In a major move to boost climate-resilient agriculture in Kerala, the Kerala Agricultural University (KAU) and the Kerala Climate Resilient Agriculture Value Chain Modernization Project (KERA) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in Thiruvananthapuram on Saturday.
KERA, a five-year World Bank-supported initiative, aims to modernize agricultural value chains and equip the state’s farming sector to tackle the increasing impacts of climate change.
The MoU was signed by KERA Additional Project Director Vishnu Raj and KAU Registrar Dr. A. Zakir Hussain during a ceremony at the Hyatt Regency Hotel.
Calling the partnership a “significant milestone in Kerala’s efforts to future-proof its agriculture,” Vishnu Raj emphasized the importance of the collaboration.
As part of the agreement, the two institutions will work together to develop and promote climate-resilient agricultural practices suited to Kerala’s varied agro-ecological zones.
Planned initiatives include modernizing soil testing labs, enhancing advisory services, piloting low-emission rice cultivation techniques like Alternate Wetting and Drying (AWD) in selected districts, and establishing a Kerala Agro Climate Research Centre (KACRC) at KAU, with support from the Agriculture Department’s IT Cell.
The event was attended by senior officials from both the Agricultural University and the KERA State Project Management Unit (SPMU).
Key Terms and Concepts
What is the KERA Project?
The Kerala Climate Resilient Agriculture Value Chain Modernization Project (KERA) is a five-year program supported by the World Bank. Launched to help Kerala’s agriculture sector adapt to climate change, it focuses on sustainable farming, value chain development, and institutional strengthening. It includes investments in research, climate-smart practices, and farmer support systems.
What is Climate-Resilient Agriculture?
Climate-resilient agriculture refers to farming methods designed to withstand the effects of climate change—such as extreme weather, droughts, or flooding—while improving productivity. This includes the use of improved seeds, efficient water management, and sustainable land use practices like Alternate Wetting and Drying (AWD) in rice cultivation.
What is the Role of the World Bank in Indian Agriculture in 2025?
In 2025, the World Bank continues to play a major role in supporting India’s agricultural transformation, especially in climate resilience. Through projects like KERA, it offers financial and technical support for policy reforms, infrastructure upgrades, and institutional partnerships to mitigate climate impacts on farmers and food systems.
What is Alternate Wetting and Drying (AWD) in Rice Farming?
AWD is a water-saving technology in paddy cultivation where fields are not kept continuously flooded. Instead, irrigation is applied intermittently, allowing the soil to dry between waterings. This method reduces methane emissions, saves water, and can improve yields—making it central to low-carbon farming practices in 2025.
What is Agricultural Value Chain Modernization?
Value chain modernization in agriculture refers to upgrading every step from farm production to market, including processing, logistics, storage, and retail. In 2025, this often involves digital tools, climate-smart practices, and stronger market linkages to ensure farmers get better prices and reduce post-harvest losses.
What is a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in Public Projects?
An MoU is a formal agreement between parties—in this case, between Kerala Agricultural University and KERA—that outlines cooperation plans without being legally binding. It typically marks the beginning of a joint initiative or strategic partnership, often seen in government and development projects.
What is the Role of State Agricultural Universities in Climate Action?
In 2025, state agricultural universities like KAU play a pivotal role in research, technology transfer, and capacity building for climate-resilient farming. They act as knowledge hubs that connect scientific research with field-level implementation through farmer outreach and collaboration with government projects.
How Does Climate Change Affect Indian Agriculture in 2025?
Climate change is intensifying in India, with erratic monsoons, rising temperatures, and frequent floods or droughts threatening crop yields and farmer livelihoods. Projects like KERA aim to help farmers adapt through new technologies, crop diversification, and sustainable land and water use.
What is the Significance of Soil Testing in Modern Farming?
Modernized soil testing labs help farmers understand nutrient deficiencies and apply the right fertilizers efficiently. In 2025, digital soil health cards and AI-powered advisory systems are being scaled up to promote precision farming, which is crucial for sustainable agriculture and climate resilience.
Why is Kerala Focusing on Agro-Ecological Zones?
Kerala has diverse landscapes—from coastal plains to highland forests—so region-specific farming practices are essential. By tailoring climate-resilient methods to local agro-ecological zones, initiatives like KERA ensure that interventions are effective, scalable, and sustainable in 2025’s changing climate conditions.
