Himalayan belt. Special emphasis will be laid on soil health, water resource management, and sustainable farm technologies suitable for dryland and mountain agriculture.
“This MoU is a milestone in SKUAST-K’s journey toward scientific excellence and regional relevance,” said Prof Ganai. “Our students and researchers will benefit immensely through this exposure to global best practices and access to advanced laboratories and germplasm collections at ICRISAT.”
The agreement also includes provisions for joint training programs, workshops, and seminars to build capacity among researchers, extension workers, and farmers. Officials stated that the partnership would help bridge the knowledge gap between lab-based research and its application in the field, particularly for small and marginal farmers in J&K.
A Timely Response to Climate Pressures
The development comes amid increasing climate-related stress in Jammu & Kashmir, where erratic rainfall, declining soil fertility, and traditional cropping vulnerabilities are taking a toll on farmer incomes. Through collaborative innovation, both institutions aim to build resilient agricultural systems that are adaptable to changing climatic conditions.
The ICRISAT–SKUAST-K partnership aligns with broader national missions on climate adaptation and UN Sustainable Development Goals, providing a scalable model for integrating scientific research with ground-level agricultural development.
