BAU Partners with US-Based EDF to Promote Climate-Resilient Farming

Bhagalpur: Bihar Agricultural University (BAU), Sabour, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Environmental Defense Fund (EDF), a US-based organization, to enhance nitrogen management and promote sustainable agriculture in the state. The collaboration aims to equip farmers in Bihar with tools to cope with the effects of climate change while boosting productivity and reducing environmental impact.

The MoU was signed in the presence of key officials from both institutions. Representing EDF were Nikhil Gowas, Lead Advisor, along with Ajit Singh and Amresh Chaudhary, while BAU’s delegation included Dr. Anil Kumar Singh, Director of Research; Dr. Sailabala Dei, Deputy Director of Research; and Dr. Aditya Sinha, Assistant Professor.

Dr. D.R. Singh, Vice-Chancellor of BAU, hailed the partnership as a landmark step in transforming Bihar’s agricultural landscape. “This MoU will combine EDF’s global experience and BAU’s local research on climate-resilient agriculture. The initiative will help Bihar farmers cope with the effects of climate change and move towards sustainable farming,” he said.

The collaboration focuses on three primary objectives: developing tools to increase nitrogen use efficiency and minimize wastage, implementing farming practices based on scientific recommendations and field-level testing, and encouraging agritech startups based in BAU to foster local innovation and entrepreneurship. Additionally, the partnership promises tangible benefits such as improved crop productivity and quality, efficient use of water and fertilizers, reduced environmental damage, and enhanced support for local startups.

By leveraging EDF’s global expertise and BAU’s localized research, the initiative aims to create a roadmap for climate-smart agriculture in Bihar. This includes sustainable nitrogen and water management, which are critical for mitigating environmental impacts while ensuring higher yields.

“Through this collaboration, we hope to stimulate innovation and develop sustainable agricultural practices that will benefit farmers and the environment alike,” said Nikhil Gowas of EDF.

The partnership aligns with Bihar’s broader goals of modernizing its agricultural sector and fostering a resilient ecosystem for agritech startups. With experienced researchers like Dr. Anil Kumar Singh leading the initiative, this project has the potential to transform Bihar into a hub for sustainable and climate-resilient farming.

The MoU signals a shared commitment to tackling the challenges posed by climate change and ensuring food security through innovation and sustainable practices. As the collaboration unfolds, it is expected to provide long-term solutions for the state’s farmers, while setting a benchmark for climate-smart agriculture in India.