ICRISAT, IFFCO, BBSSL Join Hands to Set Up Advanced Seed Research Centre in Gujarat

In a significant move to advance seed innovation and promote sustainable agriculture, three leading institutions — the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT), Indian Farmers Fertiliser Cooperative Limited (IFFCO), and Bhartiya Beej Sahkari Samiti Limited (BBSSL) — have signed a tripartite agreement to establish the Beej Anusandhan Kendra, a state-of-the-art seed research and development centre in Gujarat.

The agreement designates ICRISAT as the Knowledge Partner responsible for preparing the Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the centre. The collaboration brings together ICRISAT’s global scientific expertise, IFFCO’s cooperative leadership, and BBSSL’s commitment to seed quality, aiming to strengthen India’s agricultural research and development landscape.

The Beej Anusandhan Kendra, to be constructed by IFFCO and operated by BBSSL, will integrate advanced research infrastructure to develop high-quality seeds tailored to India’s diverse agro-climatic zones. It is expected to play a vital role in advancing sustainable agriculture and enhancing productivity for millions of farmers.

"The Beej Anusandhan Kendra represents a convergence of science, cooperation, and grassroots action. As a knowledge partner, ICRISAT is committed to delivering a world-class blueprint for seed innovation and farmer empowerment," said Dr. Himanshu Pathak, Director General, ICRISAT.

This agreement builds on a recent Memorandum of Understanding signed between ICRISAT and IFFCO during ICRISAT’s Foundation Day, reinforcing their shared commitment to collaborative innovation in Indian agriculture.

Yogendra Kumar, Chairman, BBSSL and Director (Marketing), IFFCO, emphasised, "We are proud to witness this partnership that lays the foundation for a facility built on scientific rigour and cooperative strength. IFFCO remains committed to sustainable agricultural progress."

Echoing this vision, Chetan Joshi, Managing Director, BBSSL, stated, "The Beej Anusandhan Kendra is a landmark initiative to support Indian agriculture with high-quality seeds and cutting-edge research infrastructure. We are confident this initiative will benefit farmers across the country."

The Beej Anusandhan Kendra is poised to become a cornerstone in India’s mission to enhance agricultural resilience, productivity, and self-reliance through cooperative and research-driven solutions.