The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) and Dr Reddy's Foundation (DRF) signed a memorandum of understanding at ICAR NAARM in Hyderabad to enhance vocational training, farmer extension services and capacity in modern agricultural practices across rural India. The partnership will combine ICAR research with DRF extension models to scale climate smart and sustainable farming. The initiative was described as a milestone in public private cooperation for rural livelihoods and skills.

The agreement was formalised in the presence of senior officials at ICAR NAARM, with MoU documents exchanged by DRF and ICAR representatives and witnessed by directors of ICAR NAARM and ATARI centres. Strategic coordination will be led by ICAR leadership, and the collaboration will draw on ICAR research stations and Krishi Vigyan Kendras for grassroots delivery.

Under the strategic framework, the partners will develop and deliver vocational programmes in agriculture and allied sectors and build capacity of small and marginal farmers using the Lead Farmers Platform (LFP) model. Joint research will prioritise climate smart practices, soil health solutions and sustainable crop residue management with emphasis on carbon incentivisation and local risk mitigation. Skill programmes will align with the National Skill Qualification Framework to support youth employability.

ICAR brings nearly 10 decades of expertise in agricultural research, extension, knowledge management and policy support and will provide technical guidance, curriculum inputs and access to its network of scientists. DRF has impacted over two million (mn) lives and its MITRA programme has enabled over 80,000 farmers to adopt improved practices. The partners plan to scale the LFP to bridge last mile extension gaps and strengthen market linkages and digital literacy for smallholders.

The MoU is effective from 16 February 2026 for an initial period of five years and will be reviewed for renewal based on performance. A joint monitoring committee will track progress against milestones and ensure quality standards, while programmes will initially focus on Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh. The collaboration aligns with national initiatives on skill development, vocational education and climate resilient agriculture.