Syngenta Partners with CSSRI and HAU to Boost Crop Productivity and Sustainable Agriculture.

Syngenta India has signed Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with ICAR’s Central Soil Salinity Research Institute (CSSRI) in Karnal and Choudhary Charan Singh Haryana Agricultural University (HAU) in Hisar to expand sustainable farming practices and boost crop productivity across India. This collaboration aims to reach more farmers with research-based solutions for challenges like soil health, crop resilience, and yield enhancement.

The MoUs were signed by Syngenta India’s MD and Country Head, Susheel Kumar, alongside CSSRI Director R.K. Yadav and HAU Vice Chancellor B.R. Kamboj. According to a company statement, the MoU with CSSRI will focus on sustainable practices in salt-affected soils, while the HAU partnership will work toward diversified farming systems to increase productivity.

Kumar, an alumnus of CCSHAU, expressed that the partnerships represent a crucial step in addressing climate change, soil degradation, and biodiversity loss. “Innovation and collaboration with agricultural experts are essential as we work toward a sustainable and prosperous agricultural model for India’s farmers,” he said.

The MoU outlines plans for training programs, ICT-driven tools to aid decision-making, and support for rural youth capacity building through Syngenta’s IRISE (Inculcating Rural India Skill Enhancement) initiative. Syngenta will also support safe crop protection practices, while the collaboration with HAU involves capacity building through Krishi Vigyan Kendras, farmer groups, and agricultural schools.

Vice Chancellor Kamboj noted that the MoU aligns with the government’s vision of “Viksit Bharat” and aims to strengthen sustainable agriculture systems. Meanwhile, CSSRI’s Yadav highlighted the institute’s commitment to joint research on soil salinity management and crop productivity with Syngenta, emphasizing sustainable practices that support long-term agricultural health and resilience.

HBL