HYDERABAD: Sindh Agriculture University (SAU), Tandojam, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Hyderabad-based Santorai Enterprises (Private) Limited to promote value addition in mangoes, bananas and other agricultural produce, strengthen industry-academia collaboration and explore domestic and international markets for processed food products.
The agreement aims to connect the university’s research and technical expertise with private-sector requirements to develop commercially viable food products, improve product quality and packaging, and create new entrepreneurial opportunities for farmers and university graduates.
The MoU was signed at a ceremony held at the university’s Senate Hall, with Dr Aasia Akbar Panhwar representing SAU and Aakash Santorai signing on behalf of Santorai Enterprises. Vice Chancellor Engr Prof Dr Altaf Ali Siyal, Director of the Teachers-Students Engagement Programme (STEP) Dr Muhammad Ismail Kumbhar,
Under the agreement, the university’s Institute of Food Sciences and Technology (IFST) will provide technical and scientific support for developing and improving value-added food products, food processing and preservation, laboratory testing, quality assurance, shelf-life assessment, packaging and labelling.
The collaboration will also focus on identifying commercially promising products derived from agricultural produce and exploring opportunities for their marketing in domestic and international markets. Other areas of cooperation include joint research and development, industry-linked training, student internships and innovation in food processing.
Speaking on the occasion, Vice-Chancellor Dr Altaf Ali Siyal expressed the hope that the partnership would help increase demand for locally produced agricultural commodities, encourage value addition and open up entrepreneurial opportunities for farmers and university graduates. He said collaboration between academia and industry could translate scientific knowledge into market-oriented products while equipping graduates with practical business and entrepreneurship skills.
The initiative is expected to support the development of value-added products from mangoes, bananas and other agricultural resources, potentially reducing post-harvest losses and improving the commercial value of local produce. It will also provide a platform for applying university expertise to industry needs and exploring opportunities for wider market access.
The five-year MoU establishes a framework for cooperation between the two organisations. The purchase of specific products, including quantities, prices, quality standards and delivery arrangements, will be subject to separate written agreements between the parties.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2026