Karpagam Academy of Higher Education (KAHE) and The United Planters’ Association of Southern India Tea Research Foundation (UPASI TRF) have formally entered into a three-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on April 29, 2025.
The MoU aimed at promoting collaborative scientific research, innovation, and academic excellence in tea cultivation, processing, and allied fields.
This strategic collaboration leverages UPASI TRF’s domain expertise in tea research and extension services, including its NABL-accredited quality assurance facilities, and KAHE’s academic strengths across biotechnology, microbiology, food technology, artificial intelligence, and sensor technology.
The initiative aims to address key challenges in the tea sector through cutting-edge research and technology development.
The partnership prioritises several high-impact research areas such as DNA barcoding of tea clones, microbial formulation development, nano-formulated bio-pesticides/fungicide/organic bio-fertilisers, drone-based precision agriculture, and development of sensor-based soil /pesticide residue testing kits.
It also paves the way for the development of innovative, sustainable solutions to enhance productivity, pest/disease/soil management, and quality improvement in tea plantations.
A significant highlight of the MoU is the launch of an Interdisciplinary Ph.D. Programme, wherein KAHE faculty will serve as the main supervisor and UPASI TRF will act as the industry co-supervisor.
This model provides scholars with both academic rigour and field-based training, aligning their research with emerging trends in biotechnology and precision farming.
Sanjith, Secretary General, UPASI TRF, highlighted the history and significance of UPASI Tea Research Foundation, which has been serving the tea Industry in cultivation, production and marketing of tea for over a hundred years since 1926.
Azariah Babu, Adviser, UPASI TRF, emphasised the need for bridging Tea Science with Technology to address the needs of the Tea Industry, highlighting the importance of transfer of scientific innovation into real-world industry solutions.
Victor Ilango, Director, also spoke on the significance of collaborative work between the two institutions.
Venkatachalapathy, Vice-Chancellor, KAHE; Ravi, Registrar and Parthasarathy, Dean (R&D and IR) highlighted that the partnership would empower students, researchers, and industry stakeholders to collaborate on transformative projects. The MoU was coordinated by Azariah Babu and Santhosh, Professor KAHE.
