TERI signs MoU with IKSL

Pact will empower farmers by providing them information about efficient use of natural resources

The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) and a subsidiary of Indian Farmers Fertiliser Cooperative Limited (IFFCO) on Thursday signed a pact to work together in empowering farmers by providing them information about efficient use of natural resources to help them increase their productivity.

"TERI and IFFCO Kisan Sanchar Limited (IKSL) on Thursday signed a Memorandum of Understanding to work together with the objective to empower farmers and people living in rural India with pertinent and high quality information and services through affordable communication network in a sustainable manner," a TERI statement said.

TERI has the expertise in developing knowledge based sustainable solutions in the field of agriculture and rural electrification to mitigate impact of climate change and promoting efficient use of natural resources.

IKSL has extensive experience in broadcasting informal messages to rural communities, this is the first time that the organisation will venture into enlightening rural households as part of its mandate.

The partnership will include creating awareness about benefits of clean lighting and cooking solutions, providing information on energy solutions and community level solutions that improve energy conditions in schools, public health centres.

"The partnership will provide bio-based products such as pesticides and fertilizers and awareness about efficient use of natural resources to farmers in order to support increased productivity with increased sustainability.

"This will enhance the livelihoods and the quality of life of over one billion Indians who depend on agriculture," Ajay Mathur, director general, TERI said.

The partnership will also include training and capacity building for energy entrepreneurs and technicians at a village level for providing clean energy, promotion of integrated pest and nutrient management of various crops, promotion of bio-pesticide and bio-fertilizer amongst others.

"We are relying on the technology developed by TERI to provide the kind of support that will empower the farmer and disseminate that research knowledge through our platforms," said Sandeep Malhotra, CEO, IKSL.