ICAR, Amazon Kisan tie-up to support farmers with technology, market access
The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) and Amazon Kisan signed a Memorandum of Understanding to combine strengths and create synergies between the two organizations to guide farmers on the scientific cultivation of different crops for maximum yield and income.
ICAR will provide technology support to farmers through the Amazon Network. This MoU will help ensure access to fresh, high-quality products to consumers across India, including through Amazon Fresh. The outcome of a recent pilot project in Pune has inspired the parties to expand their partnership.
Himanshu Pathak, Secretary DARE and Director General of ICAR emphasized secondary farming to improve wages for farmers. It also highlighted the importance and role of critical inputs in planting and season-based cropping plans.
He believed that ICAR will cooperate with Amazon for new technologies, capacity building and knowledge transfer.
Harsh Goyal, Director, Head- Fresh and Everyday Essentials, Amazon India emphasized the company’s commitment to supporting Indian farmers, and said, “Technology has huge potential to revolutionize the agricultural sector and uplift the lives of Indian farmers. This partnership will enable an ecosystem for the farming community, and enhance the supply chain “From farm to fork.”
Leveraging ICAR’s Krishi Vigyan Kendra Knowledge Network (KVK), ICAR and Amazon will extend the latest and most accurate farming practices developed through ICAR’s extensive research to bridge technical knowledge gaps in integrated farming.
In addition, ICAR and Amazon will work together on farmer participation programs at KVKs, conducting demonstrations, trials and capacity building initiatives to enhance agricultural practices and farm profitability.
Moreover, Amazon will provide training support and assist farmers in marketing their products through its online platform, facilitating direct communications with consumers.
On behalf of ICAR, the MoU was signed by US Gautam, Deputy General Manager (Agricultural Extension), and Siddharth Tata, Head of Product, Supply Chain Amazon Fresh and Kisan.