Launch of India–Australia Smart Farm Network at PJTAU

The India–Australia Smart Farm Network (IASFN) was launched at AgHub, Professor Jayashankar Telangana Agricultural University (PJTAU), Hyderabad on 14 May 2026 by the Research and Innovation Circle of Hyderabad (RICH) in collaboration with Charles Sturt University (CSU), Bengaluru Science and Technology Cluster (BeST), CoE-FPO Bengaluru and PJTAU. The initiative aims to strengthen India – Australia collaboration in climate-smart agriculture, digital agriculture technologies, precision farming, innovation, and sustainable agricultural systems through joint research, pilot projects, startup engagement, and knowledge exchange. His Excellency Mr. Philip Green OAM, High Commissioner of Australia to India, highlighted the importance of India – Australia partnerships in agriculture, innovation and sustainability to support farmers and strengthen climate resilience. Prof. Aldas Janaiah, Vice Chancellor, PJTAU, emphasized the importance of collaboration among academia, industry, technology developers and farmers for promoting innovation and sustainable agriculture. The workshop was attended by His Excellency Mr. Philip Green OAM, High Commissioner of Australia to India; Ms. Hilary McGeachy, Australian Consulate General, Bengaluru; Dr. Ch.E. Vidyasagar, Registrar, PJTAU; Dr. Balram, Director of Research, PJTAU; Dr. M. Venkateshwarlu, MD, AgHub; Dr. K. Aparna, Director – International Programmes, PJTAU; Ms. Rashmi Pimpale, CEO, RICH; Prof. Michael Friend, Pro Vice Chancellor, CSU; Prof. Jonathan Medway, Head – Digital Agriculture, CSU; Mr. Anantharaman, CEO, BeST; Smt. Deepthy Sunil, DGM, NABARD, and Smt. Rama Lakshmi, Joint Director, Horticulture Department, Telangana.