An innovation that promotes food security and agricultural economy

The research university of the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kharagpur introduced a new technique to improve food production and security. The goal is to create a more efficient, cost-effective, and faster-growing process for cereals, with the aim of reducing food waste and improving the final quality of food.

The project resulted in the transmission of the technology to a private company, SKF Boilers and Dryers Pvt Ltd, for commercial use. This company joined IIT Kharagpur through a formally signed agreement, where the Department of Agriculture and Food Engineering at IIT Kharagpur's head represents the institute during the agreement. The research team was led by Professor Brajesh Kumar Panda, with reference professors P Srinivasa Rao and Praveen Kumar Sappati, and another member, Samaran P. The main objective was to improve cereal productivity and quality, with the intention of minimizing food damage and making food more suitable for consumption and subsequent use.

The agreement between IIT Kharagpur and the private company SKF Boilers and Dryers Pvt Ltd was celebrated on the same day, with representatives from scientific communities and the institute present. The collaboration between the university institution and the private company extends beyond the transmitted technology, with both parties aiming to develop further solutions in the field of agricultural production through joint research. This project highlights the importance of continuing investment in research and knowledge transfer towards industry, with the goal of improving food security and agricultural economy. The ultimate objective is to promote greater cooperation between the university institution and the industry to achieve practical results that can be effectively used in agricultural enterprises.