Young innovators from the Department of Agriculture, Central University of Odisha (CUO), transformed farming challenges into an award-winning solution at Innovision 2026.
The event, hosted at Synergy Institute of Technology, Bhubaneswar, in collaboration with SKD Patent Services, Kolkata, recognised CUO with the first prize among 65 registered innovations.
Ms Swapnarani Biswal, a third-year B.Sc. Agriculture student, and Ms Abhisikta Sahu, a second-year student, presented the innovation with dedication and excellence. Their solar-powered seed pelleting machine addresses a critical issue in large-scale farming. Conventional broadcasting methods often displace small seeds during irrigation, leading to poor germination and reduced productivity. The machine coats seeds to increase size and weight, stabilising them during irrigation. It also enriches seeds with fertilisers and micronutrients to support early growth.
Powered by solar energy, the system is cost-effective, energy-efficient, and environmentally sustainable, making it ideal for rural and off-grid farming. The innovation was developed in collaboration with scientists from Navsari Agricultural University, including Dr Vipul Shinde, Dr Ashish, and Er. Subham Dhakad, along with CUO’s Dr Manjushree Singh. The team refined the technology to suit Koraput’s soil and farming practices.
CUO Vice-Chancellor Prof. N. C. Panda praised the students and faculty for their achievement. Dr Manjushree Singh emphasised that such innovations align with the vision of improving farmers’ livelihoods in Koraput through sustainable solutions.
