Precision Farming Laboratory
Precision Farming Laboratory is equipped with instrumentation to conduct applied research, work with industry and government agencies to develop "real world" precision and site-specific tools for agricultural automation and natural resources management. The lab maintains state-of-the-art facilities to support research, including sophisticated UAS platforms and sensors, high performance computation power and software programs, as well as various radiometers, calibration equipment, ecosystem measurement instrumentation and controllers.
Drone Systems Laboratory
ICAR–Central Institute of Agricultural Engineering, Bhopal has established a state-of-the-art Drone Systems Laboratory (DSL) dedicated to research, design, and testing of agricultural drone technologies. The DSL houses advanced instruments, a simulation platform, patternator, and drones equipped for spraying, broadcasting, and RGB–multispectral imaging. A trained team of DGCA- approved pilot scientists leads multidisciplinary research on drone spraying systems, focusing on droplet size, distribution, and deposition for improving the efficiency of pesticide and liquid fertilizer applications. CIAE, in collaboration with AICRP–FIM centers, is developing standard operating parameters for drone-based application of chemicals and nutrients. The team is also advancing RGB image-based yield estimation in horticultural crops using deep learning, along with multispectral sensing for precise irrigation scheduling under variable field conditions. Ongoing efforts include projects on drone-based disease detection, weed mapping, and yield prediction. These innovations aim to enhance safety, optimize inputs, and promote sustainable agricultural operations.
