• High-level workshops unite Australian and Indian researchers, industry and government to drive climate-smart farming and digital agriculture
• Partnership boosts collaboration as agricultural trade between both nations surges, including 88 per cent growth in Australian exports

Charles Sturt University has deepened Australia’s agriculture ties with India through a new Australia-India AgriTech partnership, a bilateral initiative designed to accelerate digital agriculture, climate-smart farming and ag-tech innovation across both nations.

The partnership will be delivered with the Research and Innovation Circle of Hyderabad (RiCH), the Bengaluru Science and Technology Cluster (BeST), Professor Jayashankar Telangana Agricultural University (PJTAU) and the Centre of Excellence for Farmer Producer Organizations (CoEFPO).

The initiative will enable joint research, technology exchange, farmer-focused innovation and commercialisation pathways, with Charles Sturt’s Global Digital Farm and AgriPark at Wagga Wagga to play key roles.

Charles Sturt University Vice-Chancellor Professor Renée Leon said the partnership will connect the University’s researchers and industry partners to one of the world’s leading agriculture economies, worth $636 billion in 2025.

“The Australia-India AgriTech partnership places Charles Sturt University at the centre of one of Australia’s fastest growing international agriculture alliances,” Professor Leon said.

“Agriculture has been a key pillar of the relationship between Australia and India for decades, with both nations increasingly focused on productivity, sustainability and climate resilience.

“The Australia-India AgriTech partnership will strengthen Charles Sturt’s already significant contributions to research in food security, sustainable agriculture, climate resilience and drought adaptation, and digital and smart farming technologies.”

Since the Australia–India Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement came into force in late 2022, Australian premium agricultural exports to India have increased by 88 per cent, while Indian agricultural exports to Australia have grown 35 per cent over the same period.

In addition, 90 per cent of Australian goods exports to India are now tariff‑free, significantly improving market access for Australian producers and AgTech companies.

These trends reflect strong alignment between the two nations’ agricultural systems, including seasonal production differences, shared climate challenges and a mutual commitment to boosting productivity and regional economic output.

Australia’s High Commissioner to India, Mr Philip Green, attended the Hyderabad workshop and participated in the formal launch of the partnership.

Representing Charles Sturt were Professor Michael Friend and Dr Jonathan Medway, who showcased the University’s strengths in sustainable agriculture, digital and precision farming, climate resilience and research translation.

The partnership is supported by the Centre for Australia-India Relations through the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

Charles Sturt University Deputy Vice-Chancellor Research, Professor Neena Mitter, thanked the University's partners.

“We gratefully acknowledge the Australian High Commission, the Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser in India and our partners for supporting region-to-region collaboration which connects our local strengths to drive ag-tech innovation for both nations," Professor Mitter said.