Cutting-edge research on drought tolerant chickpeas is among the projects receiving Government funding through the Australia-India Strategic Research Fund (AISRF).

$500,000 has been awarded to a joint project between the University of Western Australia and the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics to enhance the drought tolerance of chickpeas.

Australia is one of the largest producers worldwide of the Desi chickpea, with Australian chickpeas exported internationally, particularly to India and Pakistan.

Minister for Industry, Science and Technology Karen Andrews said this funding will help Australia and India create jobs while solving shared challenges.

“Investing in agricultural science gives our farmers the tools they need for productive and resilient operations,” Minister Andrews said.

“International research collaboration helps secure Australia’s economic prosperity, particularly when the work is targeted at addressing real-world issues.”

The Government has also awarded nearly $500,000 to a joint project between the CSIRO and the Indian Institute of Science to improve clean energy production and storage.

“New technology in energy production and storage will be vital for the future of Australian manufacturing,” Minister Andrews said.

In addition to Australian Government funding of almost $1 million, the Indian Government and partners from research institutions will contribute more than $1.6 million to the projects.

The AISRF is Australia’s largest fund dedicated to bilateral science collaboration, with $20.5 million in grants awarded since late 2013.

Supporting research and innovation is part of the Morrison Government’s broader plan to grow the economy and create 1.25 million new jobs over the next five years.

More information about the AISRF, including successful grant recipients, is available at www.industry.gov.au/aisrf

Media contact: Minister Andrews' office 02 6277 7070