Dhanuka Agritech signs MoU with MHU for jointly conducting research in crop protection chemicals

By Mohd Mustaquim

Dhanuka Agritech on Tuesday signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Maharana Pratap Horticultural University (MHU), Karnal to jointly conduct research in crop protection chemicals and in the promotion of modern technology in the agriculture sector.

The objective of the MoU includes jointly conducting research activities in the field of crop protection chemicals and organising awareness programmes for carrying out agri extension services. Farmers will be encouraged to use modern agriculture technologies such as drone usage, artificial intelligence (AI), and precision agriculture.

Underlining the collaboration with MHU, Dr AS Tomar, Vice-President & Head- R&D, Dhanuka Agritech said, “There is utmost need to undertake more research and development initiatives in the field of agriculture and the tie-up with an institution like MHU will help us promote research activities in the agriculture and allied activities.”

Emphasising the importance of the MoU, Professor Samar Singh, Vice-Chancellor, Maharana Pratap Horticultural University said, “There is a great need of collaboration between academic and research institutions with companies of repute who are keen to promote research and development activities in various areas including agriculture and allied activities. We are confident today’s tie-up will encourage more and more students to undertake agricultural research.

The university will conduct demonstration and adaptive trials of new molecules and products of Dhanuka at its farms as well as farmers’ fields and will consider the inclusion of the findings (active ingredient only) into the package of practices.

The MoU aims to promote the use of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) techniques for providing expert advisory to farmers. The emphasis will be on the use of drone technology in agriculture. It is imperative to mention the Centre has recently released the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for use of drone applications to spray agrochemicals.

Dhanuka will sponsor bio-efficacy and photo-toxicity projects to the university for managing insects and pests through drone application. The company has international collaborations with seven world’s leading agrochemical companies including in the US, Japan, and Europe.

The MoU was signed by Dr. AS Tomar on behalf of Dhanuka Agritech and Professor Samar Singh, Vice-Chancellor, MHU.