Agreement formed between ICAR and APNI to advance soil health and farm resilience in the face of climate change
In a significant development for the agricultural sector, the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) and the African Plant Nutrition Institute (APNI) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on August 5, 2025. This collaboration, formalized at a ceremony in India, marks a strategic step towards promoting sustainable and climate-resilient agricultural systems [1][2][3].
The partnership between ICAR and APNI is an extension of their previous agreement, focusing on soil health, precision plant nutrient management, and resilient farming systems. The collaboration aims to promote best practices in nutrient and soil management, helping farmers adapt to the challenges posed by climate change [1][3].
APNI, a not-for-profit research and education organization headquartered at Mohammed VI Polytechnic University in Benguérir, Morocco, was established in 2019. Dedicated to advancing plant nutrition and sustainable soil management in Africa, APNI operates regional offices in Settat (Morocco), Nairobi (Kenya), and Yamoussoukro (Côte d'Ivoire) [1][3].
On the other hand, ICAR, the premier agricultural research body in India, is committed to enhancing agricultural productivity and improving the livelihoods of farmers. The collaboration is expected to lead to joint research initiatives, knowledge exchange, and science-led solutions for sustainable agriculture [1][3].
One of the key objectives of this partnership is to develop joint research projects on nutrient management, soil health, and resilient farming technologies addressing climate change challenges [1][2]. The collaboration also emphasizes capacity strengthening through graduate student and scientist exchanges, fostering knowledge transfer in emerging areas of sustainable intensification and precision plant nutrition [3].
The partnership is expected to benefit millions of smallholder farmers, improving productivity and resilience in regions across India, Africa, and Asia. By addressing soil degradation, nutrient inefficiency, and climate adaptation in farming systems, the collaboration aims to contribute to a more sustainable and resilient agricultural future [1][3].
Dr. M. L. Jat, Secretary (DARE) and Director General of ICAR, and Dr. Kaushik Majumdar, Director General of APNI, signed the MoU. Dr. Jat emphasized that this collaboration would open new avenues for long-term cooperation in critical areas of plant nutrition and soil management [1][3].
The ICAR-APNI collaboration is intended to help farmers adapt to evolving climatic conditions and foster innovation in nutrient and soil management. This partnership is a testament to the shared commitment of both organizations towards sustainable agriculture and food security [1][3].
References:
[1] Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR). (2025). ICAR-APNI Collaboration for Sustainable Agriculture. Retrieved from https://www.icar.org.in/icar-apni-collaboration-for-sustainable-agriculture/
[2] African Plant Nutrition Institute (APNI). (2025). APNI-ICAR Collaboration. Retrieved from https://www.apni.net/apni-icar-collaboration/
[3] The Hindu. (2025). ICAR-APNI Collaboration to Boost Sustainable Agriculture. Retrieved from https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/icar-apni-collaboration-to-boost-sustainable-agriculture/article35156227.ece
In the context of this collaboration between ICAR and APNI, the partnership emphasizes learning and education in the field of environmental science, specifically focusing on sustainable agricultural systems designed to address climate change. This knowledge transfer includes joint research initiatives, graduate student and scientist exchanges, and a focus on emerging areas such as sustainable intensification and precision plant nutrition.
By engaging in this collaboration, both organizations aim to promote best practices in nutrient and soil management, ultimately contributing to a more sustainable and resilient agricultural future for farmers around the world, especially smallholder farmers in regions across India, Africa, and Asia.
