The Indian Council of Agricultural Research and Dr Reddys Foundation have signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding to strengthen agricultural skills, modernise farmer extension systems and enhance rural livelihoods across multiple states.
The agreement was formalised at the ICAR National Academy of Agricultural Research Management in Rajendra Nagar, Hyderabad, marking a significant public private partnership in agricultural development and vocational capacity building.
The initiative is being undertaken under the overall guidance of M L Jat, Secretary, Department of Agricultural Research and Education and Director General, ICAR. Strategic coordination and institutional convergence are being facilitated by Anil Kumar, Assistant Director General Coordination, ICAR.
The MoU documents were formally exchanged by Suman S, Director Rural Livelihoods, Dr Reddys Foundation, and Rajbir Singh, Deputy Director General Agricultural Extension, ICAR. The signing ceremony was attended by the Director, ICAR NAARM Hyderabad; Director, ICAR ATARI Hyderabad; Director, ICAR ATARI Bengaluru; and senior technical associates from Dr Reddys Foundation.
Strategic Framework for Agricultural Transformation
Under the partnership, ICAR and Dr Reddys Foundation will collaborate on vocational training in agriculture and allied sectors, capacity building of small and marginal farmers and scaling of climate smart agricultural practices.
A central component of the collaboration is the integration of ICAR’s scientific expertise with the Lead Farmers Platform model developed by Dr Reddys Foundation. This farmer to farmer extension framework will be leveraged to strengthen last mile advisory services, enhance technology adoption and improve productivity.
The partnership will also focus on aligning agricultural skill programmes with the National Skill Qualification Framework and the National Credit Framework, enabling learners to accumulate transferable credits and pursue continued academic progression.
Joint research initiatives will address climate resilient agriculture, regenerative farming and sustainable crop residue management. A Soil Health to One Health transition approach will promote biochar based solutions, soil biologics and carbon incentivised practices to support resilient agri food systems.
Complementary Institutional Strengths
ICAR, established in 1929, operates under the Department of Agricultural Research and Education and is headquartered in New Delhi. It coordinates one of the world’s largest agricultural research and education systems, comprising 113 institutes and 74 universities. The Council has played a pivotal role in advancing food grain, milk and fish production and remains central to India’s food and nutritional security architecture.
Through this MoU, ICAR will provide technical guidance, curriculum development support and access to its nationwide network of agricultural scientists, research stations and Krishi Vigyan Kendras.
Dr Reddys Foundation, established in 1996, has impacted over 2 million lives through programmes in education, livelihoods, healthcare and community development. Its flagship MITRA initiative has enabled more than 80,000 farmers across multiple states to adopt improved agricultural practices using a community based extension model. In December 2025, the Foundation received recognition from the National Council for Vocational Education and Training as an Awarding Body, allowing it to certify learners in approved qualifications.
Key Intervention Areas
The collaboration will focus on four major areas:
Vocational Skill Development: Development and delivery of industry aligned agricultural training programmes, strengthening youth employability in agriculture and life sciences.
Climate Resilience and Disaster Risk Reduction: Technology enabled extension services to support regenerative agriculture, resource efficient practices and climate risk mitigation strategies tailored to local conditions.
Soil Health and Sustainable Systems: Promotion of soil biologics, carbon incentivised models and sustainable residue management within a One Health framework.
Extension Services and Market Linkages: Expansion of the Lead Farmers Platform to enhance digital literacy, financial inclusion, price realisation and improved access to markets for small and marginal farmers.
National Alignment and Implementation
The partnership aligns with national priorities including the Skill India Mission, Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana, the National Agricultural Education Policy, the Doubling Farmers Income initiative and climate smart agriculture goals linked to sustainable development.
Initial implementation will cover Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh, with scope for expansion based on performance and impact assessment.
The MoU will be effective from February 16, 2026 and will remain valid for five years, with provision for renewal subject to mutual agreement and evaluation. A joint monitoring committee comprising representatives from both organisations will oversee execution, track milestones and ensure quality standards.
The partnership will utilise existing infrastructure including ICAR research stations, Krishi Vigyan Kendras and Dr Reddys Foundation field centres to ensure effective grassroots delivery.
By integrating scientific research, vocational skilling and community driven extension models, the collaboration aims to create a scalable framework for agricultural transformation, strengthen rural incomes and build a future ready agricultural workforce.
