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World Bank supports KERA to revitalise agricultural value chain

World Bank supports KERA to revitalise agricultural value chain

Thiruvananthapurm, July 8 (UNI) The World Bank is supporting a five-year project called the Kerala Climate Resilient Agri Value Chain Modernisation Project (KERA). This project will focus on revitalising agricultural value chains and enhancing Kerala's preparedness against natural calamities.
To promote climate-resilient agriculture in Kerala, an MoU has been signed between the Kerala Agricultural University (KAU) and KERA aiming to develop climate-resilient farming practices across the state's diverse agro-ecological zones, a release said.
The MoU was signed by KERA Additional Project Director Vishnu Raj and KAU Registrar Dr. A. Zakir Hussain.
'This collaboration marks a crucial milestone in Kerala's efforts to build future-ready, climate-resilient agriculture,' said Project Director Vishnu Raj.
KERA and KAU will work together to develop and promote climate-resilient agriculture (CRA) practices across Kerala's diverse agro-ecological zones, the department said.
The partnership aims to modernise soil testing laboratories, upgrade agricultural advisory systems, and pilot low-carbon rice farming technologies like Alternate Wetting and Drying (AWD) in priority districts.
The partnership will also facilitate the establishment of the Kerala Agro Climate Research Centre (KACRC) at the Agricultural University. This initiative will strengthen climate-smart agricultural practices and promote advanced agricultural research.
UNI DS AAB ARN
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