Shobhit Institute of Engineering and Technology (Deemed to be University), Meerut, has taken a pioneering step in advancing sustainable agriculture through the "SMART Tribal Farming Initiative." The initiative, spearheaded by Prof. Moni Madaswamy, Professor Emeritus and Chairman of CAIRS, CITSA, and CHIC, is a landmark collaboration with prominent Higher Educational Institutions (HEIs) in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu. These partnerships aim to elevate agricultural practices and livelihoods in 42 tribal villages inhabited by the Irula Tribe, a Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG), in Coimbatore District.
From August 16 to 19, 2024, Shobhit Institute signed Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) with four renowned institutions: PSGR Krishnammal College for Women, KG College of Arts and Science, Nirmala College for Women, and Suguna College of Engineering. These collaborations will establish Centres of Excellence focused on Agricultural Informatics, Industry 4.0 Technologies, Health Informatics, and Smart Agriculture, driving innovation and research in these critical areas.
Key Partnerships and Their Impact
1. PSGR Krishnammal College for Women (KCW), Coimbatore:
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MOU signed on August 16, 2024.
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Focus: Establishment of a Centre of Excellence in Health Informatics (CHIC) to strengthen the Health Informatics Network Research Value Chain, encompassing Public Health (Allopathy and AYUSH), Plant Health, Animal Health, Fishery Health, Water Health, Soil Health, and Environmental Health in rural and tribal areas.
2. KG College of Arts and Science (KGCAS), Coimbatore:
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MOU signed on August 17, 2024.
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Focus: Establishment of a Centre for Agricultural Informatics and e-Governance Research Studies (CAIRS) to implement SMART Agricultural Practices in the Tribal Villages of Kemmarampalayam Panchayat, fostering skill-based training, education, and collaborative research.
3. Nirmala College for Women (NCW), Coimbatore:
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MOU signed on August 19, 2024.
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Focus: Establishment of CAIRS as a Centre of Excellence in Smart Agriculture, with a network research value chain related to agriculture and public health in the Palamalai Hills, Periyanaickenpalayam Block, Coimbatore.
4. Suguna College of Engineering (SCE), Coimbatore:
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MOU signed on August 19, 2024.
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Focus: Establishment of CAIRS and the Centre for Industry 4.0 Technology Studies and Applications (CITSA) to promote Industry 4.0 technologies among MSMEs and train students in emerging technologies such as Agriculture 4.0 and Society 5.0.
Vision and Future Impact
These strategic partnerships aim to create AgriTech Startups in each Gram Panchayat, driving sustainable agriculture and enhancing livelihood opportunities in tribal villages across Coimbatore District. The "SMART Tribal Farming" project is envisioned as a model of innovation, integrating traditional wisdom with modern agricultural techniques to uplift tribal farmers and their communities.
The initiative aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of Doubling Farmers’ Income and contributes to the broader goal of "VIKSIT BHARAT 2047," ensuring the inclusion of India's 104 million tribal population in the nation's development journey.
According to Kunwar Shekhar Vijendra, Chancellor of Shobhit University, this project is not just about economic betterment but also about strengthening food security and nurturing environmental sustainability. The collaboration between Shobhit Institute and the HEIs of Coimbatore is a beacon of innovation, setting a new trend in the country's agricultural landscape.
