Nurturing agricultural sustainability in India through strategic collaboration between WorldVeg and ICAR-NBPGR

India’s agricultural sector is vital to the nation’s economy and global food production, being the world’s second-largest producer of vegetables with some 210 million tonnes harvested in 2023-24. However, the sector faces significant challenges, such as resource overexploitation, environmental degradation, and the harmful effects of agrochemicals and water-intensive practices. Despite these issues, there are opportunities for growth through technological advancements, market reforms and sustainable farming practices. Embracing biotechnology, digitalization and precision farming can boost productivity, lower costs, and reduce environmental impacts.

In this context, the recent Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the World Vegetable Center (WorldVeg) and the ICAR-National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources (ICAR-NBPGR) marks a significant milestone in fostering agricultural research and development.

The signing ceremony, held on May 28, 2024, in Hyderabad, India, at World Vegetable Center – South and Central Asia Regional office, symbolizes a strategic alliance aimed at driving innovation and sustainability in the agricultural sector.

Established in 1976, ICAR-NBPGR manages plant genetic resources, and explores, collects and conserves genetic resources in the National Genebank, and supports crop improvement. Together, WorldVeg and ICAR-NBPGR aim to enhance agricultural sustainability and food security in India through strengthened research and conservation efforts.

The MoU aims to establish a comprehensive framework for cooperation between WorldVeg and ICAR-NBPGR, focusing on several key areas.

• Knowledge sharing: Enhancing mutual understanding and application of scientific knowledge related to vegetable research and plant genetic resources.
• Germplasm exchange: Facilitating the exchange of plant genetic materials to support research and development activities in both organizations.
• Personnel exchange: Promoting the exchange of scientists, researchers and technical staff to build capacity and foster collaborative research.
• Technology transfer: Enabling the transfer of innovative technologies and methodologies between the two institutions to improve agricultural practices and outcomes.
• Strategic development: Collaborating on strategic initiatives that align with the goals of both organizations to promote agricultural sustainability and food security.

Areas of cooperation will focus on germplasm conservation and promotion, scientific research and development, and training and capacity building. Specific initiatives include working together to conserve and promote native and indigenous vegetable varieties through effective germplasm conservation strategies, undertaking collaborative research projects that address key challenges in vegetable cultivation and plant genetic resources management, and organizing training programs and workshops to enhance the technical skills and knowledge of scientists, researchers, and technical staff.

Aravazhi Selvaraj, India Country Director, WorldVeg, stated, “This MoU marks a significant milestone in our efforts to enhance vegetable research and development. By working closely with ICAR-NBPGR, we aim to leverage our combined expertise to improve agricultural practices, enhance nutritional security, and promote sustainable livelihoods. Our joint efforts will undoubtedly lead to innovative solutions that address global challenges in the agriculture sector.”

Gyanendra Pratap Singh, Director, ICAR-NBPGR, remarked, “The collaboration with WorldVeg is a strategic step towards strengthening our research capabilities and expanding our genetic resources. Together, we will focus on conserving valuable plant genetic resources and developing new technologies to benefit farmers and consumers alike. This partnership is built on a foundation of mutual trust and shared goals, and we are excited about the possibilities it holds for the future of agriculture.”

This MoU signifies a significant step towards strengthening the scientific partnership between WorldVeg and ICAR-NBPGR, to address global challenges in agricultural development and ensure sustainable food security. By embracing innovation, sustainability and responsible stewardship of natural resources, India will cultivate a future where agriculture thrives in harmony with the environment, ensuring food security and prosperity for generations to come.