Farm Mechanization Plays Very Important Role for Increased Production from Small Land Holdings: Harish Hirani

Krishi Jagran today (29^th October 2021) launched a new website tractornews.in and hosted a Webinar on the importance of Farm Mechanization. The main purpose of this platform is to provide the farmers a digital window with detailed information and news on Agriculture Machinery/Equipment of various brands across the country.

Many eminent personalities from the industry across India including Harish Hirani, Director Professor at CSIR -Central Mechanical Engineering Research Institute attended the mega launch event.

In his address, he focused on the importance of farm mechanization. he said, "The land holdings in India are becoming smaller gradually. In the 1960s the average land holding of the farmers of India used to be around 2.2 acre which has reduced to less than 1 acre currently. The main focus should be to produce more and more from these small landholdings. This is where farm mechanization plays a vital role."

He also focused on how the utility of farm equipment must also be one of the most important aspects of farm mechanization. He said "Farm mechanization is not only about the big tractors; Power tillers, weeders, bush cutters, small hand tools are all a part of it. The tractors used should be chosen according to the requirements of the field." He also persuaded the youngsters to take up farming.

Prof. (Dr.) Harish Hirani is presently the Director of CSIR-Central Mechanical Engineering Research Institute, Durgapur. He assumed the leadership of CSIR-CMERI w.e.f. 16^th March 2016 after taking lien from IIT Delhi. Before joining as Director, CSIR-CMERI, he was serving as the JEE (Advanced) Vice Chairman (2014-2016) and as an Academic Leader for 17 years at IIT Bombay and IIT Delhi. 

With a robust research experience of more than 25 years, 20+ years teaching experience in IITs and more than 7 years of academic & scientific administrative experience, Prof. Harish Hirani always strived to inculcate the value of developing innovative thinking among Scientists/Researchers and learners for realising the substantial socio-economic impact and for that he is also offering training to the youngsters who are want to make best use of the farm machines available to them.

For his research achievements, Prof. Harish Hirani had been accorded the prestigious "BOYSCAST fellowship".  

He has more than 150 research publications and more than 75  IPR granted as well as applied for in his credit. His book on "Fundamentals of Engineering Tribology with Applications", published by Cambridge University Press has proven to be a success. He has organized and conducted more than 25 short-term training courses for 1000+ engineering faculty and 300+ industry executives.