Indian Farmers Fertilizer Cooperative Ltd (IFFCO) signed an MoU with the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) for collaborative research, testing and validation of different products through ICAR institutes and Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs), reads a press release from co-op titan IFFCO.
The MoU will also enable these centres to disseminate technological advancements by imparting training, through awareness programs, campaigns, field trials and demonstrations for the benefit of farmers.
In the program hosted on the ICAR campus, scientists were present via videoconference. Dr. AK Singh, DDG, ICAR gave a brief background of the MoU. Dr. T Mohapatra, Secretary DARE & DG ICAR, Dr. U S Awasthi, Managing Director IFFCO, Mr. Yogendra Kumar, Marketing Director, IFFCO, Dr. Malhotra, Commissioner Agriculture, GOI; Dr. Kimothi, ADG (Cdn.), Director ATARIs; and representatives of the KVKs were present.
Yogendra Kumar, Marketing Director, IFFCO present in ICAR campus mentioned that the MoU will help in testing, validation and dissemination of innovative products at an unprecedented pace which will benefit the farmers. He said following a detailed discussion with ICAR, he will plan action.
Dr. T Mohapatra, Secretary DARE & DG ICAR who also chaired the session and mentioned that it is a historic 
event. He emphasized that with collaborative research and extension, we can reduce the consumption of fertilizer to even 15%, it will be a significant contribution to agriculture and farming community.
Dr U S Awasthi, Managing Director, IFFCO congratulated and praised ICAR for its tremendous achievements in the field of agriculture. He said research should be collaborative with industry, as it will help in dissemination of technology through lab to lab with contribution from best minds from both organizations.
The MD’s tweet on the development read “Glad to share that today #IFFCO signed MoU with @icarindia for collaborative research, testing & extension across the country. More Innovations & Technology Transfers for farmers. A collaborative Step to double the farmers income by 2022, vision of our PM”.
Talking about the MoU Awasthi said “The objective of this collaboration is to serve the farmers in reducing consumption of chemical fertilizer by effective use of technology. We are working to root out the chemicals from the soil. ICAR will give support & encouragement to these ventures.”
