Haryana Signs Landmark MoU with Japan’s Kochi University to Boost Horticulture through IoP Technology

In a major step towards advancing agricultural technology and strengthening international collaboration, Haryana’s Maharana Pratap Horticultural University (MPHU), Karnal, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Japan’s Kochi University. The agreement, finalized in the presence of Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini and Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister Shyam Singh Rana, aims to enhance research and innovation in horticulture using the advanced “Internet of Plants” (IoP) technology.

Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini emphasized that Haryana has long been regarded as the “Granary of India,” playing a crucial role in food security. However, with increasing opportunities in horticulture, farmers in the state are now shifting towards more lucrative horticultural crops. The government, both at the state and central levels, is committed to improving the economic well-being of farmers by introducing cutting-edge agricultural technologies and modern farming practices. The MoU with Kochi University is expected to facilitate knowledge exchange and introduce innovative farming techniques, particularly in protected cultivation, which will benefit farmers by improving productivity and profitability.

During the signing ceremony in Chandigarh, Chief Minister Saini highlighted the importance of moving beyond traditional farming methods. He urged farmers to adopt high-value horticultural crops instead of conventional grain crops like wheat and rice. The state is witnessing a steady expansion in horticulture, with more farmers recognizing the financial advantages of cultivating fruits, vegetables, and flowers. This agreement will further accelerate the transition by equipping farmers with modern scientific solutions.

One of the key areas of research under the MoU will be the development of sensor-based technology for horticulture. The “Internet of Plants” (IoP) system will enable real-time monitoring and management of greenhouse conditions, including temperature, humidity, and photosynthesis, ensuring optimal growth environments for crops. The collaboration between MPHU and Kochi University will focus on creating tailored IoP modules that can be implemented in Haryana to maximize the yield and quality of horticultural produce.

Chief Minister Saini also stressed the significance of protected farming methods, particularly in mitigating the adverse effects of climate change. Haryana currently has around 4,000 acres of horticultural crops under polyhouses, while an additional 6,400 acres are cultivated using low-tunnel technology. He noted that there is immense potential to expand polyhouse farming, which would enable farmers to produce high-quality crops with greater resilience against unpredictable weather conditions.

This strategic partnership with Kochi University aligns with Haryana’s broader efforts to strengthen its agricultural supply chain. Post-harvest losses remain a critical issue in horticulture, and the state government is working on cold chain management solutions under Japan’s JICA (Japan International Cooperation Agency) project. By integrating IoP technology into greenhouse farming, Haryana aims to develop a more efficient, data-driven approach to horticulture, reducing losses and increasing overall profitability for farmers.

Agriculture Minister Shyam Singh Rana expressed confidence that the MoU would serve as a milestone in transforming Haryana’s horticulture sector. He highlighted that government schemes and initiatives over the past few years have significantly boosted farmers’ interest in horticultural crops, resulting in an increase in horticultural acreage to over 1 million acres in the state. He reiterated the government’s commitment to supporting polyhouse farming and other advanced agricultural methods to improve farmers’ earnings.

MPHU Vice-Chancellor Prof. Suresh Malhotra termed the agreement with Kochi University as “historic,” emphasizing that the research would focus on sensor-driven precision farming techniques for fruits, vegetables, flowers, and spices within greenhouses. These scientific advancements will be customized to suit Haryana’s agricultural conditions, ensuring that farmers can access and implement the latest technological solutions to maximize their crop potential.

Kochi University’s President, Prof. Ukeda Hiroyuki, praised Haryana’s leadership in promoting horticulture and expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration. He acknowledged the efforts of Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini and Agriculture Minister Shyam Singh Rana in creating opportunities for farmers to adopt modern agricultural techniques. He affirmed that this partnership would be highly beneficial for farmers, enabling them to integrate Japan’s advanced IoP technology into their farming practices.

The signing event was attended by senior officials, including Additional Chief Secretary of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Dr. Raja Sekhar Vundru, Additional Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister Dr. Saket Kumar, Foreign Cooperation Department Advisor Pawan Choudhary, Horticulture Directorate Head Arjun Singh Saini, Research Director Prof. Ramesh Goyal, MPHU Karnal Registrar Suresh Saini, and members of the Japanese delegation.

This MoU marks a significant step towards modernizing horticulture in Haryana. By leveraging global expertise and integrating advanced IoT-based agricultural solutions, the state aims to boost productivity, improve supply chain efficiency, and increase farmers’ income, ultimately strengthening Haryana’s position as a leader in India’s evolving agricultural landscape.

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