The Kerala Climate Resilient Agri Value Chain Modernisation Project (KERA) and Kerala Agricultural University (KAU) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) for jointly implementing climate-smart and low-emission farming practices in the State.
The Agriculture department has described it as a major step towards building climate resilience in Kerala’s agriculture sector.
Vishnu Raj, additional project director, KERA, and KAU registrar A. Sakeer Husain signed the MoU in Thiruvananthapuram on Saturday.
KERA and KAU will work together to develop and promote climate-resilient agriculture (CRA) practices across Kerala’s diverse agro-ecological zones, the department said. “The partnership aims to upgrade soil testing laboratories, modernise advisory systems, and pilot low-carbon paddy cultivation techniques such as Alternate Wetting and Drying (AWD) in priority districts,” it said.
Mr. Vishnu Raj said that by combining KAU’s scientific expertise with KERA’s development mandate, the State we can accelerate the adoption of sustainable practices and improve livelihoods.
Under the partnership, the Kerala Agro Climate Research Centre (KACRC) will be established at KAU with the support of IT cell of the Agriculture department. The partnership also aims to strengthen the development of climate-smart crop advisories and support research and capacity building for farmers and agricultural extension workers.
The World Bank-supported KERA project is a five-year programme aimed at modernising agricultural value chains and enhancing the State’s preparedness for climate-induced risks. K.N. Anith, Director of Research, KAU, and other senior officials were present at the signing of the MoU.
Published – July 05, 2025 07:35 pm IST