Patna: Munger University signed a tripartite memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Rubber Research Institute of India (RRII), Kottayam (Kerala), and the Himalayan Forest Research Institute (HFRI), Shimla, to promote rubber cultivation in Bihar on Tuesday with a special focus on improving the livelihoods of farmers in Munger district.

Vice-chancellor (VC) Sanjoy Kumar said on Wednesday the agreement aims to introduce rubber cultivation as an alternative and sustainable farming option in the region. As part of the initiative, Munger University has announced that it will allocate two acres of land in Munger for demonstration and research purposes, ensuring that local farmers directly benefit from the project, he said.

Under the MoU, the Rubber Board has agreed to provide quality rubber plant saplings, seeds and fertilisers to give a boost to rubber cultivation in the Munger district. Experts from RRII and HFRI will offer technical support, research inputs and guidance on best practices suited to the local agro-climatic conditions, the VC said.

In addition, the collaboration will also create learning opportunities for students of Munger University. Research students will be given exposure visits to Kerala and Himachal Pradesh to learn advanced skills, modern techniques and new technologies related to rubber cultivation and forest-based research also, Kumar said, adding the winter period and soil conditions of Munger are conducive to rubber cultivation, making Bihar a promising new area for expanding rubber plantations.

According to the VC, the tripartite MoU was signed by head of the department of botany, Munger University, Sandeep Kumar Tata; director of RRII, Kottayam, M Vasanthgesan and director of HFRI, Shimla, Manisha, at a function held in Shimla.

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