Bengaluru, 9th June 2023 – The ICAR-Indian Institute of Horticultural Research (ICAR-IIHR) and Navratna Defence PSU Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) have joined hands to promote innovation and research in the field of Smart Agriculture. A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was exchanged between the two organisations on June 9, 2023, at ICAR-IIHR, Hesaraghatta Lake Post, Bengaluru, marking a significant milestone in their collaborative efforts.
Under the leadership of Prof. Sanjay Kumar Singh, Director of ICAR-IIHR, and Mr. Manoj Jain, Director (R&D) of BEL, this partnership aims to foster the design, development and standardisation of sensor-based systems for precision horticulture.
Elaborating on the collaboration, Prof. Sanjay Kumar Singh said, "The partnership between ICAR-IIHR and BEL represents a crucial step forward for Smart Agriculture. By combining our expertise, we aim to develop smart farming solutions that enhance productivity, sustainability, and resource efficiency in agriculture."
The MoU signing ceremony was attended by key representatives from both the organisations. Dr. G. Senthilkumaran, Principal Scientist at ICAR-IIHR, and Mr. Ravi Kumar, Senior Deputy General Manager at BEL, were instrumental in formalising the agreement.
Mr. Manoj Jain of BEL said, "As a premier defence electronics company, BEL is committed to exploring new frontiers of technological advancement. This collaboration allows us to apply our expertise in sensor technology to the field of agriculture, contributing to the development of smart and efficient farming practices."
The collaboration between ICAR-IIHR and BEL will pave the way for research and development in sensor-based systems that will enable precision agriculture. By utilising state-of-the-art sensors and data analytics, the project aims to optimise resource usage, monitor crop health, and improve overall farm management.
Both ICAR-IIHR and BEL anticipate that the outcomes of this collaboration will greatly benefit farmers, enhance food production, and contribute to the sustainable development of the agriculture sector.