ICRISAT, IFFCO, and BBSSL join forces to establish seed research hub in Gujarat, India

The International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT), the Indian Farmers Fertiliser Cooperative Limited (IFFCO), and Bhartiya Beej Sahkari Samiti Limited (BBSSL) formally entered into a Tripartite Service Agreement on 3 June 2025 to establish the Beej Anusandhan Kendra, a state-of-the-art research center in Gujarat, India, focused on advancing seed innovation and sustainable agriculture.

Under this agreement, ICRISAT has been appointed as the Knowledge Partner responsible for developing the Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the center. This collaboration harnesses ICRISAT’s global research expertise, IFFCO’s cooperative leadership, and BBSSL’s commitment to seed quality and sustainability, creating a strong foundation for impactful agricultural advancement.

The partnership builds on the recently signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between ICRISAT and IFFCO during ICRISAT’s Foundation Day celebrations, reinforcing the shared vision of all parties to drive agricultural innovation and seed research.

The Beej Anusandhan Kendra (BAK), proposed to be built by IFFCO and operated by BBSSL, aims to foster sustainable agricultural growth through the integration of world-class seed research and development infrastructure. In its role as Knowledge Partner, ICRISAT will provide the scientific and technical expertise to define the center’s specifications, core functions, and design framework.

"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 that will enable this center to become a hub for seed innovation and farmer empowerment," said Dr Himanshu Pathak, Director General, ICRISAT.

This agreement marks a significant milestone in India’s cooperative-driven agricultural research ecosystem. BBSSL and IFFCO bring deep grassroots reach and cooperative strength, while ICRISAT contributes its international scientific expertise to create a center poised to benefit millions of farmers.

"We are proud to witness this partnership with ICRISAT and BBSSL in laying the groundwork for a research facility that will serve India’s farmers through scientific rigor and innovation. IFFCO remains committed to strengthening the agricultural ecosystem through sustainable and collaborative efforts," shared Mr Yogendra Kumar, Chairman BBSSL and Director – Marketing, IFFCO.  

"BBSSL envisions the Beej Anusandhan Kendra as a landmark step in supporting Indian agriculture with high-quality seeds and research infrastructure. With IFFCO’s leadership and ICRISAT’s technical expertise, we are confident this facility will benefit millions of farmers across the country," said Mr Chetan Joshi, Managing Director, BBSSL.