TAFE’s JFarm and ICRISAT Join Hands for New Agri-Research Hub in Hyderabad

Tractors and Farm Equipment Limited (TAFE) is the second largest tractor maker in India and one of the biggest in the world. It has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT). The agreement is to start a new agri-research centre called the “JFarm Adaptive Agriculture Research & Extension Centre” at the ICRISAT campus in Patancheru, Hyderabad.

A Strong Legacy of JFarm

TAFE established JFarm in 1964 as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives to support farmers through research-based solutions and training. Over the years, JFarm expanded to Bhawanimandi in 2016. It also partnered with public institutions such as PJTSAU in Telangana (2019) and VNMKV in Maharashtra (2023) to build training and mechanisation centres.

Now, TAFE is joining hands with ICRISAT under the Centre of Excellence for South–South Cooperation in Agriculture (ISSCA). This new centre in Hyderabad will bring global farming ideas and technologies to India and share Indian innovations with other countries in the Global South.

Focus Areas of the New Centre

The JFarm Adaptive Research Centre will utilise ICRISAT’s innovations, such as machine-harvestable chickpeas, and combine them with TAFE’s expertise in farm equipment. The goal is to test these technologies in different crop conditions and climates. The centre will also promote gender equality and social inclusion in the farming sector.

This centre will teach farmers how to practice sustainable farming. It will focus on saving soil and using water efficiently. Farmers will learn about using machines of the right size for their land and how to manage crop waste better.

The centre will also help farmers become entrepreneurs by promoting service-based farming models. It will connect lab research to field use and train farmers on how to use and maintain tractors and farm machines. 

One key feature will be the display of the Farmer-to-Farmer (F2F) Digital Custom Hiring model. This model helps farmers use machinery without owning it. The centre will serve as a hub for experts, start-ups, research institutions, and farmers to collaborate and share knowledge. 

Key Statements from TAFE and ICRISAT

Dr. T R Kesavan, Group President and TAFE Board Member, said, “We aim to promote precision farming while protecting land and water. We understand the diverse needs of farmers and believe that sharing knowledge is key to increasing the number of farmers who use machines. With ICRISAT’s support, we can reach farmers in every corner.”

Dr. Himanshu Pathak, Director General of ICRISAT, said, “Mechanisation is vital for India’s future in farming. Without it, we cannot reach the goal of Viksit Bharat (Developed India). This partnership is not just about machines. It’s about using research to reduce chemical use, labour needs, and environmental harm. We aim to take these solutions not just across India but to Africa as well.”

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