The Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC) in Kolkata recently marked a significant milestone with the official inauguration of the Product Design Centre (PDC). This state-of-the-art facility is equipped with prototyping and system designing capabilities, offering a range of software and printing technologies to support system design, prototyping, ideation, and fabrication. Alongside the PDC inauguration, the Grain-Ex system was also launched, presenting an appearance-based e-Quality detection system for pulses.
Empowering Startups, Entrepreneurs, and MSMEs
The establishment of the Product Design Centre (PDC) at C-DAC Kolkata brings forth an array of prototyping and system designing facilities. Equipped with cutting-edge software and printing technologies, this center is set to benefit startups, entrepreneurs, and micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in the eastern region of India. The availability of these facilities will empower businesses and innovators to materialize their ideas, develop prototypes, and foster product innovation in a conducive environment.
Launch of Grain-Ex: Revolutionizing e-Quality Detection for Pulses
- During the inauguration, a significant innovation named Grain-Ex was also introduced. Grain-Ex is an appearance-based e-Quality detection system for pulses, developed through artificial vision technology under the “National Program on Applications of Electronics and ICT in Agriculture and the Environment (AgriEnIcs)” in collaboration with ICAR-IARI, New Delhi.
- Grain-Ex is poised to bring about a transformative change in the e-NAM markets, which are the electronic National Agriculture Marketplaces, by enabling quality-based pricing. With its capability to perform e-Quality detection for 14 different types of pulses, Grain-Ex offers a sophisticated solution to ensure fair pricing based on the quality of the produce. This system will be instrumental in enhancing transparency and trust in the e-NAM-connected markets, benefitting more than 1,200 such markets across the country.
Driving Innovation and Technological Advancement in Agriculture
- The launch of Grain-Ex and the establishment of the Product Design Centre (PDC) at C-DAC Kolkata collectively contribute to the advancement of technology in the agriculture sector. By integrating artificial vision technology into the Grain-Ex system, it becomes possible to accurately assess the quality of pulses based on their appearance. This development opens up new avenues for quality-based pricing and trading in agricultural commodities, ensuring fair remuneration for farmers and bolstering the overall efficiency of the agricultural supply chain.
- Furthermore, the Product Design Centre (PDC) provides a dedicated space for startups, entrepreneurs, and MSMEs to harness their creativity and leverage advanced technological tools for product development. This initiative encourages innovation and supports the growth of the local ecosystem, ultimately leading to the emergence of novel and competitive solutions in various industries, including agriculture.
