Agricultural Engineering

Sponsored Research Projects As Per MOU

With the continuous growth of the population and the increasing demand for food, animal feed, fibre, and bio-based industrial raw materials, the need for sustainable agricultural mechanization and efficient farm services is becoming more critical than ever. Modern agriculture must not only enhance productivity but also ensure the efficient utilization of natural resources, reduce labour dependency, minimize production costs, and improve the overall profitability of farming. In this context, fostering sustainable private-sector participation is essential to provide farmers with access to appropriate, affordable, and locally relevant technologies. Such interventions contribute significantly to increased agricultural productivity, rural economic development, enhanced food security, reduction of post-harvest losses, and the promotion of indigenous manufacturing of farm machinery and equipment.

Recognizing these emerging challenges and opportunities, the ASPEE Agricultural Research and Development (ARD) Foundation has, since its inception, been actively engaged in research and development activities aimed at improving the livelihoods of farmers in the surrounding regions. The Foundation has consistently focused on identifying practical field-level problems and developing innovative mechanization solutions to address them.

To support this objective, the Foundation has undertaken a number of research, design, fabrication, testing, and field-evaluation projects related to farm mechanization and agricultural engineering. These projects have been carried out in collaboration with students pursuing M.Tech. and Ph.D. degrees in Agricultural Engineering under various fellowship programmes and Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) established with leading agricultural universities and institutions. Through these collaborative efforts, prototypes of farm implements and machinery have been developed, modified, and tested under actual field conditions, generating valuable data and practical solutions for the farming community.

The research initiatives undertaken at the farm not only provide academic and research opportunities to young engineers and scientists but also contribute directly to the development of cost-effective, farmer-friendly technologies that enhance efficiency, sustainability, and productivity in agriculture. The following few projects represent some of the significant mechanization and engineering research activities carried out at the ASPEE ARD Foundation farm.

M.Tech Projects

Dr. Balasaheb Sawant Konkan Krishi Vidyapeeth, Dapoli, Maharashtra.

1. Design and Development of Mechanism for Operation of Curtains in Greenhouse

Mr. Shirke Prasad Santosh – Guide - Dr. Sandeep K. Jain, Department of Farm Structure, College of Agricultural Engineering and Technology, Dr. Balasaheb Sawant Konkan Krishi Vidyapeeth, Dapoli, Maharashtra.

Project 1

A mechanized and automated curtain operation system was developed for naturally ventilated greenhouses to improve environmental control by trapping heat and CO₂ during the night and reducing temperature during the day. Unlike traditional manually operated curtain systems, which are prone to rusting, uneven rolling, and time-consuming operation, the developed mechanism uses a single DC gear motor with bevel gears to automatically roll the side curtains based on the greenhouse's internal temperature. Performance evaluation showed that, at the ASPEE Research Farm, Tansa, the average maximum inside temperature increased by 9.0°C with curtains closed and 3.7°C with curtains open, while at the CAET Research Farm, Dapoli, the corresponding increases were 8.2°C and 4.1°C. The study also found that inside and outside relative humidity remained nearly the same when curtains were open, whereas inside humidity was lower than outside humidity when curtains were closed, demonstrating the effectiveness of the automated system in greenhouse climate management.

2. Development Of Tractor Operated Farm Yard Manure(FYM) Applicator, by Mr.Latpate NarsingJagannath , Department Of Farm Machinery And Power College Of Agricultural Engineering And Technology Vasantrao Naik Krishi Vidhyapeeth,Parbhani-431402, Maharashtra.

A tractor-operated Farm Yard Manure (FYM) applicator was developed to ensure uniform and precise application of organic manure while reducing labor and improving soil fertility. The machine consists of a hopper, agitator, adjustable slider plates, and interchangeable drilling and spreading attachments powered by the tractor PTO. The agitator effectively breaks manure clods, ensuring smooth material flow and uniform distribution. Field evaluation demonstrated an FYM application rate of 2,236 kg/ha, low fuel consumption (1.92–1.95 L/h), and power requirement of about 12 hp for both drilling and broadcasting operations. The developed applicator proved effective for both furrow application and surface spreading, offering a cost-effective, labor-saving, and efficient alternative to traditional manual manure application methods.

Project 2

3. “Design and Development of Open Roof Mechanism for Greenhouse”

Mr. Amit Anandrav Gurav – Guide - Dr. Sandeep K. Jain, Professor & Head, Department of Farm Structure, College of Agricultural Engineering and Technology, Dr.Balasaheb Sawant Konkan Krishi Vidyapeeth, Dapoli, Maharashtra.

The open roof mechanism was developed for naturally ventilated greenhouses to overcome the limitations of fixed-roof structures by allowing direct sunlight to reach crops, thereby improving light intensity, flowering, and crop growth. The system uses a rack-and-pinion mechanism powered by a 0.25 hp DC geared motor to automatically open or close the roof based on environmental requirements. Performance was evaluated under four ventilation treatments by monitoring temperature and relative humidity using HOBO sensors. The automated open-roof operation (T4) provided the most favorable greenhouse microclimate compared to the other treatments and demonstrated reliable performance by opening or closing the roof within just 17 seconds.

4. “Study of Heat Stree Reduction Techniques for Enhancing Animal Comfort in Dairy Barn”

Ms. Pawar Ankita Balasaheb - – Guide - Dr. Sandeep K. Jain, Professor & Head, Department of Farm Structure, College of Agricultural Engineering and Technology, Dr.Balasaheb Sawant Konkan Krishi Vidyapeeth, Dapoli, Maharashtra.

Project 2
Project 2

Buffaloes are highly susceptible to heat stress due to their limited physiological adaptation to extreme temperatures. A study on 20 Mehsana buffaloes evaluated four cooling treatments: sprinkler with ceiling fan, high-pressure fogging with ceiling fan, shed only, and no cooling (control). Environmental and physiological parameters, including temperature, relative humidity, rectal temperature, skin temperature, and respiration rate, were recorded. The sprinkler cooling system proved to be the most effective in maintaining buffaloes within the thermal comfort zone by reducing heat stress and keeping physiological responses within the optimum range, followed by the high-pressure fogging system. In contrast, buffaloes under shed-only and control conditions experienced greater heat stress, indicating that sprinkler cooling is the most efficient heat stress mitigation practice for improving buffalo comfort and productivity.

5. “Comparison of Silo Structure Types on Quality of Silage made from Crop Residue”

Ms. Chavan Maheshwari Mansing – Guide - Dr. Sandeep K. Jain, Professor & Head, Department of Farm Structure, College of Agricultural Engineering and Technology, Dr.Balasaheb Sawant Konkan Krishi Vidyapeeth, Dapoli, Maharashtra.

A comparative study was conducted to evaluate the effect of different silo types on silage quality using two treatments: with and without jaggery. Silage was prepared in horizontal surface, drum, bag, and aspirator bottle silos, and after 45 days, parameters such as pH, dry matter, crude protein, and temperature were assessed. The results showed that silage pH was nearly the same across all silo types regardless of jaggery addition, while the bag and aspirator bottle silos retained higher dry matter content. The bag silo also recorded the highest crude protein content and produced the best overall quality silage, indicating that it is the most suitable storage method for preserving fodder with minimal nutrient loss.

Project 2
Project 2
Project 2

6. “Design and Development of Spraying System for Columnar Growing Orchards”

Ms. Korade Dhanashree Rajaram - Guide - Dr. Kishor G. Dhande, Professor (CAS), Department of Farm Machinary & Power Engineering, College of Agricultural Engineering and Technology, Dr.Balasaheb Sawant Konkan Krishi Vidyapeeth, Dapoli, Maharashtra.

A columnar growth orchard sprayer was developed to improve pesticide application in tall coconut plantations by overcoming the limitations of conventional sprayers. The system features a four-degree-of-freedom rotating blower head powered by a 4 kW PMSM motor, with optimum blower performance achieved at 3000 rpm. Laboratory evaluation of three nozzle types identified the ATR80W nozzle at 5 kg/cm² pressure and 12.2 m spraying distance as the most effective, providing uniform droplet distribution and high droplet density. Field testing confirmed effective spray coverage on both the front and back of coconut leaves, demonstrating the sprayer's suitability for tall tree canopies. The developed sprayer costs ₹1,22,840, with an operating cost of ₹805.44 per hectare, making it an efficient and practical solution for coconut orchard spraying.

Project 2

7. Mr. Shirke Prasad Santosh

A mechanized and automated curtain operation system was developed for naturally ventilated greenhouses to improve environmental control by trapping heat and CO₂ during the night and reducing temperature during the day. Unlike traditional manually operated curtain systems, which are prone to rusting, uneven rolling, and time-consuming operation, the developed mechanism uses a single DC gear motor with bevel gears to automatically roll the side curtains based on the greenhouse's internal temperature.

Performance evaluation showed that, at the ASPEE Research Farm, Tansa, the average maximum inside temperature increased by 9.0°C with curtains closed and 3.7°C with curtains open, while at the CAET Research Farm, Dapoli, the corresponding increases were 8.2°C and 4.1°C. The study also found that inside and outside relative humidity remained nearly the same when curtains were open, whereas inside humidity was lower than outside humidity when curtains were closed, demonstrating the effectiveness of the automated system in greenhouse climate management.

8. Mr.Latpate Narsing Jagannath

A tractor-operated Farm Yard Manure (FYM) applicator was developed to ensure uniform and precise application of organic manure while reducing labor and improving soil fertility. The machine consists of a hopper, agitator, adjustable slider plates, and interchangeable drilling and spreading attachments powered by the tractor PTO. The agitator effectively breaks manure clods, ensuring smooth material flow and uniform distribution.

Field evaluation demonstrated an FYM application rate of 2,236 kg/ha, low fuel consumption (1.92–1.95 L/h), and power requirement of about 12 hp for both drilling and broadcastin g operations. The developed applicator proved effective for both furrow application and surface spreading, offering a cost-effective, labor-saving, and efficient alternative to traditional manual manure application methods.

9. Mr. Amit Anandrav Gurav

The open roof mechanism was developed for naturally ventilated greenhouses to overcome the limitations of fixed-roof structures by allowing direct sunlight to reach crops, thereby improving light intensity, flowering, and crop growth. The system uses a rack-and-pinion mechanism powered by a 0.25 hp DC geared motor to automatically open or close the roof based on environmental requirements.

Performance was evaluated under four ventilation treatments by monitoring temperature and relative humidity using HOBO sensors. The automated open-roof operation (T4) provided the most favorable greenhouse microclimate compared to the other treatments and demonstrated reliable performance by opening or closing the roof within just 17 seconds.

10. Ms. Pawar Ankita Balasaheb

Buffaloes are highly susceptible to heat stress due to their limited physiological adaptation to extreme temperatures. A study on 20 Mehsana buffaloes evaluated four cooling treatments: sprinkler with ceiling fan, high-pressure fogging with ceiling fan, shed only, and no cooling (control). Environmental and physiological parameters, including temperature, relative humidity, rectal temperature, skin temperature, and respiration rate, were recorded.

The sprinkler cooling system proved to be the most effective in maintaining buffaloes within the thermal comfort zone by reducing heat stress and keeping physiological responses within the optimum range, followed by the high-pressure fogging system. In contrast, buffaloes under shed-only and control conditions experienced greater heat stress, indicating that sprinkler cooling is the most efficient heat stress mitigation practice for improving buffalo comfort and productivity.

11. Ms. Chavan Maheshwari Mansing

A comparative study was conducted to evaluate the effect of different silo types on silage quality using two treatments: with and without jaggery. Silage was prepared in horizontal surface, drum, bag, and aspirator bottle silos, and after 45 days, parameters such as pH, dry matter, crude protein, and temperature were assessed.

The results showed that silage pH was nearly the same across all silo types regardless of jaggery addition, while the bag and aspirator bottle silos retained higher dry matter content. The bag silo also recorded the highest crude protein content and produced the best overall quality silage, indicating that it is the most suitable storage method for preserving fodder with minimal nutrient loss.

12. Ms. Korade Dhanashree Rajaram

A columnar growth orchard sprayer was developed to improve pesticide application in tall coconut plantations by overcoming the limitations of conventional sprayers. The system features a four-degree-of-freedom rotating blower head powered by a 4 kW PMSM motor, with optimum blower performance achieved at 3000 rpm. Laboratory evaluation of three nozzle types identified the ATR80W nozzle at 5 kg/cm² pressure and 12.2 m spraying distance as the most effective, providing uniform droplet distribution and high droplet density.

Field testing confirmed effective spray coverage on both the front and back of coconut leaves, demonstrating the sprayer's suitability for tall tree canopies. The developed sprayer costs ₹1,22,840, with an operating cost of ₹805.44 per hectare, making it an efficient and practical solution for coconut orchard spraying.

Ph.D Project

1. Junagadh Agricultural University, Junagadh, Gujarat

Project 1
Development of Mini Tractor Operated Automated Inter and Intra Row Rotary Weeder Cum Sprayer

Mr. Balas Piyushkumar Rameshbhai Ph.D. Research Project – Guide Dr. Pramod Mohnot, Associate Director of Research, Junagadh Agricultural University, Junagadh.

A tractor-operated automated inter- and intra-row weeder cum sprayer was developed to address labor shortages and improve selective weed control in row crops. The machine combines PTO-driven rotary weeding for inter-row weeds with ultrasonic sensor-based herbicide spraying for intra-row weeds, enabling precise weed detection while avoiding crop plants. Field evaluation in brinjal, castor, and cotton showed the best performance at a forward speed of 1.5 km/h, achieving high weeding efficiency (up to 80.94%), low fuel consumption, minimal crop damage, and high field efficiency. The machine also reduced operation time by 96.89%, energy consumption by 71.73%, and total weeding cost by 67.11%, with a payback period of 3.13 years and a benefit-cost ratio of 2.56, demonstrating its technical and economic viability for modern weed management.

2. Dr.Balasaheb Sawant Konkan Krishi Vidyapeeth, Dapoli, Maharashtra.

“Utility and Effectiveness of Drone for Crop Protection in Field Crops and Orchards”

Mr. Amol Ghadge Ph.D. research project – Guide Dr. P. U. Shahare, Head, College of Agril. Engineering & Technology, Dr. B.S.K.K.V., Dapoli. His research is still in progress. The Aspee Foundation had purchased a drone for the research project of the Ph.D student.

Project 2
Project 2

A spraying system for an unmanned aerial vehicle (drone) was developed and evaluated for efficient pesticide application in mango orchards. Laboratory studies optimized key operating parameters, including forward speed, spraying height, nozzle orientation, and nozzle type, with the rotary centrifugal nozzle performing best at a speed of 2 m/s, a spraying height of 2 m, and a 35° orientation angle. Field evaluation under these optimum conditions achieved an average droplet size of 53 μm, droplet density of 77 droplets/cm², and a uniformity coefficient of 0.96, ensuring effective spray coverage. The system recorded a field efficiency of 89%, an application rate of 66 L/ha, and an operating cost of ₹148.12/ha, with a breakeven point of 485 hours per year and a payback period of 2.33 years, demonstrating its technical efficiency and economic feasibility for orchard spraying.

3. “Development and Testing of Guava Harvesting Device”

by Mr. Chirag Matholiya, College of Agril.

4. Engineering & Tech., Junagadh Agril. University, Junagadh, Gujarat.

“Design and Development of Garden Tractor Operated Air Assisted Sprayer for Orchard”

By Sanjay C. Bhangare, Ph.D. Scholar, Guide Dr. S. H. Thakare, Department of Farm Power and Machinery, Post Graduate Institute, Dr. Panjabrao Deshmukh Krishi Vidyapeeth, Akola, Maharashtra.

Project 2

Sapota is an important fruit crop cultivated under both conventional and high-density planting (HDP) systems, where effective pesticide application is challenging due to dense canopies, medium tree height (5–7 m), and limited availability of suitable spraying equipment. Existing air-assisted sprayers in India are primarily designed for small fruit crops and are incompatible with HDP sapota orchards, especially when operated with commonly available 35 hp tractors. Furthermore, axial-flow blowers and conventional hydraulic nozzles produce poor canopy penetration and a wide droplet size spectrum, leading to spray drift, runoff, and reduced application efficiency. To overcome these limitations, the present study proposes the development of a garden tractor-operated air-assisted sprayer incorporating a centrifugal blower and rotary atomizer. The centrifugal blower provides high air velocity and pressure for improved spray penetration into dense canopies, while the rotary atomizer generates a narrow droplet size range (150–350 μm), minimizing drift and maximizing deposition on target surfaces. The developed sprayer is expected to enhance pesticide application efficiency, reduce chemical losses and environmental pollution, and provide a cost-effective and efficient spraying solution for sapota orchards under Indian farming conditions.

5. Mr. Balas Piyushkumar Rameshbhai

A tractor-operated automated inter- and intra-row weeder cum sprayer was developed to address labor shortages and improve selective weed control in row crops. The machine combines PTO-driven rotary weeding for inter-row weeds with ultrasonic sensor-based herbicide spraying for intra-row weeds, enabling precise weed detection while avoiding crop plants.

Field evaluation in brinjal, castor, and cotton showed the best performance at a forward speed of 1.5 km/h, achieving high weeding efficiency (up to 80.94%), low fuel consumption, minimal crop damage, and high field efficiency. The machine also reduced operation time by 96.89%, energy consumption by 71.73%, and total weeding cost by 67.11%, with a payback period of 3.13 years and a benefit-cost ratio of 2.56, demonstrating its technical and economic viability for modern weed management.

6. Mr. Amol Ghadge

A spraying system for an unmanned aerial vehicle (drone) was developed and evaluated for efficient pesticide application in mango orchards. Laboratory studies optimized key operating parameters, including forward speed, spraying height, nozzle orientation, and nozzle type, with the rotary centrifugal nozzle performing best at a speed of 2 m/s, a spraying height of 2 m, and a 35° orientation angle.

Field evaluation under these optimum conditions achieved an average droplet size of 53 μm, droplet density of 77 droplets/cm², and a uniformity coefficient of 0.96, ensuring effective spray coverage. The system recorded a field efficiency of 89%, an application rate of 66 L/ha, and an operating cost of ₹148.12/ha, with a breakeven point of 485 hours per year and a payback period of 2.33 years, demonstrating its technical efficiency and economic feasibility for orchard spraying.

7. Sanjay C. Bhangare

Sapota is an important fruit crop cultivated under both conventional and high-density planting (HDP) systems, where effective pesticide application is challenging due to dense canopies, medium tree height (5–7 m), and limited availability of suitable spraying equipment. Existing air-assisted sprayers in India are primarily designed for small fruit crops and are incompatible with HDP sapota orchards, especially when operated with commonly available 35 hp tractors. Furthermore, axial-flow blowers and conventional hydraulic nozzles produce poor canopy penetration and a wide droplet size spectrum, leading to spray drift, runoff, and reduced application efficiency.

To overcome these limitations, the present study proposes the development of a garden tractor-operated air-assisted sprayer incorporating a centrifugal blower and rotary atomizer. The centrifugal blower provides high air velocity and pressure for improved spray penetration into dense canopies, while the rotary atomizer generates a narrow droplet size range (150–350 μm), minimizing drift and maximizing deposition on target surfaces. The developed sprayer is expected to enhance pesticide application efficiency, reduce chemical losses and environmental pollution, and provide a cost-effective and efficient spraying solution for sapota orchards under Indian farming conditions.