In a major push toward strengthening India’s agricultural skill ecosystem and rural employment opportunities, the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Dr. Reddy’s Foundation. The agreement aims to modernize agricultural extension services, improve structured vocational training, and enhance livelihood opportunities for farmers and rural youth through a science-led public–private partnership.
The MoU was exchanged at the ICAR–National Academy of Agricultural Research Management (ICAR-NAARM) in Hyderabad, highlighting a shared commitment toward building a future-ready agricultural workforce aligned with national development priorities.
Strengthening Agricultural Skill Development in India
A core objective of this collaboration is to promote structured agricultural education and skill development in line with national frameworks such as the National Skill Qualification Framework (NSQF) and the National Credit Framework (NCrF). These frameworks are designed to provide flexible learning pathways, enabling rural youth to accumulate academic credits while developing industry-relevant practical skills.
Under the partnership, ICAR will extend scientific and technical support, including:
- Curriculum development and technical guidance
- Access to research expertise and subject specialists
- Support from research institutes and Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs)
- Region-specific training aligned with local agricultural needs
This approach is expected to ensure that training programmes are scientifically validated, practical, and directly beneficial to farmers and agri-entrepreneurs.
Focus on Climate-Smart Agriculture and Sustainable Farming
Another significant area of cooperation involves strengthening the capacities of small and marginal farmers by integrating ICAR’s proven technologies with community-level outreach models developed by DRF.
The partnership will promote:
- Climate-smart and regenerative farming practices
- Efficient use of natural resources
- Soil health restoration
- Sustainable crop management techniques
By improving last-mile extension delivery, the collaboration aims to improve adoption of scientific farming practices and increase productivity while supporting environmental sustainability.
Creating Employment and Entrepreneurship Opportunities for Rural Youth
Beyond farming practices, the MoU places strong emphasis on youth employability and agricultural entrepreneurship. With DRF’s recognition as an Awarding Body under the National Council for Vocational Education and Training (NCVET), the initiative will facilitate standardized certifications and industry-aligned skill training.
This is expected to help build a skilled rural workforce capable of contributing to:
- Value addition in agriculture
- Agri-based startups and enterprises
- Market-linked production systems
- Technology-driven agricultural services
The initiative aligns with India’s broader vision of transforming agriculture into a knowledge-driven and economically sustainable sector.
Supporting National Missions and Policy Goals
The collaboration supports several key government priorities, including:
- Skill India Mission
- Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY)
- National Education Policy’s vocational integration focus
- Climate-resilient and sustainable agriculture initiatives
By strengthening institutional convergence between research, extension, and skilling systems, the partnership aims to develop scalable and replicable models that can be expanded across states.
Implementation Plan and Future Outlook
The initial implementation phase will cover six states — Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttar Pradesh — with expansion planned based on performance outcomes. The MoU will remain valid for five years and will be monitored through a joint mechanism to ensure quality implementation and measurable progress.
A Step Toward Science-Led Rural Transformation
With this partnership, ICAR reinforces its commitment to using science and innovation to empower farmers, strengthen rural livelihoods, and build resilient agricultural systems. As India focuses on skill development and sustainable growth, collaborations like this are expected to play a crucial role in shaping the future of rural transformation.
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