CSIR Research Projects

The Minister of State for Science & Technology and Earth Sciences Shri Y. S. Chowdary informed the Lok Sabha today about some completed projects by  CSIR has during Eleventh Five Year Plan period and a few spilled-over projects of Tenth Five Year Plan. Some of the significant achievements among them he said are: Krishi Shakti – a small range (11.2 hp) diesel engine tractor launched As a new leaf in the CSIR efforts to empower the Indian farmers, Krishi Shakti – a small range (11.2 hp) diesel engine tractor designed and developed by CSIR-CMERI was launched on 20th November, 2014 by Hon’ble Minister, Science and Technology and Earth Sciences and VP, CSIR, Dr. Harsh Vardhan. He handed over five tractors to the farmers. The Krishi Shakti would benefit Indian farmers possessing small land holdings. Dr. Harsh Vardhan, while launching the Krishi Shakti said that “the development has bridged a long felt technology gap. There is an urgent need to develop state-of-the-art technology of agriculture implements. The implements need to be suiting Indian agro climates and should be energy efficient. These agriculture implements should remove farmers drudgery”. Dr. Harsh Vardhan appreciated CSIR efforts contributing for ‘Make in India’ mission of Hon’ble Prime Minister. The Krishi Shakti has received CMVR Certification as an Agricultural Wheeled Tractor after rigorous trials and testing. The technology of ‘Krishi Shakti’ has been transferred to M/s Singha Components Pvt. Ltd., Howrah, West Bengal, who have started manufacturing. In India, about 85 percent households cultivate about 36 per cent of entire cultivable land. The average land holding of the small Indian farmer normally does not exceed even 1 hectare. It is therefore quite difficult for the average Indian farmer to afford mechanized farming utilizing standard tractors of 35 hp and above ratings, which in 2 turn tells upon the productivity and per unit yield. As a result, there has been tremendous demand for developing small, compact and easily maneuverable tractors of rating in the range of 10-12 hp, which are deemed fittest for small and fragmented land holdings. CSIR’s ‘Krishi Shakti’, a small tractor, is an apt CSIR response to this necessity enabling farm mechanization in an affordable manner. Furthermore, this small tractor and its matching implements are based on available diesel engine and available tractor parts in the market. ‘Krishi Shakti’ is the latest in the legacy of CSIR interventions in enabling mechanized agriculture.  Low-cost bituminous roads from waste plastics and copper slag: The use of waste plastics and copper slag (CS) in hot bituminous mixes to enhance pavement performance, protect environment and to reduce the cost of road construction has been carried out. Waste plastic modified bitumen (WPMB) has been prepared by adding plastic waste (5% by weight of bitumen) in shredded form with suitable cross-linking agents to 80/100 bitumen and blending for 1 hour at 160°C. Physical properties of WPMB were found to be within the specified limits as per IS: 15462-2004. A Night Driving Filter (NDF): CSIR-CSIO has developed a night Driving Filter which is an improved Antiglare Optical device for automobiles useful during night driving. It is mounted in front of the driver on the automobile’s windshield. The device comprises of a gradient density absorbing film (30-80%) deposited upon glass/plastic substrate by vacuum coating and also having antireflection coating on both surfaces of the substrate. The coating is highly durable and it is first time in the world that the glare is being reduced by this type of filter. The device protects eyes from the blinding glare (excessive visible and UV radiation) produced by the headlights of approaching vehicles during night driving. The user trials of the device have been conducted on Ambassador &Maruti Cars, Bus & Truck driven on Chandigarh roads and highways in the night. The reports shows that glare from high beam are reduced to 30 percent and from the low beam to 40 percent. An eco-friendly duel powered rickshaw (Soleckshaw): Keeping the logistics and disadvantages of a conventional or electric rickshaw in mind, a motor assisted pedal driven pedicab named “Soleckshaw” has been developed.  It is a three-wheeled pedicab, rear wheels are driven by manual pedalling and front wheel is driven by Brush Less DC (BLDC) electric hub motor. This pedicab can be driven by manual pedaling or by BLDC motor or in combination of both. An override mechanism has been used at the center of rear axle resulting in proper turning and better dynamic stability of the vehicle. This vehicle provides driving comfort to the driver and can run for longer distances compared to manual driven cycle rickshaws, resulting in higher earning of rickshaw pullers. The technology has been transferred to 4 industries on non exclusive basis for commercialization. Footwear for diabetics: CSIR-CLRI designed special footwear suitable for low-risk diabetic patients. A specially derived angle of slant has been provided in the sole to give the ‘rocker’ effect which is essentially used to offload pressure from the plantar surface of the feet. The upper has been designed to take special care of fluctuations in foot volume and is provided with adjustable fasteners. The back is rigid with a counter stiffener for limiting joint mobility. The vital role of the footwear is very well described through the biomechanics of diabetic foot. The technology has been transferred to M/s MV Health Care and product has been named as ‘Diastep’.