ICAR-IARI and ICICI Foundation Sign MoU to Establish Climate Resilient Green Agriculture (CARIGAR) Laboratory
In a significant initiative aimed at strengthening climate-resilient agriculture and empowering farming communities, ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute (ICAR-IARI), New Delhi has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with ICICI Foundation for Inclusive Growth under its CSR programme to establish a Climate Resilient Green Agriculture (CARIGAR) Laboratory.
About the Agreement
The MoU was signed by Dr. Ch. Srinivasa Rao, Director, ICAR-IARI, and Mr. Yashvardhana Tripathi, Zonal Head, ICICI Foundation for Inclusive Growth, New Delhi. The CARIGAR Laboratory will be established at ICAR-IARI premises to serve as a dedicated national platform for climate-smart agriculture.
- Provide hands-on training, capacity building, and skill development for farmers
- Promote adoption of climate-smart technologies and resource-efficient practices
- Bridge the gap between scientific research and field-level application
- Enhance practical training opportunities for students and youth
- Provide advanced research exposure for scientists working on climate resilience
- Focus on climate-resilient crop production and sustainable farming systems
- Develop post-harvest value addition techniques and products
Official Statements
"Climate change has emerged as one of the most critical challenges confronting Indian agriculture, particularly affecting small and marginal farmers. The CARIGAR Laboratory will serve as a dedicated national platform enabling farmers to adopt climate-smart technologies, resource-efficient practices, and environmentally responsible farming systems."
Dr. Rao emphasized that strengthening farmers' adaptive capacity through practical exposure, field demonstrations, and technology-led learning is essential for sustaining productivity under increasing climatic uncertainties. He described the collaboration as a model example of public-private partnership contributing to national priorities of sustainable agriculture, environmental conservation, and farmers' income enhancement.
"This collaboration reflects our commitment towards inclusive growth, farmer empowerment, and strengthening climate-resilient agricultural development, by integrating scientific expertise with grassroots-level needs."
Expected Impact
The CARIGAR Laboratory will function as a hub for training programmes, awareness campaigns, demonstrations, and interactive learning modules. The initiative is expected to make a meaningful contribution towards promoting sustainable agriculture, climate adaptation strategies, and environmentally responsible farming practices, supporting India's long-term agricultural resilience.
The signing ceremony was held in the presence of Dr. Viswanathan Chinnusamy, Joint Director (Research), ICAR-IARI; Dr. Soora Naresh Kumar, Head, Division of Environmental Sciences; and Principal Investigators Dr. Sandeep Kumar and Dr. Sunita Yadav.
ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI): New Delhi
ICICI Foundation for Inclusive Growth: CSR Initiative
Source: ICAR-IARI Press Release