New Delhi:
India and France are strengthening their long-standing scientific partnership to advance research and innovation in agriculture and allied sciences through the Indo-French Centre for the Promotion of Advanced Research (IFCPAR/CEFIPRA). Established in 1987, CEFIPRA is a unique bilateral institution supported by the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India, and the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Government of France.
Through its various funding and mobility programmes, CEFIPRA promotes collaborative research in key areas such as sustainable agriculture, biotechnology, water management, environmental sciences, climate-smart farming, and nutrition security. These initiatives enable Indian and French universities, research institutions, and industries to work together on high-impact, solution-oriented research.
Major programmes such as the Collaborative Scientific Research Programme (CSRP) and the Industry Academia Research & Development Programme (IARDP) support joint research projects that bridge the gap between academia and industry. Agriculture and sustainable food systems remain important focus areas under these schemes, helping develop innovative technologies, improved crop practices, and eco-friendly solutions.
CEFIPRA also places strong emphasis on human resource development. Prestigious initiatives like the Raman–Charpak Fellowship encourage student and doctoral mobility between India and France, while the Postdoctoral Research Programme for Women in Science (PROWIS) supports women scientists in advanced scientific research through international exposure.
Over the years, CEFIPRA has supported more than 788 collaborative research projects, 64 industrial projects, and 225 seminars and workshops, benefiting thousands of researchers, students, and professionals. The outcomes of these collaborations have contributed significantly to scientific publications, patents, and technology development.
Experts believe that such Indo-French cooperation will play a crucial role in making Indian agriculture more resilient, technology-driven, and sustainable. For readers of Krishi Ujala, especially agricultural students, researchers, and agri-entrepreneurs, CEFIPRA’s programmes offer valuable opportunities for global collaboration and innovation-led growth.
Author
Gagan Tripathi is an agripreneur, plant scientist, and author known for his work in agritech innovation and sustainable horticulture. He is the Co-founder and CEO of Plant Orbit, a horticulture-focused startup dedicated to making healthy, scientifically managed plants accessible to urban and institutional consumers. Born in 2000, Gagan holds a master’s degree in Agriculture Extension and Communication, blending agricultural science with entrepreneurship and community outreach. He is also the author of the bestseller “Roadmap to Your Healthy Succulents”. His work focuses on sustainable plant care, green entrepreneurship, and building impact-driven agri startups in India.
