About Us

Agricultural Research And Development Foundation

The ASPEE Agricultural Research and Development Foundation was established with the vision of strengthening Indian agriculture and supporting the farming community through research, innovation and knowledge dissemination.

The organization recognizes the inseparable bond between ASPEE and farmers, whose trust and support have played a crucial role in the growth of the company. As a gesture of gratitude, ASPEE felt a strong responsibility to contribute to the welfare and advancement of farmers by promoting scientific agriculture and sharing the benefits of research with them.

Foundation Legacy
The "Lab to Land" Challenge

In India, a large amount of agricultural research is conducted by universities and government institutions to improve productivity and sustainability. However, one of the major challenges is transferring these research findings from laboratories to farmers’ fields.

Considering the country’s vast geographical area, diverse languages and large farming population, the process of “lab to land” technology transfer requires strong extension networks and dedicated efforts to ensure that farmers benefit from scientific advancements.

Keeping this objective in mind, the ASPEE Agricultural Research and Development Foundation was formed through the joint efforts of American Spring & Pressing Works Pvt. Ltd., its distributors, staff members and associates.

Shri L. M. Patel

The initiative was inspired by the vision of the late Shri L. M. Patel, founder of American Spring & Pressing Works Pvt. Ltd., who was deeply committed to the development of Indian agriculture.

The company has been associated with agricultural equipment and plant protection technologies for several decades and has played an important role in supporting farmers through innovative tools and solutions.

Historical Journey and Milestones

The ASPEE Agricultural Research & Development Foundation was established with the vision of promoting scientific agriculture through research, education, and extension activities. Since its inception, the Foundation has been committed to advancing agricultural development, supporting students and researchers, and facilitating the transfer of technology from research institutions to farmers' fields.

The Foundation's guiding philosophy has been to strengthen Indian agriculture by fostering innovation, capacity building, and sustainable farming practices.

Key Historical Timeline
1946

Shri Lallubhai M. Patel founded American Spring & Pressing Works (ASPEE), laying the foundation for an organization dedicated to serving Indian agriculture through innovative plant protection equipment and agricultural technologies.

1947

ASPEE manufactured its first agricultural plant protection equipment, marking the beginning of its contribution to Indian farming and crop protection.

1968

Shri M. D. Shah Mahila College was established in 1968 by Late Shri Lallubhai M. Patel of the ASPEE Group in memory of his friend, Late Shri Mohanlal Dharamsi Shah, with a deep commitment to girls’ education. Today, it is a leading institution for women in Mumbai’s western suburbs, serving over 5,500 students. Affiliated with SNDT Women’s University and managed by Janseva Samiti, the college offers undergraduate and postgraduate programs in Arts and Commerce, including postgraduate degrees in Economics, History, Hindi, and M.Com.

17 October 1973

The ASPEE Agricultural Research & Development Foundation was formally registered with the objective of promoting agricultural research, education, extension, and rural development.

1974

The Foundation received recognition as a Research Institute from the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), Government of India.

10 October 1974

The Foundation was formally inaugurated by Dr. J. S. Patel, eminent agricultural scientist and former Vice-Chancellor of Jawaharlal Nehru Krishi Vishwa Vidyalaya, Jabalpur.

1974 onwards

The Foundation launched Junior Fellowships and Senior Fellowships to support postgraduate and doctoral studies in Agriculture and Agricultural Engineering, thereby encouraging scientific research and human resource development.

1976–77

A dedicated Research & Development Farm was established at Met near Tansa, District Thane, Maharashtra. The farm became a centre for conducting crop demonstrations, adaptive research trials, farmer training programmes, and technology evaluation.

1980s

The Foundation expanded its activities by sponsoring research projects, organizing crop competitions, instituting awards, and strengthening agricultural extension programmes across India.

1981

ASPEE College of Nutrition and Community Science is a premier and first institute in Gujarat on the part of ASPEE Foundation, dedicated to Community Science education, research and extension. The college was established in November 17, 1981. Earlier, it was known as ASPEE College of Nutritional Sciences, Home Science and Food Technology under Gujarat Agricultural University.

1988

ASPEE College of Horticulture and Forestry the college was originally named was established in November 1988 at Navsari with the approval of the Government of Gujarat’s Krushi and Gram Vikas Vibhag. Later it was named as ASPEE College of Horticulture, which is a premier institute in Gujarat dedicated to horticulture education and research. Its vision is to develop skilled human resources and advance research in both horticulture and forestry.

1996

A Memorandum of Understanding was signed with Dr. Balasaheb Sawant Konkan Krishi Vidyapeeth, Dapoli, for collaborative research and education and extension activities in Thane / Palghar region

1997

The Farmer of the Year Awards were expanded to include separate categories, including a dedicated award for women farmers, thereby encouraging greater participation and recognition. The first Farmer Award was given to Mr. Narayan Bhai Chawda in the Horticulture category from Raipur, M.P. (Chhattisgarh)

1999

The Farmer of the Year Awards were expanded to include separate categories, including a dedicated award for women farmers, thereby encouraging greater participation and recognition. The first Women Farmer Award was given to Mrs Sangeeta Deol in Bee-keeping from Dist. Jalandhar, Punjab.

2000

The ASPEE Alumni Association was inaugurated under the guidance of renowned agricultural scientist Dr. M. S. Swaminathan, creating a network of fellowship recipients and agricultural professionals.

2000–2010

The Foundation significantly expanded its support for agricultural education through scholarships, research grants, student training programmes, seminars, workshops, and field demonstrations.

2010–Present

The Foundation continues to support agricultural innovation through:

  • Research Fellowships
  • Sponsored Research Projects
  • Farmer Training Programmes
  • Agricultural Extension Activities
  • Technology Demonstrations
  • Farmer Recognition Awards
  • Collaboration with Agricultural Universities and Research Institutions
2012

ASPEE Agribusiness Management Institute (AABMI), Navsari was established in 2007 in collaboration with Navsari Agricultural University, Gujarat, in response to growing opportunities for skilled agribusiness professionals. The institute has offered a 2-year full-time MBA (Agribusiness Management) since its inception, a 3-year full-time PhD programme since 2017, and a unique 6-month hybrid PG Certificate Course in FPO since 2024.

2016

ASPEE Shakilam Agricultural Biotechnology Institute (ASBI), located at Surat, Gujarat and a constituent of Navsari Agricultural University, was established in 2012 with support from the Agriculture and Cooperation Department, Government of Gujarat. In 2014, it received a donation from the ASPEE Shakilam Foundation for interior infrastructure and was subsequently renamed in 2015.

2020

The ASPEE College of Agriculture, Khapat (Porbandar), was sanctioned by the Department of Agriculture, Government of Gujarat, in 2016. However, later during 2019-20 the college was redeveloped with financial donations from Aspee. Affiliated with Junagadh Agricultural University, Junagadh, the college is situated on a lush 15.81-hectare campus. It offers excellent opportunities for agricultural education leading to the B.Sc. (Hons.) Agriculture degree in various disciplines.

2025

Aspee Shakilam School of Agricultural Studies, Lokbharati, Sanosara, Gujarat is located within Lokbharati University for Rural Innovation (LURI). It is a key institution dedicated to nurturing future agripreneurs. It blends traditional agricultural wisdom to study Agronomy, Horticulture, Farm Machinery, Soil Science, and sustainable farming with modern scientific practices, preparing students to become innovators, problem-solvers, and leaders in agriculture. The school building, generously sponsored by ASPEE (American Spring & Pressing Works Pvt. Ltd.), reflects strong industry-academia collaboration. It provides a conducive environment for over 100 students through both classroom learning and hands-on fieldwork.

2026

Establish Aspee Auditorium of 1200 seating capacity at Navsari Agriculture University at Navsari, Gujarat

The Foundation was formally registered on 17 October 1973 and recognized as a research institute by the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research (DSIR) in 1974. Since then, it has continued to promote agricultural research and extension activities.

The Foundation’s activities were inaugurated on 10 October 1974 by Dr. J. S. Patel, former Agricultural Commissioner and Vice-Chancellor of J. N. Krishi Vishwa Vidyalaya, Jabalpur.

Major Achievements

Agricultural Education
  • Awarded hundreds of Junior and Senior Research Fellowships to students pursuing higher education in agriculture and allied sciences.
  • Supported postgraduate and doctoral research across leading agricultural universities in India.
Research Support
  • Sponsored and financed numerous research projects addressing practical agricultural challenges.
  • Promoted farmer-oriented technologies and sustainable farming practices.
Extension and Training
  • Conducted demonstrations, field days, workshops, and farmer training programmes.
  • Facilitated technology transfer from research laboratories to farmers' fields.
Research Farm Development
  • Established and maintained a dedicated Research & Development Farm serving as a platform for crop research, demonstrations, and farmer education.
Farmer Empowerment
  • Instituted national-level awards recognizing progressive farmers and innovative agricultural practices.
  • Encouraged adoption of scientific farming and entrepreneurship in agriculture.

Primary Objectives & Directives

The primary objective of the Foundation is to support farmers in improving agricultural productivity and sustainability. It conducts scientific research, promotes knowledge in plant protection, and encourages excellence in agriculture by offering awards and recognition to agriculture graduates and progressive farmers.

In addition, the Foundation supports higher education in agricultural sciences by providing fellowships for M.Sc. and Ph.D. students, inspiring young scientists and motivating youth to contribute to Indian agriculture.

Empowering Growth

Promoting scientific excellence, field-level technology transfers, and supporting academic research to secure sustainable futures for India's farming networks.

ASPEE Foundation

Looking Ahead

As the Foundation moves forward, it remains committed to its founding mission of promoting excellence in agricultural research, education, and extension. Through strategic partnerships, farmer-centric programmes, and support for scientific innovation, the Foundation continues to contribute towards sustainable agricultural growth and rural prosperity in India.

"From Research to Reality – Advancing Agriculture for a Better Tomorrow."