Kerala agri varsity to promote climate-resilient agriculture practices
Vishnu Raj, Additional Project Director of KERA, and Dr Anith KN, Director of Research after signing the MoU
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Special Arrangement
In a major step towards building climate resilience in Kerala’s agriculture sector, the Kerala Climate Resilient Agri Value Chain Modernization Project (KERA) and Kerala Agricultural University (KAU) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to jointly implement cutting-edge initiatives in climate-smart and low-emission farming practices.
The MoU was signed by Vishnu Raj, Additional Project Director of KERA, and A Sakeer Husain, Registrar of Kerala Agricultural University.
Under this collaboration, KERA and KAU will work together to develop and promote Climate-Resilient Agriculture (CRA) practices across Kerala’s diverse agro-ecological zones. The partnership aims to upgrade soil testing laboratories, modernize advisory systems, and pilot low-carbon paddy cultivation techniques such as Alternate Wetting and Drying (AWD) in priority districts.
“This MoU marks an important milestone in Kerala’s efforts to future-proof agriculture against climate change. By combining KAU’s scientific expertise with KERA’s development mandate, we can accelerate the adoption of sustainable practices and improve livelihoods,” said Vishnu Raj.
The partnership will also establish the Kerala Agro Climate Research Centre at KAU with the support of the Agriculture Department’s IT cell to strengthen the development of climate-smart crop advisories and support research and capacity building for farmers and agricultural extension workers.
According to officials, the agreement aligns with Kerala’s broader vision to leverage technology, science and global partnerships —including collaboration with institutions like IRRI and CWRDM — to build a more resilient and market-oriented agriculture sector.
The KERA project, supported by the World Bank, is an ambitious five-year programme to modernise agricultural value chains and enhance the State’s preparedness for climate-induced risks. The MoU with KAU will be instrumental in translating these goals into impactful action on the ground.
Published on July 6, 2025
