Durgapur’s Central Mechanical Engineering Research Institute (CMERI) has rolled out e-tractor, CSIR Prima ET11, marking India’s entry into the realm of indigenous e-tractors.
Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science & Technology, and MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy, and Space, Jitendra Singh, presided over the unveiling event and emphasized the pivotal role of Agri StartUps in India’s economy.
Jitendra Singh emphasized the significance of integrating new and AI-driven technologies in agriculture while praising the increasing number of Agri StartUps focusing on niche areas such as e-tractor, recycling garbage, drip irrigation, and genome-sequenced farming.
He underlined the importance of India’s abundant agricultural resources and encouraged the nation to capitalize on its agri assets.
Singh presented a visionary approach called the “5 S’s” – Showcasing, Stakeholders, Startups, Synergizing, and Strategizing Industry linkage – as the foundation for successful R&D in government-run scientific laboratories. Highlighting the need for industry involvement from the outset, Jitendra Singh advocated for close collaboration between CSIR labs and the Industry.
He proposed the creation of a dedicated cell to facilitate investments and urged early engagement of industries in research ventures.
The Minister praised the government’s efforts in promoting Ease of Doing Business in the agriculture sector, creating new avenues for livelihood. He affirmed Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s emphasis on the Agriculture sector’s pivotal role in India’s journey towards becoming a developed nation.
Jitendra Singh unveiled a book by the CSIR-Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants (CIMAP) and a compendium showcasing 75 technologies developed by CSIR.
He also took a keen interest in CMERI’s recycling vehicles and products during the event. To celebrate its innovative prowess, CSIR-CMERI will host a theme-based campaign, “One Week One Lab,” from September 11-15, 2023.
The campaign aims to showcase the laboratory’s cutting-edge research, products, technologies, expertise, and facilities to a range of stakeholders.