ICAR-Central Island Agricultural Research Institute (ICAR-CIARI) in Port Blair has made a significant achievement by registering two of their innovative inventions as Industrial Designs with the Patent Office. These inventions promise to enhance efficiency and sustainability in agricultural and laboratory practices.
The first invention, a cold-water circulatory system, serves as a laboratory aid essential for the condensation process during the extraction of phytochemicals from spices, medicinal and aromatic plants, fruits, and more. Traditional extraction methods typically require a continuous flow of tap water for condensation, leading to significant water wastage. Although sophisticated recirculatory chillers are available, their high cost makes them inaccessible for many small laboratories. This new invention provides an affordable and water-efficient alternative, making it an invaluable tool for researchers and academicians involved in extracting essential oils, fixed oils, and refluxing samples.
The second invention is a cinnamon bark rubbing tool designed to facilitate the extraction of the inner bark of cinnamon from harvested stems. Despite cinnamon being an ancient and widely used spice, India imports large quantities, which burdens the national exchequer. One of the primary challenges in cinnamon cultivation is the high labor requirement for various harvesting stages. This new tool aims to address this issue by providing a user-friendly solution that makes the harvesting process more efficient and less labor-intensive.
Dr. Ajit Arun Waman and Dr. Pooja Bohra, Senior Scientists at ICAR-CIARI, led the scientific team responsible for these groundbreaking inventions. Their work reflects a commitment to developing practical solutions that support sustainable agricultural practices and enhance the efficiency of laboratory operations.
These innovations by ICAR-CIARI not only underscore the institute's role in advancing agricultural research but also highlight the potential for such inventions to bring about significant economic and environmental benefits.
The cold water circulatory system and the cinnamon bark rubbing tool are poised to make a considerable impact on their respective fields, providing cost-effective and eco-friendly solutions that can be widely adopted.
