Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with VST Tillers Tractors, a leading manufacturer of compact agricultural machinery in India.
This partnership aims to promote greater awareness and training on small farm mechanisation across Tamil Nadu. It also focuses on developing small farm machinery along with advanced technological, agronomic, and educational solutions to support sustainable food production both locally and globally.
The MoU highlights several key areas, including frontier research in small farm machinery, training students in the latest innovations and modern farm technologies, creating awareness among both students and farmers about small farm mechanisation, and testing and evaluating VST’s farm machinery under local conditions.
It also supports students in future research on technological advancements, provides project opportunities for TNAU students in the area of farm mechanisation, and offers internships with VST Tillers Tractors for hands-on, on-ground experience.
Speaking at the MoU signing, representatives from TNAU and VST emphasised the importance of bridging the gap between academic knowledge and practical agricultural solutions, especially in the context of small and marginal farmers.
According to Antony Cherukara, CEO, VST Tillers Tractors, “We are delighted to collaborate with Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, a premier institution in agricultural education and research. This MoU aligns with our vision to empower small and marginal farmers through innovative research and affordable mechanisation solutions.
By working closely with TNAU’s faculties and talented students, we aim to develop practical, field-ready technologies that can transform agricultural practices and improve farmer livelihoods across the state.
Through this collaboration, talented university students will also have the opportunity to engage at our upcoming Global Technology Development Centre in Hosur, Tamil Nadu, to develop cost-efficient, benchmark solutions that blend innovative technology with the needs of India’s small and marginal farmers.”
Thamizh Vendan, Registrar, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU), said, “This partnership marks a significant step towards enhancing the practical exposure of our students and bridging the gap between research and real-world application.
Through this collaboration, we aim to bring the benefits of small farm mechanisation to the grassroots level, ensuring that farmers across Tamil Nadu can access and adopt modern, efficient farming technologies.”
Raviraj, Dean, Agriculture Engineering College and Research Institute, TNAU, said, “This collaboration is expected to empower the next generation of agri-tech professionals and enhance productivity through farm mechanisation suited to the diverse agricultural landscape of Tamil Nadu.”
Kavitha, Professor and Head, was also present at the MoU signing event.
