Collaboration seal between TNAU and VST Tillers Tractors for boosting mini-farm machinery adoption in Tamil Nadu
In a groundbreaking move aimed at enhancing small farm productivity and improving the livelihoods of farmers, the Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with VST Tillers Tractors Ltd. The collaboration, announced on August 14, 2025, at 9:15 IST, focuses on promoting small farm mechanization across Tamil Nadu.
The partnership aligns with VST's vision to empower small and marginal farmers. Dr. A. Raviraj, Dean of Agriculture Engineering College and Research Institute at TNAU, believes this collaboration will empower the next generation of agri-tech professionals. Dr. R. Thamizh Vendan, Registrar of TNAU, emphasizes the partnership's role in enhancing students' practical exposure and bridging the gap between research and real-world application.
Antony Cherukara, CEO of VST Tillers Tractors, expressed delight in collaborating with TNAU. The collaboration aims to develop field-ready technologies that can transform agricultural practices.
Key initiatives resulting from the MoU include:
- Development of Small Farm Machinery: The collaboration aims to develop machinery tailored to small farmers, enhancing their productivity and efficiency.
- Frontier Research: Both parties are engaged in advanced research in small farm machinery, focusing on technological innovations.
- Training and Education:
- Student Training: TNAU students will receive training in the latest farm technologies and innovations.
- Farmer Awareness: Creating awareness among students and farmers about the benefits of small farm mechanization.
- Testing and Evaluation: VST’s machinery will be tested under local conditions to ensure its suitability for regional farming practices.
- Student-Led Research: Encouraging student-led research on technological advancements in farm mechanization.
- Project Opportunities and Internships: Providing project opportunities for TNAU students and internships at VST Tillers Tractors Ltd. for hands-on learning experiences.
Students will have opportunities to engage at VST's Global Technology Development Centre in Hosur to develop cost-efficient, benchmark solutions tailored to India's small and marginal farmers. The partnership aims to bring the benefits of small farm mechanization to the grassroots level in Tamil Nadu.
In a separate report, VST Tillers Tractors reported a 17% Year-on-Year growth in July 2025, selling 6,471 units (6,026 power tillers and 445 tractors). The event was attended by Dr. A. Raviraj, Dr. R. Tyagarajan, Dr. R. Kavitha, and Raja Chidambaram (DGM, SFM, VST Tillers Tractors).
The collaboration is expected to boost productivity through mechanization solutions suited to Tamil Nadu's diverse agricultural landscape. The MoU covers key areas such as frontier research in small farm machinery, student training, awareness creation, machinery testing, student-led research, project opportunities, and internships. This partnership marks a significant step towards sustainable food production by integrating technology with agronomic practices.
[1] The specific details about the project opportunities and internships are yet to be announced.
The partnership between Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU) and VST Tillers Tractors Ltd. intends to bridge the gap between research and real-world application, specifically focusing on the development of cost-efficient, benchmark solutions for small farm mechanization and education of the next generation of agri-tech professionals. This alignment with VST's vision aims to develop field-ready technologies that can transform agricultural practices in Tamil Nadu, enhancing productivity and improving the livelihoods of farmers.
