AGRHI Consortium

The AGRHI consortium comprises 11 members, where VITC will act as an overall project coordinator who takes care of strong collaboration between the consortium to execute cooperative project activities. The consortium consists of seven Asian institutions, two European institutions, one institute from a third country associated with the program, and one affiliated entity from India.

Vellore Institute of Technology, Chennai (VITC)

Vellore Institute of Technology Chennai (VITC), the consortium coordinator of  AGRHI Project, a pivotal initiative focusing on advancing agricultural practices through innovative solutions and technological interventions. Leveraging strategic collaborations, such as with the Argo startup, we're set to introduce a compact tractor and multi-crop harvesting machine, revolutionizing small-scale farming. With support from DST, we're automating seeding processes to streamline farming operations further. Our role in the AGRHI project encompasses various aspects, including project administration, management, and the development of open-access digital platforms. At VITC, our dedicated team is fully committed to ensuring the success of the AGRHI Project, fostering collaboration and innovation to achieve our collective goals in agricultural advancement.

Anna University Chennai (AUC)

Anna University Chennai (AUC) in Tamil Nadu, India, is pioneering precision agricultural drone technology through its Centre for Aerospace Research (CASR). Utilizing advanced multispectral sensors, CASR's drones gather real-time crop data, while their vision-based technology aids in detecting crop diseases using high-resolution multispectral cameras. AUC leads the 'WP6: Farm Management AGRHI App' in the AGRHI project, offering vital support to farmers. Additionally, AUC contributes significantly to all project work packages to fulfill its overarching objectives.

COEP Technological University (COEP)

College of Engineering Pune (COEP), a Unitary Public University under the Government of Maharashtra in India, is pioneering innovative solutions to address agricultural challenges. Notably, COEP has developed a small-scale fodder harvester to alleviate the labor-intensive task of collecting and transporting fodder. Additionally, the university is actively working on creating affordable mechanization frameworks and automation techniques to support small and medium-scale farmers. Furthermore, COEP is engaged in developing a flood forecasting model to aid in crop management planning, thus mitigating crop damage during intense rainfall periods. Leveraging its expertise, COEP aims to transfer indigenous agricultural technologies to other Asian countries. In the AGRHI project, COEP will lead WP5 focused on course development and play integral roles in WP2 for knowledge building and curriculum framework development, as well as WP8 for dissemination and outreach. Moreover, COEP will provide support across all other work packages.

Dr. Sujit Pardeshi: ssp.mech@coep.ac.in

University of Jaffna (UOJ)

The University of Jaffna (UOJ) in Sri Lanka is a leader in agricultural technology and agribusiness management, offering quality education and advanced research. UOJ has established a center for agricultural technology and business management and partnered with the Government of Japan to create a Research and Training Complex aimed at enhancing agriculture productivity in Sri Lanka's Northern Province. Research areas include climate change, post-harvest technology, farm mechanization, irrigation management, agro-forestry, crop production, and environmental management. UOJ's expertise in agricultural science will contribute to leading knowledge-building and curriculum framework development (WP2) and dissemination efforts (WP8) aligned with UN Sustainable Development Goals.

 

https://www.jfn.ac.lk/

Department of Computer Engineering

https://www.csc.jfn.ac.lk/

 

Dr. Kaneshwaran: kanesh@eng.jfn.ac.lk

Eastern University Sri Lanka (EUSL)

Eastern University Sri Lanka (EUSL) stands as a distinguished research hub in the Eastern province, particularly revered for its focus on agricultural science. Its extensive research portfolio encompasses diverse fields such as crop genetics, food science, farm power and machinery, irrigation, water management, remote sensing, and GIS. Through its participation in the AGRHI project, EUSL is committed to advancing its agricultural expertise within the local context. This endeavor aligns with its goal of actively contributing to the enhancement and development of the Knowledge Building and Curriculum Framework, thus fostering innovation and growth in agricultural education and research.

Dr. Bawatharani: bawatharanir@esn.ac.lk

Asia Pacific University SDN BHD (APU)

Asia Pacific University (APU) Malaysia is at the forefront of technology and innovation, offering advanced digital technology courses to prepare graduates for the future job market. APU's collaboration with IBM resulted in Malaysia's first IoT Centre of Excellence, showcasing cognitive computing capabilities. In agriculture, APU drives automation solutions with IoT-based projects, fostering entrepreneurship through initiatives like the Sandbox Incubation Centre (ASBX). APU's upcoming involvement in establishing the AGRHI technology hub will focus on addressing regional agricultural needs through tailored curricula and MOOCs.

University Malaysia Pahang  Al-  Sultan Abdullah (UMPSA)

The University of Malaysia Pahang Al- Sultan Abdullah (UMPSA) is a distinguished public institution known for its modern technology and collaborative research efforts with local industries, focusing on industry-specific applications. With expertise in earth sciences and strategic projects, particularly in agriculture and food security, UMPSA is committed to disseminating research outcomes to society. Leading WP8: Dissemination and Outreach for the AGRHI project, UMPSA contributes across various work packages including project management, curriculum development, AGRHI hub establishment, and quality assurance.

UNIVERSITY OF WEST ATTICA (UNIWA)

The University of West Attica (UNIWA) is Greece's third-largest educational institution, accommodating over 57,800 students. Recognizing the vital role of research in fostering innovation and education, UNIWA prioritizes research across various fields. Aligned with Greece's commitment to the United Nations' 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and its 17 Sustainable Development Goals, UNIWA emphasizes sustainable development through green initiatives, particularly in renewable energy. As a beneficiary in the AGRHI project, UNIWA leads Work Package WP7, focusing on involvement in the project's activities.

https://www.uniwa.gr/en/

Department of Mechanical Engineering

https://mech.uniwa.gr/en/homepage/

Dr. Ioannis Sarris: sarris@uniwa.gr

Institute of
Fluid-Flow Machinery
Polish Academy of Sciences (IMP PAN)

IMP PAN, at the Polish Academy of Sciences, is a key player in renewable energy research, partnering with institutions across Europe to promote sustainable development in rural regions. Through technology transfer initiatives, IMP PAN reduces reliance on fossil fuels, cuts energy costs, and fosters economic growth. As a leader in alternative energy technologies, IMP PAN contributes expertise to develop curricula and MOOC courses tailored to agricultural needs, benefiting Asian countries. Leading WP7, IMP PAN disseminates the importance of alternative energy for rural Asian development, while also contributing to project management and knowledge building in WP1 & WP9.

https://www.imp.gda.pl/

Institute of Fluid Flow Machinery

https://www.imp.gda.pl/en/

Dr. Rohan Soman: rsoman@imp.gda.pl

Middle East Technical University (METU)

Middle East Technical University (METU) stands as a prestigious institution renowned for its commitment to advancing both higher education and research across various domains. With a strong emphasis on fostering scientific and technological advancements, as well as social and cultural development, METU conducts extensive research spanning disciplines such as engineering, natural sciences, social sciences, humanities, and health sciences. Leveraging its broad research capabilities, METU will play a pivotal role in supporting the AGRHI consortium. Specifically, METU will lead WP9, dedicated to evaluating the project's impact on targeted groups and ensuring the quality of project outputs. Additionally, METU's involvement in WP1 will contribute to effective project management throughout its duration.

Dr. Mehmet Karaca: mkaraca@metu.edu.tr

Arcedus Technologies India Private Limited (ATI)

Arcedus Technologies India (ATI), an agricultural enterprise based in Chennai and affiliated with VITC in the AGRHI consortium, is committed to sharing its tools and expertise within the consortium and supporting capacity-building initiatives. With a dedication to key project work packages (WP1, WP3, WP7, and WP9), ATI aims to achieve significant impact in the agricultural sector. Leveraging its expertise in energy management for sustainability and the utilization of Pico hydro-powered turbines to recover energy from agricultural pumps, ATI seeks to address energy inadequacy and enhance agricultural health management.