Shunya Agritech Partners with ICAR–CIRG to Advance Hydroponic Fodder Research for Goat Farming and Rural Livelihoods

New Delhi : In a strategic move to boost goat productivity and support rural farmers, Shunya Agritech has signed a five-year MoU with ICAR–Central Institute for Research on Goats (CIRG), Mathura. The partnership aims to advance hydroponic fodder systems as a sustainable, high-efficiency solution to India’s growing green fodder crisis. The MoU was signed by Dr. Manish Kumar Chatli, Director, ICAR–CIRG, and Mr. Vijay Singh, MD & CEO of Shunya Agritech, in the presence of Hon’ble Minister of State S.P. Singh Baghel. With over 162 million goats, India leads the world in goat population, yet faces a 35.6% green fodder deficit, directly affecting animal productivity and farmer incomes.

Through this collaboration, CIRG and Shunya will integrate climate-smart hydroponic technology with on-ground research to develop and disseminate optimized nutrition protocols. Shunya’s hydroponic model uses 99% less water and delivers fresh green fodder within 8 days, compared to 45 days via traditional methods. A compact unit (just 3,500 sq. ft.) can yield 1,000 kg of fodder daily, making it 90% more land-efficient.

The partnership will also establish a Growth & Logistics Centre at CIRG’s Makhdoom campus, accelerating trials, demonstrations, and farmer outreach. Supported by national initiatives like NMSA and NICRA, this initiative aligns with India’s climate resilience goals.

Both organizations aim to deliver scalable, science-backed solutions that reduce feed costs, improve herd health, and empower smallholder farmers with better income security and climate resilience.