Tata Chemicals Limited (TCL) has entered into a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with BAIF Development Research Foundation to collaborate on the cultivation of Spineless Cactus and Hybrid Napier. This initiative aligns with Tata Chemicals’ commitment to sustainable green solutions and rural development.
The partnership aims to combine BAIF’s extensive experience in rural development, agro-biodiversity conservation, climate-smart agriculture, and renewable energy with Tata Chemicals’ strengths in nutrition biosciences, nanotechnology, agrochemistry, advanced materials, and rapid R&D scaling capabilities.
Commenting on the MoU, Dr. Richard Lobo, Head of Innovation, R&D, CQH, and Chief Ethics Counsellor at Tata Chemicals, said, “This collaboration with BAIF focuses on farmer welfare through the development of new products like Spineless Cactus and Hybrid Napier. These innovations have the potential to be scaled up, with protocols benefiting farmers and providing bio-energy, fodder, and bio-based products like bio-leather.”
Dr. Bharat Kakade, President and Managing Trustee of BAIF, added, “Our partnership with Tata Chemicals will introduce climate-smart technologies to benefit rural communities. We are eager to support Tata Chemicals’ agri-tech initiatives that aim to enhance rural livelihoods, and we look forward to collaborating with their R&D facilities to develop advanced agricultural products and technologies.”
BAIF, which has been working on sustainable rural livelihoods for 57 years across 15 Indian states, currently supports 4 million families through various programs focused on livestock development, water-centric livelihoods, agri-horti-forestry, renewable energy, and agrobiodiversity conservation. The organization emphasizes women’s empowerment and sustainable development through participatory approaches and innovative solutions, backed by strong R&D support for climate resilience technologies.
Tata Chemicals, part of the US$ 165 billion Tata Group, is a key supplier to industries such as glass, detergent, and chemicals. The company also has a significant presence in crop protection through its subsidiary, Rallis India Limited, and operates world-class R&D centers in Pune and Bangalore.
