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An MOU between NitteDU and the ICAR Directorate of Cashew Research (DCR) was signed on June 30, 2025 committing to work together on research, training and education and to promote translational activities in collaboration with industry for development of technologies. The ICAR-DCR conducts research in the areas of cashew germplasm conservation, crop development, production, protection, postharvest technology and product value addition. Involving 14 regional centers, it also oversees the All-India Coordinated Research Project on Cashew.
Cashew has been identified by DST TEC as an important local crop and discussions with cashew processing industry has led to identification of number of problem areas where technological inputs are needed. The collaboration between ICAR-DCR and Nitte DU could lead to building on each other’s strengths and contribute to development of technologies that could lead to better utilization of cashew apple and other by-products of cashew processing industry. The MOU aims to encompass activities such as student internships, training of personnel, assistance in creating funding projects, joint research projects, lectures, product development experience sharing, webinars, joint conferences and symposia, and technical information sharing.
The MoU exchange took place in the Board Room of Nitte University between the Registrar, Dr. Harsha Halahalli, and Dr J. Dinakara Adiga, Director, DCR, on 30 June 2025. The Hon’ble Vice Chancellor of NitteDU, Dr M S Moodithaya; Dr Iddya Karunasagar, Advisor, Research and Patent; Dr Indrani Karunasagar, Director Projects and DST TEC; Mr Chethan Chakravarty, Legal Officer, NITTEDU and DST TEC staff, Dr. Veena and Dr Jyothi, scientists from ICAR-DCR were present on the occasion.