IIT Madras, TN Govt join hands to strengthen States agri-food sector

chennai: indian institute of technology madras (iit madras) has signed a strategic memorandum of understanding (mou) with the tamil nadu agri business and food processing export corporation (tnapex) to enhance the state's agriculture and food processing ecosystem.the agreement, inked at the tamil nadu secretariat, aims to promote sustainable rural development, agri-business innovation and boost the export potential of local produce. dr. atul anand, ias, additional chief secretary, msme department, government of tamil nadu, welcomed the collaboration and underlined the government's focus on strengthening rural supply chains, minimising post-harvest losses and ensuring better income for farmers through technological and managerial innovations.iit madras director prof. v. kamakoti noted that the institute's multi-disciplinary expertise would address real-world challenges in agri-business by improving supply chain efficiency, marketability and sustainability through research, training and technology interventions.key focus areas include skilling rural youth in agribusiness, optimising logistics, enhancing packaging and branding, increasing market reach and exports, and assessing government schemes for maximum impact.dr. k. alagusundaram, md and ceo, tnapex, highlighted the role of academic collaboration in linking rural micro-enterprises to global markets and improving competitiveness in food processing.the mou was signed in the presence of senior officials and faculty members including prof. manu santhanam, dean (ic&sr), dr. saji mathew, head, department of management studies, and other iit madras professors who will spearhead training and consulting efforts.