The ICAR-National Research Centre for Banana (NRCB), Tiruchi, and the Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT), Chennai, have entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to promote collaborative research, student engagement, and faculty exchange in emerging areas of banana research and development.The MoU aims to foster interdisciplinary research by integrating NRCB’s expertise in banana research with VIT’s strengths in biosciences and technology, according to a press release from NRCB.The collaboration would facilitate project-specific research activities, encourage student participation in research and promote exchange of scientific knowledge and expertise between the two institutions.During a meeting of representatives from the two institutions, R. Selvarajan, Director, NRCB, highlighted the importance of institutional collaboration in addressing emerging research challenges and developing innovative, technology-driven solutions for the banana sector.Current area of research focuses includes AI assisted pest and disease detection and early warning systems, improved cost-effective sensors for soil moisture monitoring and irrigation, sensors for nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium quantification and inter-cultural operations.He emphasised the potential of interdisciplinary partnerships to translate scientific research into practical applications benefiting farmers and other stakeholders.
The two institutions have proposed mapping of banana in Tamil Nadu using hyperspectral drones and satellite, he said.T. Thiyagarajan, Pro-Vice Chancellor, VIT Chennai, elaborated on the thrust areas such as banana based circular economy and valorisation of banana biomass for novel electrical products.G.
Jayaraman, Dean, School of Bio Sciences and Technology, VIT Chennai, made a presentation on the opportunities for collaborative research under the MoU. Published - October 23, 2026 05:02 pm IST