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Time of India
2 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
Farmers using green tech to tap solar power, reap benefits
1 2 3 4 Lucknow: Around 35km away from Lucknow, this village in Barabanki is among a handful of villages in the country using solar power for extraction of essential oil from aromatic crops like mint and others grown in agricultural fields. Treading on the path of becoming a flagbearer of sustainable farming, over 35 farmers from Bandhiya (Gangwara) village, in Dewa, Barabanki, are using solar power to save nature and resources. This green technology adoption became a reality for this small village with the support of CSIR-Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants (CIMAP), Lucknow. The initiative, named 'MintUP' project, is sponsored by Haleon UK Pvt Ltd. In a groundbreaking achievement, CIMAP developed an eco-friendly centralised solar hybrid distillation unit (CSHDU) for essential oil extraction from aromatic crops. According to scientists, this innovative technology is set to revolutionise the agriculture sector by reducing carbon emissions, increasing farmers' income, and promoting sustainable practices. "The CSHDU technology uses solar energy to generate steam, eliminating the need for wood burning (during the daytime) and reducing environmental pollution. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Eat 1 Teaspoon Every Night, See What Happens A Week Later [Video] Health Benefits Undo A one-ton capacity prototype was successfully commissioned at a farmer's site in Barabanki. The unit consists of 40 solar panels, a hybrid steam boiler, and steam generation units, ensuring uniform control of steam generation," said CSIR-CIMAP director Prabodh Kumar Trivedi. "This eco-friendly technology has several benefits, including zero CO2 emissions during daytime operation, low maintenance charges, and a one-time investment cost. The centralised solar hybrid distillation technology is expected to improve the financial condition of Indian farmers, generate employment opportunities, and promote sustainable farming practices," he said. A farmer, Sunil Kumar, said that the installation of solar distillation units transformed their lives. "Earlier, we burned wood for four hours and even more to extract essential oils from mint, but today the distillation unit has not only reduced our hard work, but we also don't need manpower and investments for oil extraction. It's friendly to our pockets and environment too," Sunil said. "It reduces pollution, generates employment, improves earnings, and promotes sustainable agriculture practices. This innovative technology is a significant step towards a sustainable future and is expected to have a positive impact on the lives of farmers and environment," said CSIR-CIMAP principal scientist Ashween Nannaware. He said by adopting the technology, farmers cultivating aromatic crops could expect higher purity essential oil, enhanced oil yield, and increased income generation. "Farmers in Bandhiya are also using solar panels for other farm-related applications like water pumping sets, battery charging, household electricity, and others. This initiative has reduced the dependency of farmers on diesel-operated water pump sets, resulting in zero carbon emissions during irrigation operations. Also, they can reduce input cost, which was earlier incurred on the purchase of diesel for operating the pumps," said senior principal scientist CSIR-CIMAP Manoj Semwal. Tech Features - Zero CO2 emissions during daytime operation - Low maintenance - One-time investment - Improved oil yield & quality - Income generation for farmers - Promotes sustainable farming practices - Aligns with 'Make in India' programme
Time of India
18-05-2025
- Science
- Time of India
Dinosaur Park opens at Regional Science City
1 2 3 4 5 6 Lucknow: Regional Science City on Sunday unveiled its prehistoric park, offering visitors a thrilling, Jurassic Park-like experience. Inaugurated by state education minister Sandeep Singh, the park features over 30 life-sized dinosaur replicas , from the plant-eating, long-necked Titanosaurs to the heavily armored Ankylosaurus. To elevate the experience, a captivating light and sound show will be held daily, with two evening slots at 6:45 pm and 7:30 pm. "Understanding our past through engaging formats like this show makes learning more meaningful. I urge all school students to make maximum use of this excellent resource to cultivate scientific thinking. Our future scientists and innovators will emerge from such curious and inspired minds," said the minister. Prabodh Kumar Trivedi of the CSIR-Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants, said, "This show not only entertains but also educates the masses about Earth's biological heritage. It offers a multi-sensory experience of prehistoric life and helps create awareness about biodiversity conservation and scientific inquiry." Meanwhile, National Science Centre, New Delhi director Vijay Shankar said, "Science learning must go beyond textbooks. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Glicemia alta? Pingue isso na água antes de dormir Saúde Melhor Idade Veja agora Undo Facilities like this Prehistoric Life Park offer a hands-on environment where children can visualide the distant past and build a deeper understanding of evolution and biodiversity. This show is a major step toward spreading science education." "The park features realistic animatronic dinosaurs that move and roar, creating an immersive experience for visitors. The exhibition showcases detailed information about each species, their habitats, and extinction theories. Interactive displays help visitors understand dinosaur evolution and fossil formation," said RSC coordinator Swarup Mandal.
Time of India
16-05-2025
- Health
- Time of India
CIMAP develops new variety to save endangered ayurvedic herb
1 2 3 4 Lucknow: A critically endangered herb used in your Chyawanprash, Dasmoolarisht and several other ayurvedic tonics and medicines will soon no longer be under threat. You will be able to easily find it in nearby agricultural fields and jungles, just like in the late 80s. The CSIR-Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants ( CIMAP ) has accomplished this herb-saving task. The institute's scientists have developed a new, improved variety of the rare, endangered and threatened herb, Prishniparni , a medicinal herb used in Ayurveda for various ailments. It is specifically known for its wound healing, anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties. CIMAP released this new and improved variety of Prishniparni (Uraria picta) named ' CIM-Rhoi Gold ' for cultivation. "This plant is very important from a medicinal point of view. It is used in ayurvedic medicines like Dashmularishta, Amritarishta and others, which are prepared for strength-enhancing and women-related health issues, but it has become critically endangered," said chief scientist Dr Birendra Kumar, who, along with his team, developed it after intensive research, development and field trials. He said, "We travelled to seven states: UP, Uttarakhand, Madhya Pradesh, West Bengal, Gujarat, Telangana and Karnataka, and collected it from around 20 districts in these states. W e brought 53 germplasm from these places and cultivated it in our institute at Lucknow, of which only 23 survived and grew. We studied and researched the characteristics of these and developed a new Prishniparni genotype by taking the best traits from available germplasm, specifically the one we brought from Kushinagar that had high Rhoifolin content, a substance found in the herb that has medicinal properties. " "This variety not only has high yield potential, but it also has a high amount of Rhoifolin (1.0-1.5%). Therefore, this variety is capable of meeting the requirements of the ayurvedic and medicinal industries," said CIMAP director Prabodh Kumar Trivedi. He said the institute aims to conserve and promote those medicinal plants which are used in traditional medicine but are on the verge of extinction today. This variety is part of the institute's commitment, under which scientific cultivation of medicinal plants is promoted by providing quality planting material to farmers. It is an important initiative towards preserving India's medicinal heritage, promoting its commercial cultivation and meeting global demands.
