August 2023: Two final year B.Sc. (Hons.) Agriculture students from NMIMS School of Agricultural Science & Technology (SAST), Mr. Pawan Rajput and Mr. Manoj Mali have made an impressive achievement. They have published a patent for their invention called "Chemical-Free Storage-cum-Selling Device for Enhanced Shelf Life of Fruits and Vegetables." This invention demonstrates the practical knowledge and innovative capabilities of the students, which is a testament to the systematic program structure at SAST.

At SAST, the program structure is designed to provide a well-rounded education to students. In the first year, fundamental education is emphasized. The second year focuses on applied aspects, while the third year is dedicated to technology aspects. The final year involves field training to prepare students for real-world scenarios. Mr. Pawan Rajput and Mr. Manoj Mali, during their third year, took courses on post-harvest technology and food processing. They noticed gaps in the storage, packaging, and processing of perishable fruits and vegetables.

As a result of their village attachment program in rural Dhule and Jalgaon, they realized the challenges faced by resource-poor small and marginal farmers, including price fluctuations and post-harvest losses. The researchers developed a vacuum storage device design that includes accessories that regulate temperature, inhibit microbial growth, and absorb unwanted gases after extensive research and analysis.

This design creates a controlled environment for stored produce, which helps to minimize decay, bacterial growth, and wilting. The anti-microbial unit uses natural and plant-based ingredients to prevent food spoilage caused by microbial contaminants. The device is equipped with wheels for easy mobility and can be controlled through a mobile-based app, allowing for real-time monitoring of temperature, pressure, and other important parameters.

The impressive accomplishment of Mr. Pawan Rajput and Mr. Manoj Mali highlights the exceptional learning atmosphere and educational program at SAST. The school prioritizes both classroom and hands-on learning methods, fostering scientific, entrepreneurial, athletic, and artistic abilities in its students. SAST's principles of "Earn while Learn" and "Materialize the ideas" create an encouraging environment for students to explore and develop their talents.

Dr. Mallikarjun Dhotre, an Assistant Professor specializing in Horticulture at SAST, played a pivotal role in offering technical assistance and unwavering encouragement during the entire design development process. His invaluable guidance and profound expertise significantly contributed to the achievement of this groundbreaking innovation.

The patent publication authored by Mr. Pawan Rajput and Mr. Manoj Mali represents a noteworthy achievement for SAST, underscoring the institution's dedication to advancing innovation and transformative technologies for the betterment of the agricultural community. This milestone not only serves as an exemplary standard for upcoming graduates but also solidifies SAST's prominent position as a premier hub for agricultural education and research.

About SAST

The School of Agricultural Sciences and Technology (SAST) in Shirpur was established in 2019 as the initial agricultural institution under SVKM's NMIMS. SAST has brought prosperity to small and marginalized farmers. Teaching, research, and outreach are the three arms of agricultural research and education to meet the stakeholders’ aspirations with more participatory revolutions these are the main aim of the school. The School facilitates the students with the A.C classrooms and fully-equipped laboratories, and this is spread over 117 acres of farm. The setup of an integrated campus offers students the chance to gain exposure to both engineering and pharmacy faculties, which can facilitate holistic development. The comprehensive agricultural education curriculum aligned with national agricultural education systems, as advised by ICAR, offers a platform that encompasses knowledge, resources, and opportunities to address various aspects of improving farm productivity, profitability, and sustainable livelihoods. Students' abilities are refined in fundamental and practical facets of agriculture and related fields, through continuous hands-on experience and a guarantee of learning, nurturing them to become future researchers or entrepreneurs. Engaging in experiential learning projects and attachments to agro-industrial settings, students go beyond mere academic proficiency. NMIMS’s SAST goes the extra mile in nurturing graduates' knowledge and careers, as we equip them to think critically and creatively, and to communicate with vigor, accuracy, and dynamism.