The Indian Society of Agricultural Engineers
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कृषि इंजीनियरिंग का भारत की विकास गाथा पर महत्वपूर्ण प्रभाव
No full textकृषि इंजीनियरिंग का भारत की विकास गाथा पर महत्वपूर्ण प्रभा
Innovative Mechanical Design and Parameter Optimization of a Tender Sorghum (Hurda) Extraction Machine: A Detailed Study on Design and Operational Efficiency
No full textThe extraction of tender sorghum (hurda) from immature panicles is traditionally performed manually, resulting in low efficiency, high drudgery, and substantial grain loss. To address these challenges, an innovative tender sorghum (hurda) extraction machine was designed, developed, and optimized for efficient mechanical extraction with minimal damage. The machine consisted of a feeding unit, extraction unit and cleaning unit with power transmission system of 1 hp single-phase motor. Experimental trials were conducted to evaluate performance parameters such as extraction efficiency, mechanical damage, and grain loss under different operating conditions. Optimization of the machine revealed a maximum extraction efficiency of 93.54% at a belt speed ratio of 1.13, a feed rate of 180 kg h-1, inlet and outlet clearances of 45 and 20 mm, respectively, using a rough-texture Polyurethane (PU) food grade belt. Under these conditions, mechanical damage to the grains was minimized to 1.2% and minimum total grain loss was 8.36%. The cost of operation of the developed machine (Rs. 0.50 kg-1) was substantially low as compared to traditional practice (Rs. 5.55 kg-1). The developed machine significantly reduced manual labor and time while maintaining high-quality grain recovery. The optimized sorghum hurda extraction machine provides a cost-effective, energy-efficient, and farmer-friendly solution for small-scale tender sorghum processing, promoting mechanization and value addition at the farm level
Morphometric and Hypsometric Analyses for Watershed Prioritization of Koyna River Basin, Maharashtra, India Using Remote Sensing and GIS
No full textWatershed management is crucial for sustaining water resources, controlling soil erosion, and mitigating flood risks. Prior to management, it is important to understand characteristics of watershed through morphometric analysis, which lays foundation for informed decision-making, conservation strategies, and sustainable land use planning in a watershed. Despite the progress made in watershed management studies, a significant research gap exists in applying an integrated approach of morphometric and hypsometric analyses using high-resolution datasets. This study abridges such gap by integrating morphometric analysis and hypsometric analysis by applying remote sensing (RS) and geographic information system (GIS) in Koyna River basin of Maharashtra, India. Furthermore, this study prioritizes sub-watersheds for soil and water conservation using RS and GIS techniques. The watershed boundary was delineated, and key morphometric parameters, i.e., basin area, stream order, stream length, and drainage density, were derived from high-resolution digital elevation model. The basin was classified as a 6th order basin with a drainage density of 0.83 km km-², indicating a coarse drainage pattern. The elongation ratio (0.8) indicated an elongated basin shape, associated with moderate slopes and differential erosion susceptibility, particularly in the upstream regions. The hypsometric analysis (HI = 0.5) suggested a mature basin condition, reflecting an equilibrium state between erosional and depositional processes. Sub-watershed prioritization revealed that three sub-catchments, i.e., SW9, SW10, and SW5 ranked highest in vulnerability and requires immediate implementation of soil and water conservation measures, while others showed relatively stable conditions. Findings of this study highlighted that accurate watershed delineation, supported by morphometric and hypsometric evaluation in a GIS framework, is essential for effective hydrological assessment and resource management. The approach provides a scientific basis for targeted watershed prioritization, enabling site-specific interventions and supporting long-term sustainability of land and water resources
Development and Evaluation of Infrared Radiated Biodiesel Production System
No full textBiodiesel is a renewable and potentially more environmentally friendly alternative to conventional diesel fuel, primarily derived from renewable sources such as plant-based oils and animal fats. In contrast to petroleum-based diesel, biodiesel has the potential to reduce certain emissions, promoting a cleaner environment and positioning it as a viable choice. A biodiesel production system using infrared radiation technique was developed and tested. Refined soybean oil was used as raw material for the conversion to biodiesel using the developed system. Different combinations of methanol (15 to 25% v/v of oil), KOH (0.5 to 1.5% w/v of oil) and reaction time (30 to 90 minutes) were studied for the transesterification of refined soybean oil at 60°C reaction temperature. The methanol (23%), KOH (0.8%) and reaction time (60 min) at reaction temperature 60°C were found to be the most suitable parameters to get the maximum biodiesel yield (95%) from refined soybean oil. The developed infrared radiation-based system was found suitable for biodiesel production
Water Quality Monitoring in Small and Medium-Scale Lakes of Sri Lanka Using UAV Multispectral Images
No full textMonitoring water quality is essential for sustainable aquatic ecosystems management, and Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) equipped with multispectral sensors offer an efficient, high-resolution alternative to traditional methods. This study evaluated UAV-based multispectral imagery for assessing nutrients, e.g. nitrate and phosphate and total suspended solids (TSS) in two Sri Lankan lakes, i.e., Mapalana Lake (small-scale), which is located at the Faculty of Agriculture, University of Ruhuna and Wilpita Lake (medium-scale), which is located in Akurassa, Matara. A total of 17 water samples were collected from both lakes during January 2024 and May 2024 and the collected samples were analyzed in the laboratory, while the UAV images were captured at 40 m altitude from the ground surface over 0.4-0.5 ha area of each lake. The UAV images were processed to generate index maps, including Normalized Difference Water Index (NDWI), Non-Linear Water Index (NLWI), Enhanced Water Index (EWI), Re-normalized Difference Water Index (RDWI), Red-Edge Normalized Difference Water Index (RENDWI), and Natural Logarithm Water Index (LWI). Among these, RENDWI was the best predictor for phosphate, with coefficient of determination (R²) values of 0.84 for Mapalana Lake and 0.92 for Wilpita Lake. The NDWI showed the best performance for nitrate monitoring, with R² values of 0.45 (Mapalana Lake) and 0.83 (Wilpita Lake) at two sites. In contrast, all other indices revealed poor correlations with TSS, indicating poor prediction of the suspended solids. These findings demonstrated that UAV-based multispectral imaging is a promising approach for rapid and accurate monitoring of the key nutrients in hydrological systems. Future work should focus on developing improved or novel indices to enhance prediction accuracy and extend applicability to a wider range of water quality parameters
When the Torch is Set Down: India’s Quiet Loss of Visionary Leadership
No full textIn the sacred rhythm of India’s democracy, politics was never meant to be a contest of ambition—it was meant to be a covenant of service. From the dusty lanes of rural and Urban India to the bustling corridors of Delhi, the soul of our republic has always been nourished by leaders who saw governance not as power, but as prayer
Blue Print for Viksit Krishi by 2047
No full textIndia’s aspiration to become a developed nation by 2047 depends largely on the transformation of its agriculture sector. Today, farming remains largely labour-intensive and vulnerable to high losses and low input use efficiency, but with mechanisation and automation, it can evolve into a technology-driven, efficient, and globally competitive system. This transformation will extend well beyond tractors and harvesters to include precision agriculture, robotics, post-harvest processing, IoTbased monitoring, and AI-powered decision-making. Over the next two decades, Indian agriculture will progress from basic machine access to intelligent, data-driven automation, optimising the entire farm-to-fork chain. The vision for 2047 is clear: every farmer, regardless of land size, should have timely access to suitable machines supported by intelligent systems that minimise drudgery, boost productivity, reduce losses, and enhance value capture. Alongside the agriculture, agricultural machinery manufacturing sector will also evolve to gain global leadership
Farms of the Future
No full textAs India approaches its centenary in 2047, agriculture stands ready to play an even bigger role in shaping the nation’s progress. It has long been the backbone of food security and rural livelihoods, and today it also holds the promise of driving innovation, sustainability, and global competitiveness. With the right vision, Indian farming can move from strength to strength over the next two decades
Utility of Brewer’s Spent Grain for Human and Animal Nutrition
No full textBrewer’s Spent Grain (BSG) is the primary by-product generated during the beer-brewing process, comprising nearly 85% of the total by-products from breweries. Traditionally considered waste, BSG is gaining recognition as a valuable resource for both human and animal nutrition due to its rich nutrient profile. With an increasing focus on sustainability and waste minimization, BSG is emerging as a key player in the circular economy of the food and beverage industry
New Growth Dimensions with Renewable Energy
No full textAgriculture has always been the lifeline of India , feeding the nation, employing millions, and shaping the fabric of our rural economy. Yet, over the years, Indian farmers have continued to struggle with rising input costs, shrinking margins, unreliable energy access, and the growing impact of climate change For centuries, our farmers have relied on nature i.e. the sun, wind, and water – for their livelihood. Ironically, these very natural forces are now reshaping agriculture again, this time through renewable energy. A quiet transformation, is taking place in our fields. Renewable energy , particularly biomass-based solutions , is emerging as a key enabler of agricultural growth, rural entrepreneurship, and environmental sustainability. It represents a new way of looking at farming, not only as a source of food, but also as a source of clean energy and economic empowerment. Today, renewable energy is not just about reducing carbon emissions or saving the planet. It has become a powerful catalyst for rural transformation and agricultural growth. Let’s look at how this silent revolution is unfolding across our farms and villages