Memorandum of understanding with Indian research institute enables scientific cooperation in key areas in both countries This week, the Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation (Embrapa) will sign a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with one of the largest research institutes de of India, the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-arid Tropics (Icrisat). The partnership will be established by Brazilian minister of agriculture Tereza Cristina during a mission to the Asian country that aims at expanding and diversifying trade and cooperation between both countries. The two institutions will establish cooperation in science and technology through joint projects in agriculture and natural resources, with the purpose of broadening the knowledge base in both countries. "The Memorandum of Understanding will enable specific projects in areas that bear the future of science, such as climate change, biotechnology, nanotechnology, geotechnology, automation, precision agriculture, digital agriculture, plant and animal health and safety, and green chemistry, in themes and production chains of mutual interest for Brazil's and India's agribusiness", explains Celso Moretti, presidente da Embrapa. The partnership will last five years and could be renewed for another five if an additional term is signed. Moretti clarifies that cooperation will be implemented through specific technical cooperation projects approved by both parties, which will define goals, human resources, materials and funds to be assigned by either Embrapa or Icrisat, intellectual property rights and people responsible for the activities to be developed. The first cooperation project is being elaborated, with a focus on Gene Bank Management and Quality. As a counterpart to Celso Moretti, the MoU will be signed by Icrisat's director general, Peter Carberry. Mission In India, minister Tereza Cristina will meet Harsimrat Kaur Badal (minister of Food Processing Industries), Giriraj Singh (minister of Animal Husbandry, Dairying and Fisheries), Narendra Singh Tomar (minister of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare) and Ramvilas Paswan (minister of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution). In addition, she is scheduled to sign a joint statement between the Brazilian Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Food Supply (Mapa) and the Ministry of Animal Husbandry, Dairying and Fisheries for cooperation in animal health and breeding. The cooperation, which is due to last three years, established that Embrapa will train Indian technicians on in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer, in addition to support to the setup of a Center of Excellence for Dairy Farming in India. Translation: Mariana Medeiros