Gujarat is set to establish the Beej Anusandhan Kendra (BAK), a new research center focused on seed development and sustainable agriculture, following the formal signing of a Tripartite Service Agreement. The agreement was signed between the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT), the Indian Farmers Fertiliser Cooperative Limited (IFFCO), and Bhartiya Beej Sahkari Samiti Limited (BBSSL). This collaboration lays the foundation for a long-term partnership aimed at strengthening India’s seed innovation ecosystem and addressing the needs of the farming community through coordinated scientific expertise and cooperative outreach.
This agreement follows a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed earlier between ICRISAT and IFFCO during the Foundation Day celebrations of ICRISAT. The MoU laid the groundwork for deeper collaboration, which has now been formalized through this tripartite arrangement that brings BBSSL into the fold as a key operational partner.
ICRISAT Appointed as Knowledge Partner to Lead Project Design
Under the terms of the agreement, ICRISAT has been appointed as the Knowledge Partner responsible for preparing the Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the Beej Anusandhan Kendra. This includes defining the technical specifications, core functions, design framework, and long-term strategy of the center. ICRISAT’s role involves bringing its global research expertise in agriculture and crop science to ensure that the center is scientifically sound, structurally efficient, and aligned with the needs of Indian farmers.
“The Beej Anusandhan Kendra represents a convergence of science, cooperation, and grassroots action. As a knowledge partner, ICRISAT is committed to delivering a world-class blueprint that will enable this center to become a hub for seed innovation and farmer empowerment.”
IFFCO and BBSSL to Lead Infrastructure and Operations
The Beej Anusandhan Kendra will be built by IFFCO and operated by BBSSL, combining the institutional strengths of both organizations. IFFCO brings decades of experience in working with farmer cooperatives across India, while BBSSL contributes its domain knowledge in seed quality, distribution, and sustainable practices. This division of responsibilities is designed to ensure that the research center is not only well-designed but also efficiently managed and accessible to farming communities.
“We are proud to witness this partnership with ICRISAT and BBSSL in laying the groundwork for a research facility that will serve India’s farmers through scientific rigor and innovation. IFFCO remains committed to strengthening the agricultural ecosystem through sustainable and collaborative efforts.”
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Objective: Integrating Seed Science with Cooperative Outreach
The Beej Anusandhan Kendra is envisioned as a center dedicated to enhancing the quality and accessibility of seeds through research-backed innovation. By integrating advanced seed research with India’s cooperative frameworks, the center aims to ensure that its outcomes reach a broad base of farmers, especially those in semi-arid and resource-limited regions. The partnership aims to align scientific expertise with grassroots needs, ensuring that seed research directly translates into on-field improvements and higher agricultural resilience.
“BBSSL envisions the Beej Anusandhan Kendra as a landmark step in supporting Indian agriculture with high-quality seeds and research infrastructure. With IFFCO’s leadership and ICRISAT’s technical expertise, we are confident this facility will benefit millions of farmers across the country.”
Pathway to Sustainable Agriculture and Farmer Empowerment
Through this collaborative model, the Beej Anusandhan Kendra seeks to contribute to long-term agricultural sustainability in India. The integration of research infrastructure, cooperative strength, and technical knowledge is intended to serve as a replicable framework for future public-private partnerships in agriculture. The center’s mission aligns with national efforts to improve agricultural productivity, seed quality, and farmer incomes while minimizing environmental impact.
This agreement marks a new chapter in agricultural research and cooperative engagement, creating a structured pathway for innovation, outreach, and empowerment within the Indian farming landscape.