Bhubaneswar, April 28: The Department of Agriculture, Central University of Odisha (CUO), Koraput has secured the 1st Prize among 65 registered innovations of which 35 were shortlisted for the final round with model presentations at INNOVISION 2026 “Innovative Solutions for Technical Problems,”. The award-winning innovation addresses a critical issue in large-scale agriculture.
The innovation was presented by Swapnarani Biswal (3rd Year B.Sc. Agriculture) and Abhisikta Sahu (2nd Year B.Sc. Agriculture), who represented the Department with dedication and excellence at the programme held at Synergy Institute of Technology at Phulnakhara, Bhubaneswar in collaboration with SKD Patent Services, Kolkata.
In conventional broadcasting methods of sowing, small and lightweight seeds are often displaced during irrigation especially under flood irrigation leading to uneven distribution, poor germination and reduced productivity. To address this challenge, the team developed a solar-powered seed pelleting (coating) machine. The technology enhances seed size and weight through coating, ensuring better stability, while also enriching seeds with essential fertilizers and micronutrients to support early growth. Powered by solar energy, the system is cost-effective, energy-efficient and environmentally sustainable making it highly suitable for rural and off-grid farming conditions.
CUO Vice Chancellor Prof. N. C. Panda appreciated the department, students, and collaborating scientists for their dedication and innovation in addressing real-world agricultural challenges.
Dr. Manjushree Singh, Head, Department of Agriculture expressed her appreciation for the students’ dedication and emphasized that such innovations align with the vision of improving farmers’ livelihoods in the Koraput region through sustainable and practical solutions.
This innovation is a collaborative effort with scientists from Navsari Agricultural University including Dr. Vipul Shinde (Head, Department of Agricultural Engineering), Dr. Ashish, and Er. Subham Dhakad, along with Dr. Manjushree Singh, Head, Department of Agriculture, CUO, Koraput. The technology has been further refined to suit the specific soil conditions, geographical features and farming practices of the Koraput region.
