The Indian Institute of Technology (Banaras Hindu University), Varanasi, and the Foundation for Advancement of Agriculture and Rural Development (FAARD Foundation), have formalised a five year Memorandum of Understanding to collaborate on agricultural research and rural development initiatives in Eastern Uttar Pradesh. The agreement was signed by Prof Amit Patra, Director of IIT (BHU), and Prof Panjab Singh, Chairman and President of the FAARD Foundation.
The MoU establishes a structured framework to integrate academic research, digital technologies and field level implementation with the objective of supporting farmers, rural youth and Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs). The partnership seeks to align IIT (BHU)’s research and technical capabilities with FAARD Foundation’s rural outreach and operational presence across villages in the region.
Focus on Eastern Uttar Pradesh as a Lighthouse Region
Under the agreement, both institutions will work jointly to develop Eastern Uttar Pradesh as a “Lighthouse Region” for agricultural innovation. The collaboration is designed to create a replicable model by linking laboratory driven research with real world agricultural challenges, while ensuring that outcomes are accessible to farming communities and local institutions.
Addressing the gathering, Prof Amit Patra stated that the collaboration reflects IIT (BHU)’s focus on converting scientific research into deployable solutions at the grassroots level, with an emphasis on technology enabled empowerment of farmers and rural stakeholders.
Prof Panjab Singh noted that the partnership aims to improve farmers’ access to modern technologies, knowledge systems and market linkages, with a view to strengthening livelihoods and enhancing income opportunities across rural areas.
Scope of Collaboration and Research Areas
Detailing the scope of the MoU, Prof Rajesh Kumar, Dean (Research & Development), IIT (BHU), said the collaboration will cover demonstration and dissemination of smart farming practices, development of AI and IoT enabled digital twin platforms, and the creation of digital knowledge repositories to support information access and decision making.
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The agreement also includes initiatives to promote agricultural entrepreneurship among rural youth, integrate climate smart practices and renewable energy solutions into farming systems, and build institutional capacity of FPOs. In addition, it provides for hands-on training programmes for students, research trials conducted directly on farmers’ fields, and the joint development of funded research projects aimed at wider deployment.
Both institutions have agreed to share intellectual property generated through collaborative projects and to establish a two-way technology transfer and feedback mechanism linking rural communities with research laboratories.
Participation from IIT BHU and FAARD
The MoU signing ceremony was attended by senior faculty members and officials from IIT (BHU), including Prof N K Mukhopadhyay, Dean (Faculty Affairs); Prof Rajesh Kumar, Dean (Students’ Affairs); Prof Hiralal Pramanik, Dean (Resources & Alumni); and Prof Devendra Singh, Dean (Academic Affairs).
Representatives from the FAARD Foundation present at the event included Dr Rajesh Singh, Trustee and PRO, BHU and Editor, FAARD Samvaad; Dr Umesh Singh, Trustee, Training and Placement Officer, BHU and Sub-Editor, FAARD Samvaad; and Dashrath Singh, Trustee.
Through this agreement, IIT (BHU) and the FAARD Foundation aim to create a coordinated ecosystem that links research, technology development and rural deployment, with a focus on sustainable agriculture and capacity building in Eastern Uttar Pradesh.
