Bihar Agricultural University gets UK design patent for efficiency testing device

NEW DELHI: Bihar Agricultural University (BAU) has achieved a milestone with the award of a United Kingdom design patent for its "Innovative digital computer device for agricultural efficiency testing." This device promises to revolutionise agricultural education and efficiency testing, providing farmers and extension workers with a powerful tool to enhance their skills and knowledge.

The device's ultimate goal is to assess and enhance the understanding of various cropping systems, including major grains like maize, wheat, and rice, major vegetables like eggplant and potato, and significant fruit crops like mango and guava.

The innovators behind the BAU's device include Chandan Kumar Panda, Tamoghna Saha, Meera Kumari, Suborna Roy Chowdhury, Anupam Das, Dunia Ram Singh, Anil Kumar Singh, and Ajay Kumar Sah. Their collaborative efforts aim to significantly impact the agricultural sector, driving progress and efficiency for farmers and professionals.

Operating on a user-paced engagement principle, the device ensures effective learning and practical application for individual users, catering to their specific needs and schedules. It is expected to optimise agricultural practices by providing necessary knowledge to farmers, enhance the skills of extension workers for better community support, and promote sustainable and efficient agricultural practices through informed decision-making.

The device from BAU covers essential topics such as plant protection, pesticide dosage, soil health management, fertiliser application, weed management, and irrigation scheduling. It can be installed at various locations, like farmer training centres and community centres, for broad accessibility.

DR Singh, BAU's vice chancellor, stated that this patent represents their commitment to advancing agricultural education and practice. AK Singh, director of research at BAU, highlighted the university's dedication to practical agricultural progress.