Coordinated research project (AICRP) on Plastic Engineering in Agriculture Structure and Environment Management (PEASEM) with Dr. Sandeep Mann (now, Dr. Rakesh Sharda) as the Project Coordinator.Coordinated trainings on the use of remote sensing and GIS in agriculture.Led hydrological modeling projects using MODFLOW and other tools to analyze groundwater quality impacts.Developed LID solutions, including bio-retention and permeable pavements, achieving significant reductions in peak flows.Gained exposure and experience of field work while working on various strategies to use plasticulture engineering technologies in agriculture, both in production agriculture and post-harvest management as well as protected cultivation projects operational in 14 centres located in different agro-ecological regions of India.Demonstrated research oriented activities for scientific projects such as micro irrigation techniques, hydrological modelling, cultivation of horticultural crops in partial or fully controlled environments under protected structures, hydroponics/aeroponics system as well as plant factory to evaluate productivity and cost performance of various horticultural crops using LEDs of varied spectra.Conducted post-harvest analysis, collected data and performed statistical analysis to validate the recorded data.Authored technical papers and reports, contributing to research dissemination.

Project Focus: Investigated the effects of varying photoperiods with red and blue supplemental LED lighting on the growth, yield, and quality of iceberg lettuce (Lactuca sativa var. capitata ‘Iceberg’) grown in soilless media under protected cultivation.Experimental Design: Conducted a controlled experiment with four treatments: three with extended photoperiods using red and blue LED lighting at a 70:30 ratio (14 hours - T1, 16 hours - T2, 18 hours - T3) and a control group with no supplemental lighting (T4). The design was randomized with six replicates per treatment, using soilless media in a naturally ventilated greenhouse during winter.Key Findings:Growth Enhancement: Significant growth improvements with increased photoperiods under supplemental LED lighting.Yield Optimization: Highest yield of 12.8 kg/m² with 18 hours of lighting (T3), showing a strong correlation between extended photoperiods and yield.Quality Improvement: Enhanced quality under T3 with increased levels of L-ascorbic acid, firmness, total phenolic content, DPPH radical scavenging activity, and total soluble solids.Maturity Acceleration: Faster maturity of plants exposed to supplemental lighting compared to the control group.Collaboration and Publication: Worked under Dr. K. G. Singh, a retired principal scientist from Punjab Agricultural University. Findings were published in a peer-reviewed journal, advancing knowledge in protected cultivation and lighting techniques.Software Used:SPSS: Statistical analysis.ArcGIS: Spatial data analysis.MATLAB: Data analysis and visualization.QGIS: Spatial data processing.AutoCAD: Experimental setup design.Excel: Data organization and preliminary analysis.

Major Project - Food Processing Engineering: Developed a manual Cleaning-In-Place (CIP) system for small-scale food processing industries.System Fabrication: Designed and fabricated a three-tank CIP unit to enhance cleaning efficiency and safety in small food processing facilities.Chemical Use Optimization: Assessed the effectiveness of sodium hydroxide and nitric acid at specific concentrations, identifying best practices to prevent equipment damage and ensure thorough cleaning.Cleaning Efficiency: Demonstrated rapid cleaning capability, achieving complete sanitation of intentionally contaminated equipment within 4 minutes, using a flow velocity of 1.5 m/s.Water Quality Management: Established optimal pH levels for cleaning water, ensuring effective cleaning while maintaining equipment safety.Safety and Sustainability: Enhanced workplace safety by minimizing chemical exposure risks and reducing energy and time requirements for cleaning processes, promoting a sustainable approach to equipment sanitation.

Integrated scientific understanding with practical solutions for environmental sustainability.Actively engaged in promoting sustainable water management practices through education and community outreach, advocating for the reduction of pollutants and the conservation of water resources.Utilized ArcGIS for spatial analysis and remote sensing techniques to monitor environmental changes. Experienced in using multi-temporal satellite data to assess agricultural practices and their impact on groundwater quality.Completed a two-month engineering traineeship at the Escorts Training and Development Centre (ETDC) in Bangalore, where I gained practical experience in agricultural engineering, particularly in relation to machinery and technologies used in sustainable farming practices. This experience laid the foundation for in soil and water resources engineering, where I can apply my knowledge to develop innovative solutions for water management and environmental sustainability.