SRM College of Agricultural Sciences (SRMCAS), a constituent of SRM Institute of Science and Technology (SRMIST-KTR), signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the ICAR – Directorate of Floricultural Research (DFR), Pune, on 25th June 2025. The MoU was formally signed by Dr. S. Ponnusamy, Registrar, SRMIST, and Dr. K.V. Prasad, Director of ICAR-DFR, at a brief ceremony marking the beginning of a five-year collaboration.

This partnership is designed to promote quality postgraduate research and student training in specialised areas of floriculture. The focus areas under the agreement include variety and technology development for commercial and cut flower production, turf science, landscaping, and disease and pest management in flower crops.

The MoU aims to create a platform for collaborative academic and research activities that align with the national objectives of sustainable horticultural development. Through this initiative, students and researchers from SRMCAS will have the opportunity to engage with advanced research practices, benefit from shared expertise, and explore innovations in floricultural science.

Speaking on the occasion, the representatives of both institutions highlighted the mutual benefits of this partnership and emphasised the importance of combining academic learning with practical exposure to address real-world agricultural challenges.

The collaboration between SRMCAS and ICAR-DFR marks a step forward in strengthening the interface between education and research in the domain of floriculture and ornamental horticulture. It also reinforces SRMIST’s commitment to promoting research-driven education that contributes to national agricultural development goals.