Sangamner | 22.02 | Nitin Chandra Bhalerao
(Agritech) At a time when deteriorating soil quality and the excessive use of chemical fertilizers have raised serious concerns about human health, a young researcher from Sangamner has provided a new direction to agriculture. Dr. Pranav Pramod Pawase, son of Dr. Pramod Pawase, Director of Rajhans Milk Union, from Hivargaon Pawasa in Sangamner taluka, has been awarded the prestigious 2023 “Best Doctoral Thesis” National Award by NABARD for his Ph.D. research.
(Agritech) In traditional farming practices, fertilizers are applied uniformly across fields, which damages soil health and increases costs. The tractor-operated sensor-based machine developed by Dr. Pranav is being considered a revolutionary step in agricultural mechanization. This machine uses sensors to assess crop requirements and the availability of nutrients in the soil, and releases fertilizer only where needed and in precise quantities.
This technology directly reduces fertilizer usage by up to 30 percent, thereby lowering production costs and helping increase farmers’ income. Additionally, it reduces groundwater contamination and helps break the chemical chain that can lead to serious diseases such as cancer.
Dr. Pranav completed this research at the Mahatma Phule Krishi Vidyapeeth, under the guidance of Associate Dean Dr. Sachin Nalawade at the College of Agricultural Engineering. In recognition of this achievement, NABARD honored him with a cash prize of ₹1 lakh and a memento. He currently holds 1 patent, 1 copyright, and 25 research publications, contributing significantly to the advancement of Climate Smart Agriculture.
Former Minister Balasaheb Thorat, MP Bhausaheb Wakchaure, Dr. Sudhir Tambe, MLA Satyajit Tambe, Rajhans Chairman Ranjitsinh Deshmukh, along with the Sarpanch, Deputy Sarpanch, and villagers of Hivargaon Pawasa, have extended their congratulations. There is widespread pride that a young researcher from a rural background has brought national recognition to his village through world-class research.