Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with VST Tillers Tractors Ltd., a leading manufacturer of compact agricultural machinery in India, to promote greater awareness and training on small farm mechanization across Tamil Nadu.
This strategic collaboration aims to develop small farm machinery along with advanced technological, agronomic, and educational solutions to support sustainable food production locally and globally.
The MoU focuses on key areas, including frontier research in small farm machinery; training students in the latest innovations and modern farm technologies; creating awareness among students and farmers on small farm mechanization; testing and evaluating VST’s farm machinery under local conditions; supporting student-led research on technological advancements; providing project opportunities for TNAU students in farm mechanization; and offering internships at VST Tillers Tractors Ltd. for hands-on learning.
The MoU was signed and exchanged by Antony Cherukara, CEO, VST Tillers Tractors Ltd., and Dr. R. Thamizh Vendan, Registrar, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, in the presence of Dr. A. Raviraj, Dean, Agriculture Engineering College and Research Institute, TNAU; Dr. R. Tyagarajan, Associate Professor, Department of Farm Machinery; Dr. R. Kavitha, Professor; and Raja Chidambaram, DGM, SFM, VST Tillers Tractors.
Speaking at the signing, representatives from TNAU and VST highlighted the importance of bridging the gap between academic research and practical agricultural solutions, especially for small and marginal farmers.
“We are delighted to collaborate with Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, a premier institution in agricultural education and research,” said Antony Cherukara, CEO, VST Tillers Tractors Ltd. “This MoU aligns with our vision to empower small and marginal farmers through innovative research and affordable mechanization solutions. By working closely with TNAU’s faculty and students, we aim to develop field-ready technologies that can transform agricultural practices and improve farmer livelihoods. Through this collaboration, students will also have opportunities to engage at our upcoming Global Technology Development Centre in Hosur to develop cost-efficient, benchmark solutions tailored to India’s small and marginal farmers.”
Dr. R. Thamizh Vendan, Registrar, TNAU, said, “This partnership marks a significant step towards enhancing our students’ practical exposure and bridging the gap between research and real-world application. We aim to bring the benefits of small farm mechanization to the grassroots level, ensuring farmers across Tamil Nadu can access and adopt efficient farming technologies.”
Dr. A. Raviraj, Dean, Agriculture Engineering College and Research Institute, TNAU, added, “This collaboration will empower the next generation of agri-tech professionals and boost productivity through mechanization solutions suited to Tamil Nadu’s diverse agricultural landscape.”
