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BREAKTHROUGH IN AGRICULTURE: GOA'S AUTOMATED COCONUT-PLUCKING DEVICE RECEIVES PATENT
In a significant leap forward for agricultural innovation, the Indian Council of Agricultural Research-Central Coastal Agricultural Research Institute (ICARCCARI) and Goa University have secured a patent for an unmanned coconutplucking device named Cocobot. This revolutionary invention aims to revolutionise coconut harvesting in Goa, addressing longstanding challenges faced by traditional harvesters, known as Padels. These individuals often encounter hazardous conditions while climbing coconut trees.
The Cocobot, developed by A. R. Desai of ICAR-CCARI and Rajendra Gad of Goa University, features a robotic arm and advanced camera system. This allows it to locate and pluck coconuts with precision, all while being remotely controlled from the ground. This innovation not only enhances safety and efficiency but also holds promise for broader applications in agriculture, potentially extending to crops like areca nuts.
Initially submitted to the Indian Patent Office in 2017, Cocobot has been designed to harvest approximately 12-15 palms per hour. Its success led to an upgraded version in 2020, named Fly Cocobot, which utilises drone-based technology for even greater efficiency, particularly in high-yield areas.
A.R. Desai stresses the importance of commercialising this technology to benefit farmers on a larger scale. The patent’s success acknowledges the pivotal roles played by Goa University and ICAR-CCARI in developing and commercialising the device.
This breakthrough not only promises to transform coconut harvesting but also signifies a significant step towards a more sustainable and efficient future in agriculture.