ICAR-CSSRI inks MoU with Syngenta India to improve crop productivity

Chandigarh, October 29, 2024: Marking a significant step towards enhancing crop productivity, ICAR-Central Soil Salinity Research Institute (CSSRI), Karnal on Tuesday has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Syngenta India, with a focus on promoting sustainable agricultural practices and improving soil health and resilience in salt-affected areas.

By combining CSSRI's research expertise in soil management with Syngenta's innovative agri-solutions, the collaboration aims to support farmers in adopting practices that boost productivity while ensuring long-term environmental sustainability.

“Innovations are at the core of our functioning to effectively meet the challenges of a changing world, from climate change, soil erosion and biodiversity loss to the demands of farmers and the wider society. Since our contribution is a combined effort, we believe in taking all stakeholders along to make agriculture in India a model of sustainability and prosperity of farmers.” said Susheel Kumar, country head and MD Syngenta India.

Dr RK Yadav, director ICAR-CSSRI said: “We in collaboration with Syngenta India will conduct joint research and development projects on soil salinity management and improving crop productivity, through sustainable agricultural practices.”

“There will also be exchange of scientific and technical information, including research findings, soil salinity data, and methodologies between the two partners,” added Dr Yadav, who signed the MoU on behalf of ICAR-CSSRI and expressed hope that this initiative would contribute to more efficient farming methods and help secure food security in the face of growing environmental challenges.

“We at Syngenta will provide technical expertise, financial support, and proprietary technologies as agreed upon in specific projects” while CSSRI will provide research facilities, scientific expertise, and support for conducting trials and experiments.” said Vinod Shivrain, head crop protection development Syngenta India.

“Additionally, CSSRI will offer internship opportunities to interns sponsored by Syngenta, allowing them to work with eminent scientists and enhance their expertise in soil health and salinity management,” said Shivrain.