MUMBAI: In a transformative step for Indian agriculture, Salam Kisan, a leading agri-tech platform under PRYM Group, has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Maharashtra's state agricultural university Dr Balasaheb Sawant Konkan Krishi Vidyapeeth (DBSKKV Dapoli). This strategic partnership focuses on facilitating a research-backed, tech-driven transformation within the agricultural ecosystem. With this partnership, Salam Kisan strengthens its existing features and creates additional value for the entire agricultural community with the addition of expertise in R&D, field trials, and data analytics to its ecosystem.

The MoU, signed by Dr Parag Haldankar, Director of Research and Akshay Khobragade, Chief Operating Officer at Salam Kisan, PRYM Group in the presence of Dr Sanjay Bhave, Vice Chancellor, Dr Satish Narkhede, Dean & DI, Dr PU Shahare, Associate Dean from DBSKKV Dapoli, and aims to address critical needs in modern agriculture. Established for a period of five years, the partnership provides a stable foundation for long-term initiatives, according to an official release on Monday.

The strategic goals of this partnership include strengthening the crop calendar by utilizing data-driven AI and machine learning solutions to optimize agricultural planning, allowing for more precise planting and harvesting schedules. It also aims to develop drone standard operating procedures (SoPs) for the safe and effective use of drones in agriculture, addressing a current industry gap as limited such government SoPs exist. Additionally, the collaboration will deliver real-time pest and disease management solutions, offering farmers on-the-ground support to protect their crops. Finally, the partnership will focus on formulating and promoting natural farming practices to encourage sustainable, eco-friendly methods that support environmental health and long-term agricultural resilience.

The partnership will benefit agriculture graduates, researchers, farmers, policymakers, micro-entrepreneurs, and other stakeholders who are vital to building a resilient agricultural ecosystem, it said.

Dhanashree Mandhani, founder & CEO of Salam Kisan, said, “This partnership is critical for the future of sustainable agriculture in India. Known for its excellence in agricultural research, the state agricultural university brings invaluable knowledge to this collaboration. By combining DBSKKV's rigorous research expertise with Salam Kisan’s advanced technological capabilities, we can deliver impactful, scalable solutions that uplift the agriculture sector as a whole. This alliance represents a meaningful step toward our commitment to transforming agriculture through accessible, sustainable technology. Together, we aim to drive substantial improvements in farming productivity and resilience, enhancing livelihoods and supporting rural entrepreneurship across the nation.”