IIT (BHU) and FAARD Foundation Sign MoU for Sustainable Rural Development
Varanasi:
In a major initiative aimed at strengthening agri-innovation and rural livelihoods, the Indian Institute of Technology (Banaras Hindu University), Varanasi, and the Foundation for Advancement of Agriculture and Rural Development (FAARD Foundation), Varanasi, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate on sustainable agricultural development in Eastern Uttar Pradesh.
The MoU was formally signed by Prof. Amit Patra, Director, IIT (BHU), and Prof. Panjab Singh, President, FAARD Foundation. The agreement, valid for five years, seeks to integrate advanced research, digital technologies, and grassroots implementation to benefit farmers, rural youth, and Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs).
Under this strategic partnership, IIT (BHU) and FAARD Foundation will work jointly to develop Eastern Uttar Pradesh as a “Lighthouse Region” for agri-innovation, combining IIT (BHU)’s cutting-edge technical expertise and research infrastructure with FAARD Foundation’s extensive field experience and rural outreach.
Addressing the gathering, Prof. Amit Patra, Director, IIT (BHU), said that the collaboration reflects the institute’s commitment to translating scientific research into real-world solutions and empowering farming communities through technology-driven interventions.
Prof. Panjab Singh, President, FAARD Foundation, highlighted that the partnership will enhance farmers’ access to modern technologies, knowledge systems, and markets, leading to sustainable livelihoods and improved rural incomes.
Elaborating on the scope of collaboration, Prof. Rajesh Kumar, Dean (Research & Development), IIT (BHU), stated that the MoU focuses on demonstration and dissemination of smart agricultural technologies, development of AI- and IoT-based digital twin platforms, creation of a digital knowledge repository, promotion of youth agripreneurship, integration of climate-smart and renewable energy solutions, capacity building of FPOs, hands-on training for students, farmer field trials, and joint development of funded research projects for large-scale deployment.
The MoU signing ceremony was attended by senior academicians and officials from both institutions. From IIT (BHU), Prof. N.K. Mukhopadhyay, Dean (Faculty Affairs); Prof. Rajesh Kumar, Dean (Students’ Affairs); Prof. Hiralal Pramanik, Dean (Resources & Alumni); and Prof. Devendra Singh, Dean (Academic Affairs) were present.
From FAARD Foundation, Dr. Rajesh Singh, Trustee and PRO, BHU & Editor, FAARD Samvaad; Dr. Umesh Singh, Trustee, Training & Placement Officer, BHU & Sub-Editor, FAARD Samvaad; and Shri Dashrath Singh, Trustee, attended the programme.
Both institutions agreed to jointly share intellectual property generated through collaborative projects and establish a robust two-way technology transfer and feedback mechanism between rural communities and research laboratories.
This landmark collaboration marks a significant step towards building a resilient, inclusive, and sustainable agri-innovation ecosystem in Eastern Uttar Pradesh, creating new opportunities for farmers, rural youth, and agripreneurs.
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