Open Projects in Agriculture & Soil

Explore research and CSR opportunities at IIT Madras in this domain.

Agriculture & Soil

6 proposals
Drone Applications in Precision Agriculture, Environmental Monitoring & Smart Aquaculture
Precision Agriculture

Drone Applications in Precision Agriculture, Environmental Monitoring & Smart Aquaculture

This IIT Madras project drives agricultural innovation by integrating cutting-edge technologies such as precision monitoring, climate-smart resource use, and UAV-enabled operations. As India faces rising food security and sustainability challenges, these solutions empower farmers with higher yields, reduced input costs, and more resilient agricultural systems. CSR partners can play a transformative role in scaling these innovations to rural communities, supporting drone operations, environmental monitoring, and future-ready farming technologies.

By: Indumathi Manivannan Nambi

Cause: Agriculture

Geospatial & micrometerology based modelling for assessing the impact of invasive species on the hydrological fluxes, agriculture and food security and mitigation measures
Farm Tech

Geospatial & micrometerology based modelling for assessing the impact of invasive species on the hydrological fluxes, agriculture and food security and mitigation measures

IIT Madras presents a CSR-driven research initiative using geospatial analytics and micrometeorology models to understand how invasive species, particularly Prosopis juliflora, disrupt hydrological cycles, agricultural productivity, and food security. By modelling evapotranspiration, groundwater dynamics, and land?water interactions, this project generates actionable insights to guide large-scale mitigation and improve water and food resilience in affected regions.

By: Balaji Narasimhan

Cause: Agriculture

Bio-derived polyurethane precursors from agricultural waste proteins
CoE

Bio-derived polyurethane precursors from agricultural waste proteins

The global polyurethane market is projected to exceed USD 120 billion by 2030, but current production relies heavily on petroleum-derived materials. This IIT Madras project creates a new generation of sustainable polyurethanes by combining agricultural waste proteins with green biocatalysis strategies. By developing truly renewable polyurethane systems with optimal mechanical and thermal properties, this innovation transforms agricultural waste into high-value materials while reducing carbon footprints and enabling industries to transition toward environmentally responsible materials without compromising performance or scalability.

By: Ethayaraja Mani

Cause: Agriculture

Centre for Precision Agriculture Technologies
Precision Agriculture

Centre for Precision Agriculture Technologies

IIT Madras is developing a Centre for Precision Agriculture Technologies that combines breakthrough faculty research, proven rural technology innovations, and a thriving agri-tech startup ecosystem. This initiative strengthens sustainable farming, improves rural livelihoods, and accelerates scalable solutions tailored for local needs. CSR partners can play a critical role in driving high-impact agricultural transformation across India.

By: Satyanarayana Chakravarthy

Cause: Agriculture

Net Zero Rural Livelihood enhancement
Farm Tech

Net Zero Rural Livelihood enhancement

This agriculture development project focuses on enabling sustainable and energy-efficient farming practices in rural India. By studying the power requirements of farm equipment and developing battery-powered weeders supported by solar charging stations, the initiative reduces dependence on conventional fuel sources. The project aims to make daily farming operations easier, cleaner, and more affordable, directly contributing to net-zero rural livelihoods. Through prototype demonstrations and field-ready solutions, it empowers farmers with accessible and environment-friendly agricultural tools.

By: Shankar Krishnapillai

Co-PI: G. Balaganesan

Cause: Agriculture

Agro waste to value-added applications-Coir Waste for sound absorption applications for sustainable world and farmer welfare
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Agro waste to value-added applications-Coir Waste for sound absorption applications for sustainable world and farmer welfare

This CSR-ready initiative converts coir waste into high-value acoustic materials for public spaces, reducing pollution while creating new income streams for farmers. By funding this project, organisations can support sustainable agriculture, promote waste management, and contribute to cleaner, quieter communities.

By: R Gnanamoorthy

Co-PI: Abhijit Sarkar

Cause: Agriculture