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NAAC A++ Centurion University
Admissions Open 2025–26
IoT · Drones · AI Smart Farming
Hydroponics & Controlled Environment Agriculture
154 Research Publications
12 Patents / Designs Filed
Centurion University — Bhubaneswar, Odisha
Faculty-led Startups: Harit Hydro Farms · Samantar Krishi
NAAC A++ Centurion University
Admissions Open 2025–26
IoT · Drones · AI Smart Farming
Hydroponics & Controlled Environment Agriculture
154 Research Publications
12 Patents / Designs Filed
Centurion University — Bhubaneswar, Odisha
Faculty-led Startups: Harit Hydro Farms · Samantar Krishi
Centurion University of Technology & Management

Centre for
Smart Agriculture

Bridging cutting-edge technology and sustainable farming — from IoT-powered greenhouses to AI-driven crop diagnostics and controlled-environment cultivation for high-value crops.

Explore Centre Our Research
🌿 Hydroponics
🚁 Drone AgriTech
📡 IoT Sensors
🤖 AI Diagnostics
🌺 Saffron Research
Hydroponics Lab
Hydroponics Lab
Protected Cultivation Unit
Publications
154+
Peer-reviewed research papers
12
Patents &
Designs Filed
0
Publications
0
Patents & Designs
0
Training & Workshop
0
Startups / Clubs
Research Focus

Four Pillars of Smart Agriculture

💧

Hydroponics & Aeroponics

Standardised soil-less systems for high-value vegetable production with optimal resource use and year-round yields.

📡

IoT & Sensor Networks

Real-time monitoring of temperature, humidity, pH, moisture and light with automated decision support systems.

🤖

AI Crop Diagnostics

Hyperspectral and multispectral imaging combined with deep learning for early disease detection and nutrient stress.

🌺

Controlled-Environment Crops

Pioneering saffron cultivation in non-traditional regions and exotic vegetable production under protected conditions.

Research Ecosystem

Sub Research Centres

Specialised units operating under the Centre for Smart Agriculture, each focused on a high-impact technology domain. Click a centre to explore its work.

🚁
Active

RC for Drones

Advanced unmanned aerial imaging for precision agriculture — hyperspectral, multispectral, RGB, and thermal payloads delivering field-level crop intelligence.

Hyperspectral Multispectral RGB Thermal
Explore RC
🤖
Coming Soon

RC for AI & Robotics

Autonomous agricultural robots and AI-powered crop management systems for next-generation smart farming operations.

Machine Learning Robotics Automation
Stay Tuned
📡
Coming Soon

RC for IoT & Sensing

Real-time field sensor grids and edge-computing networks for soil, water, and atmospheric precision measurement.

IoT Edge Computing Telemetry
Stay Tuned
Live Telemetry

Smart Greenhouse Monitor

Greenhouse Sensor Dashboard LIVE
26.4°C
Temperature
68%
Humidity
6.8 pH
Solution pH
82%
Soil Moisture
1240 lx
Light Intensity
Smart Agriculture Lab Students in Lab
2020
Year of
Establishment
Centre Overview

Cultivating the Future of Agriculture

The Centre for Smart Agriculture (CSA) at Centurion University of Technology and Management, Bhubaneswar, is a multidisciplinary research hub dedicated to transforming Indian agriculture through precision farming, controlled-environment cultivation, and digital technologies.

Our mission is to revolutionize farming practices and empower agricultural communities with cutting-edge technologies. Through IoT, AI, and data analytics integrated into everyday farming operations, our robust research enhances productivity, sustainability, and profitability.

From hydroponic vertical farms and IoT-powered greenhouses to AI-based crop health surveillance and saffron cultivation protocols, CSA serves as a living lab where students, faculty and industry partners co-create solutions for the future of food security.

🎯 Vision

To be a nationally recognized centre of excellence in smart and precision agriculture, driving food security through innovation and industry-ready talent.

🚀 Mission

Advance research in controlled-environment farming, provide hands-on training, and translate discoveries into startups and policy impact for Indian farmers.

Academic Programmes

Pathways to Agricultural Innovation

🎓

B.Sc. Smart Agriculture

A four-year undergraduate programme combining agronomy, precision farming, IoT, and data analytics to produce farm-tech-ready graduates.

4 YearsUGIoT + AI
🔬

M.Sc. Precision Agriculture

Postgraduate specialisation in remote sensing, crop modelling, controlled environments and advanced agronomic research methods.

2 YearsPGResearch
📜

Cert. in Hydroponic Farming

Intensive short-term certification covering design, operation and commercialisation of hydroponic and aeroponic systems.

6 MonthsCertificate
Research Domains

Our Core Focus Areas

Greenhouse Farming
01 · Protected Cultivation

Greenhouse Farming

Automated poly-houses with IoT-based climate control, fertigation scheduling and sensor-driven systems creating ideal growing conditions for off-season and exotic crops with year-round production.

Greenhouse · Polyhouse · Automation
Hydroponics
02 · Hydroponics

Hydroponics

NFT, DWC and vertical hydroponic towers for lettuce, spinach, exotic herbs and high-value vegetables. Closed-loop nutrient recycling minimises water use and ensures consistent, pesticide-free year-round yields.

NFT · DWC · Vertical Tower
IoT Operated Irrigation System
03 · Smart Irrigation

IoT Operated Irrigation System

Real-time multi-sensor monitoring of soil moisture, temperature and rainfall with automated drip and sprinkler control — reducing water consumption by up to 40% while maximising crop productivity and quality.

IoT · Drip · Precision Water
Plastic Mulching
04 · Resource Management

Plastic Mulching

Plastic mulch films combined with drip irrigation for soil moisture conservation, weed suppression and soil temperature management — improving crop quality, reducing labour costs and conserving resources.

Mulching · Weed Control · Soil Conservation
Aeroponics
05 · Aeroponics

Aeroponics

Soil-less cultivation where plant roots are suspended in air and misted with nutrient solution — enabling faster growth rates, superior root oxygenation and up to 95% water savings over conventional farming.

Aeroponics · Nutrient Mist · Water Saving
Drone Technology
06 · Drone Technology

UAV-Based Crop Monitoring

UAV-based crop scouting, precision spraying and NDVI mapping for real-time field health assessment. Enables large-scale monitoring, early pest alerts and optimised spray coverage across farm areas.

UAV · NDVI · Precision Spray
Scholarly Output

Research Publications

Total: 154 publications | Impact factors sourced from JCR 2023/2024. Select a year to view publications.

16 Publications in 2026
#1 · 2026
Effect of Greenseeker-based nitrogen management on yield and yield traits of summer rice cultivars.
Aakash, N. S. S., Barik, B. R., Sahu, C., & Palai, J. B. (2026). Crop Research, 61(1). IF 0.6
#2 · 2026
Combined experimental and predictive modeling of jasmine flower shelf life using machine learning.
Ali, S. M., Nidoni, U., Palanimuthu, Hiregoudar, S., et al. (2026). New Zealand Journal of Crop and Horticultural Science, 54(2), e70000.
#3 · 2026
Analysis of the maize–legume cropping system in the lower Indo-Gangetic Plains of Eastern India: Energy efficiency, carbon footprint and farm profitability.
Dey, J. K., Saren, B. K., Das, A., et al. (2026). Food and Energy Security, 15(1), e70210. IF 4.5
#4 · 2026
Repercussions of salinity on field crops and achieving sustainable development goals.
Maitra, S., Ray, S., Pradhan, P., et al. (2026). In Salinity Stress and Remediation in Agro-Ecosystems (pp. 367–414). Springer Nature Switzerland.
#5 · 2026
Optimized economic returns of potato cultivated under inorganic fertilizer coupled with organic soil amendments.
Mwakidoshi, E. R., Alenazi, M. M., Muui, C., Maitra, S., et al. (2026). Potato Research, 69(2), 40. IF 2.8
#6 · 2026
Augmenting sustainable potato growth and mineral uptake under integrated organic and inorganic soil amendments.
Mwakidoshi, E. R., Alotaibi, M., Maitra, S., et al. (2026). Journal of Crop Improvement, 1–36. IF 2.5
#7 · 2026
Morphological and physico-chemical soil properties of acidic Nitisol subjected to long-term potato cultivation.
Mwakidoshi, E. R., Muui, C., Maitra, S., et al. (2026). Int. Journal of Experimental Research and Review, 50, 01–24. IF 0.8
#8 · 2026
Integrated nutrient management enhances potato yield and quality under acidic soil conditions.
Mwakidoshi, E. R., Muui, C., Maitra, S., et al. (2026). Food and Energy Security, 15(2), e70231. IF 4.5
#9 · 2026
Effect of bio-stimulant and nitrogen levels on growth and productivity of kharif rice.
Naveen, P. V., Maitra, S., Chhetri, P., Sairam, M., et al. (2026). Plant Science Today, 13, 10681. IF 1.8
#10 · 2026
Impacts of soil degradation on the severity of soil-borne diseases and sustainable management strategies: A review.
Ngaiza, V. V., Nungula, E. Z., Maitra, S., & Gitari, H. I. (2026). World Scientific Research, 13(1), 7–20.
#11 · 2026
Potentials of azolla-cyanobacteria symbiosis as a biofertilizer in lowland rice production systems: A review.
Nungula, E. Z., Chappa, L. R., Maitra, S., & Gitari, H. I. (2026). World Scientific Research, 13(1), 21–30.
#12 · 2026
Seed inoculation with Rhizobium and integrated nutrient management influences the productivity of groundnut and their residual impact on finger millet.
Palai, J. B., Malik, G. C., Maitra, S., et al. (2026). Scientific Reports. Nature Publishing Group UK. IF 3.8
#13 · 2026
The role of PEG in inducing osmotic stress by restricting water uptake in foxtail millet [Setaria italica (L.) Beauv.].
Reddy, Y. A. N., Gaikwad, D. J., Sairam, M., Maitra, S., et al. (2026). Tropical Agriculture, 103(1), 32–47. IF 1.2
#14 · 2026
Modelling the cashew value chain in Gajapati and Rayagada using financial modelling tools.
Prasad, N. D., Pattanayak, K. P., Hudgi, N., et al. (2026). IC-CGU International Conference, 1–6.
#15–16 · 2026
Two additional publications on foxtail millet osmotic stress and groundnut rhizobium management.
Reddy, Y., Gaikwad, D. J., Sairam, M., Maitra, S., et al. (2026). Tropical Agriculture, 103(1). IF 1.2
66 Publications in 2025
#17 · 2025
Assessment of economic viability and production dynamics of chilli cultivation in Guntur District, Andhra Pradesh.
Acchukatla, M., Thogati, R. C., et al. (2025). Annals of Agri-Bio Research, 30(2), 141–149. IF 0.4
#18 · 2025
Unveiling hydromorphic soil formation dynamics in Andem, Gabon: A soil survey approach.
Adhikary, R., & Pal, A. (2025). Indian Journal of Agricultural Research, 59(3), 489–495. IF 0.6
#19 · 2025
Judicious use of weed-suppressive living mulches reduces reliance on herbicides and optimizes potato yield.
Ahmadi, M., Fakhari, R., Maitra, S., & Gitari, H. (2025). International Journal of Biological Sciences, 12(1), 15–25. IF 9.2
#20 · 2025
Enhanced efficiency fertiliser (EEF) intervention for climate change resilience.
Atapattu, A. J., Babalola, O. O., Maitra, S., et al. (2025). In Innovations in Climate Resilient Agriculture (pp. 447–464).
#21 · 2025
Synergistic influence of minimum tillage and integrated nutrient schedules on crop performance and soil microbial diversity in a rice–lentil system.
Bhattacharya, U., Naskar, M. K., et al. (2025). BMC Plant Biology, 25(1), 1324. IF 4.3
#22 · 2025
Vulnerability of shallow groundwater to nitrate and pesticide pollution.
Bulle, A. M., Gitari, H. I., Maitra, S., et al. (2025). International Journal of Bioresource Science, 12(1), 101–117. IF 0.6
#23–24 · 2025
Microbial remediation of fluoride-contaminated water; Agroforestry tree species: Acacia tortilis.
Chappa, L. R., Nungula, E. Z., Maitra, S., et al. (2025). Book chapters, Springer.
#25 · 2025
Evaluating advertising effectiveness on consumers' online shopping behaviour across regional contexts: A light gradient boosting machine approach.
Das, S., Chandrasekhar, K., Mishra, D., et al. (2025). Journal of Applied Bioanalysis, 11(S2), 147–163.
#26 · 2025
Effect of split nitrogen application on yield attributes and grain yield of pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum L.).
Das, S., Maitra, S., Sagar, L., et al. (2025). Crop Research, 60(1–2), 12–17. IF 0.6
#27 · 2025
Optimization of in vitro propagation protocol for conservation and sustainable production of Hygrophila auriculata.
Das, S., Shukla, G., Roy, B., et al. (2025). National Academy Science Letters. IF 1.1
#28 · 2025
Mechanisms of low light stress in rice: Current insights and future directions.
Dey, P., Pattanaik, D., Gaikwad, D. J., et al. (2025). Plant Growth Regulation, 105, 1949–1968. IF 3.9
#29 · 2025
Organic mulch and compost synergy revitalizes soil multifunctionality for resilient agroecosystems.
Gumo, P., Gitari, H., Maitra, S., et al. (2025). International Journal of Experimental Research and Review, 49, 81–101. IF 0.8
#30 · 2025
Impact of sulphur and zinc fertilisation on yield, quality, nutrient uptake and economics of cowpea cultivation.
Hemasree, K. R., Maitra, S., Ray, S., et al. (2025). Farming & Management, 10(2), 115–123.
#31 · 2025
Effects of sulphur and zinc on growth and productivity of summer cowpea under conditions of Southern Odisha.
Hemasree, K. R., Sairam, M., Maitra, S., et al. (2025). Crop Research, 60. IF 0.6
#32 · 2025
Assessment of selective herbicide mixtures for effective weed management in transplanted kharif rice in South Odisha.
Jantua, J., Mahapatra, A., Kalasare, R. S., et al. (2025). Crop Research, 60, 82–89. IF 0.6
#33 · 2025
An economic analysis of agricultural crop diversification in high rainfall zone of Tamil Nadu.
Kumar, S., Mehazabeen, A., Vishnuprabu, S., et al. (2025). International Journal of Environmental Sciences, 11(16).
#34 · 2025
Impact of real-time nitrogen management on the performance of maize–cowpea intercropping system.
Maheswari, N., Maitra, S., Sairam, M., et al. (2025). Crop Research, 60. IF 0.6
#35 · 2025
Effect of fertilizer doses and foliar application on growth and yield of grain sorghum under South Odisha agro-climatic conditions.
Mahto, R. K., Kalasare, R. S., Sairam, M., Maitra, S., et al. (2025). Crop Research, 60. IF 0.6
#36 · 2025
Phosphorus uptake and use efficiencies of two upland rice varieties under varying phosphorus rates and seasons.
Maina, E. W., Mugwe, J., Maitra, S., et al. (2025). Int. Journal of Experimental Research and Review, 49, 1–14. IF 0.8
#37–42 · 2025
Maitra et al. — Series of book chapters on cropping systems, seed priming, alley cropping, agroforestry, abiotic stress, and climate-smart agriculture.
Maitra, S., Sairam, M., Ray, S., et al. (2025). Multiple book chapters across Springer, Apple Academic, and other publishers.
#43 · 2025
Optimization of an enhanced micropropagation protocol of Stevia rebaudiana for mass production in an Indian sub-humid region.
Manohar, K. A., Sivasankarreddy, K., Shukla, G., et al. (2025). Sugar Tech, 1–16. IF 2.0
#44 · 2025
Cost analysis on supply chain of banana in Andhra Pradesh, India.
Mehazabeen, A., & Srinivasan, G. (2025). Indian Journal of Applied & Pure Biology, 40(2), 1013–1020.
#45 · 2025
Optimizing herbicide use: Can drone technology revolutionize weed management in rice?
Misra, B., Mahapatra, A., Mondal, T., et al. (2025). Plant Science Today, 12, 1–13. IF 1.8
#46 · 2025
Comparative performance of foliar spray of urea and nano urea on productivity and nitrogen uptake of rice in Southern Odisha.
Mondal, D., Nath, S., Shankar, T., Dash, B., & Palai, J. B. (2025). Crop Research, 60(5–6). IF 0.6
#47–48 · 2025
Influence of growing media and nutrient levels on growth and yield of lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) in hydroponics.
Munda, S. C., Maitra, S., Gaikwad, D. J., Duvvada, S. K., et al. (2025). Crop Research, 60, 185–190. IF 0.6
#49–53 · 2025
Reviews on biochar, soil degradation, soil suitability for maize, azolla biofertilizer, and precision nitrogen management.
Ngaiza, V. V., Ngowi, N. J., Nungula, E. Z., Maitra, S., Gitari, H. I., et al. (2025). Various journals. IF 0.6–0.8
#54 · 2025
Post-pandemic sustainable advancements in machine learning for stock market analysis: A systematic review.
Parhi, A., Chakravarthy, P. K., et al. (2025). LNEE Vol. 1530, 823–843. Springer Nature.
#55 · 2025
Effect of phosphorus and biofertilizer inoculation on growth, yield and post-harvest soil nutrient status of rabi maize in coastal West Bengal.
Parvaz, W., Goswami, S., Maitra, S., et al. (2025). Crop Research, 60. IF 0.6
#56–57 · 2025
Innovative crop establishment and herbicide application studies in rice–green gram and rabi maize systems.
Pattanayak, S., Paul, P., Meher, S., Mahapatra, A., et al. (2025). Crop Research, 60, 324–329. IF 0.6
#58–59 · 2025
Climate-smart agricultural technologies — approaches for field crops production systems.
Pramanick, B., Singh, S. V., Maitra, S., Celletti, S., & Hossain, A. (2025). Springer.
#60 · 2025
Growth and yield response of rice-fallow maize to varying nitrogen and phosphorus levels in Odisha.
Prasad, C. V. S., Barik, B. R., Majumder, S., et al. (2025). Crop Research, 60. IF 0.6
#61 · 2025
Spatial arrangement in pearl millet–groundnut intercropping system influences productivity, competition and economics.
Priya, G. S., Maitra, S., Sairam, M., & Ray, S. (2025). Int. Journal of Experimental Research and Review, 47, 108–119. IF 0.8
#62–66 · 2025
Ray et al. — Series on carbon sequestration, optical sensing, precision nitrogen management in maize–groundnut, intercropping nexus review.
Ray, S., Maitra, S., Sairam, M., et al. (2025). Tropical Agriculture, Int. J. Bioresource Science, Crop Research, Research on Crops. IF 0.5–1.2
#67–82 · 2025
Sagar, Sairam, Saha, Sahu, Sanabam, Santosh, Vishnuprabu, Yoshitha et al. — Studies on irrigation, nutrient management, lettuce cultivation, saffron, drip fertigation, mulching, weed management.
Various authors (2025). Multiple journals including Crop Research, Plant Science Today, Research on Crops, Farming & Management, Journal of Agriculture and Food Research. IF 0.5–4.8
40 Publications in 2024
#83 · 2024
Unveiling hydromorphic soil formation dynamics in Andem, Gabon: A soil survey approach.
Adhikary, R., & Pal, A. (2024). Indian Journal of Agricultural Research. IF 0.6
#84 · 2024
Real-time soil nutrient monitoring using NPK sensors: Enhancing precision agriculture.
Adhikary, R., Choudhury, S. J., & Shankar, T. (2024). Int. Journal of Experimental Research and Review, 45, 197–202. IF 0.8
#85 · 2024
A modular CNN framework for hierarchical mango grading and quality assessment.
Adhikary, R., Pine, S., Choudhury, S. J., et al. (2024). ODICON 2024, 1–6.
#86 · 2024
Real-time soil nutrient monitoring using NPK sensors (SCOPES Conference).
Adhikary, R., Sudham, V., & Sualsingh, S. (2024). SCOPES 2024 Conference Proceedings.
#87 · 2024
Carbon footprint of the predominant mechanized timber harvesting methods in the Northeastern US.
Alex, A., Kizha, A. R., Manohar, K. A., et al. (2024). Cleaner and Circular Bioeconomy, 9, 100097. IF 5.9
#88 · 2024
Prospects of artificial intelligence for sustainability of sugarcane production in the modern era of climate change.
Bhatt, R., Hossain, A., Maitra, S., et al. (2024). Journal of Agriculture and Food Research, 18, 101519. IF 4.8
#89 · 2024
Outlooks on major agroforestry systems.
Chappa, L. R., Nungula, E. Z., Maitra, S., et al. (2024). In Agroforestry (pp. 21–48).
#90 · 2024
Neural network-based prediction of sensor data for enhanced decision-making in smart agriculture.
Das, S., Choudhury, S., & Adhikary, R. (2024). SCOPES 2024 Conference Proceedings.
#91 · 2024
Gasotransmitters signaling and their crosstalk with other signaling molecules under diverse stress conditions in plants.
Dey, P., Pattanaik, D., Gaikwad, D. J., et al. (2024). South African Journal of Botany, 169, 119–133. IF 3.1
#92 · 2024
Hydroponics vs soil: An in-depth assessment of morpho-physiological traits in spinach (Spinacia oleracea).
Gaikwad, D. J., Sahu, C., Prasanth, S., et al. (2024). Science Digest, 1, 6.
#93–94 · 2024
Agroforestry for climate security; Root parameters and water productivity in rice–wheat cropping system.
Gitari, H. H., Gouda, H. S., Maitra, S., et al. (2024). Book chapter and Journal of Agriculture and Food Research, 18, 101317. IF 4.8
#95 · 2024
Cultivating sustainability: Exploring diverse agroforestry practices in West Bengal.
Kanchan, Arshad, A., Manohar, K. A., Shukla, G., et al. (2024). SATSA Mukhapatra, 28, 236–249.
#96–97 · 2024
Influence of location-specific nutrient management on growth, productivity and nutrient uptake of irrigated rabi maize.
Krishna, T. G., Maitra, S., Sairam, M., et al. (2024). Research on Crops, 25(4) & Int. Journal of Bioresource Science, 11(2). IF 0.5–0.6
#98–100 · 2024
Impact of drip irrigation and mulching on cucumber; rabi maize–legume intercropping; nutrient omission in rabi rice.
Maitra, S., Majumder, S., Shankar, T., et al. (2024). Research on Crops, Indian Journal of Agronomy. IF 0.5–0.8
#101–107 · 2024
Soil carbon stocks (South Sudan); Saraca asoca germination; banana market info; herbicide efficacy in rice; potash in kharif rice; heavy metal stress; biochar review.
Malo, M. O., Manohar, K. A., Mehazabeen, A., Meher, S., Mishra, A., Moulick, D., Mwadalu, R., et al. (2024). Various journals. IF 0.3–3.8
#108–122 · 2024
Studies on weed management, integrated nutrient management, ESG performance, CNN-based multiplier, eggplant hybrids, crop water requirement, nutrient management in rice and maize, herbicide effects, onion yield, CNN lemon grading, organic cotton.
Nongmaithem, A., Palai, J. B., Parhi, A., Pine, S., Quamruzzaman, A. K. M., Ray, S., Sagar, L., Sahoo, U. (×3), Santosh, D. T., Sanyal, S., Singh, S., et al. (2024). Multiple journals. IF 0.5–3.2
17 Publications in 2023
#123 · 2023
Impacts of salinity stress on crop plants: Improving salt tolerance through genetic and molecular dissection.
Atta, K., Mondal, S., Gaikwad, D. J., et al. (2023). Frontiers in Plant Science, 14. IF 5.6
#124 · 2023
Bio-fertilizer: A sustainable way for soil amelioration.
Kathula, K. V. P., Manohar, K. A., & Sagar, L. (2023). Journal of Crop and Weed, 19(3), 93–99.
#125 · 2023
Review and outlook of weed management in millets.
Mahapatra, A., Kalasare, R. S., Palai, J. B., et al. (2023). Journal of Applied Biology and Biotechnology, 11, 1–10. IF 1.0
#126 · 2023
Bio-efficacy of herbicide mixtures on weed dynamics in direct wet-seeded rice.
Mahapatra, A., Saha, S., Munda, S., et al. (2023). Indian Journal of Weed Science, 55, 18–23. IF 0.4
#127 · 2023
Nutraceutical potential of tropical wild edible plants of India.
Manohar, K. A., Thriveni, V., Shukla, G., & Chakravarty, S. (2023). In Wild Food Plants for Zero Hunger (pp. 237–257). Springer Nature Singapore.
#128 · 2023
Role of anthocyanin in plants to survive against environmental stresses.
Nath, S., Praharaj, S., Maitra, S., Sairam, M., Kalasare, R. S., et al. (2023). In Biology and Biotechnology of Environmental Stress Tolerance in Plants (pp. 163–178). Apple Academic Press.
#129 · 2023
Land degradation unmasked as the key constraint in sunflower production: Role of GIS.
Nungula, E. Z., Mugwe, J., Maitra, S., Gitari, H. I., et al. (2023). Cogent Food & Agriculture, 9(2), 2267863.
#130 · 2023
Influence of varied nitrogen quantities on the growth, harvest index, and economic viability of barley.
Ravali, D., Singh, S., Mahapatra, A., et al. (2023). Biological Forum – An International Journal, 15, 234–238.
#131 · 2023
Impact of precision nutrient management on rice growth and productivity in Southern Odisha.
Sagar, L., Maitra, S., Singh, S., & Sairam, M. (2023). Agricultural Science Digest, 43(6), 812–816. IF 0.5
#132 · 2023
Artificial media for soilless cultivation.
Sahoo, U., Gaikwad, D. J., Banerjee, M., Malik, G. C., & Maitra, S. (2023). In Advances in Agricultural Technology (pp. 29–45). Griffon, Canada.
#133 · 2023
Unveiling the potential of maize–legume intercropping system for agricultural sustainability: A review.
Sahoo, U., Maitra, S., Dey, S., Sairam, M., & Sagar, L. (2023). Farming and Management, 8(1), 1–13. IF 0.5
#134 · 2023
Potential and advantage of pearl millet–legume intercropping system: A review.
Sahoo, U., Maitra, S., Sairam, M., & Sagar, L. (2023). Int. Journal of Bioresource Science, 10(1), 99–106. IF 0.6
#135 · 2023
Impact of micro irrigation on the growth and yield of tomatoes in sandy loam soil.
Santosh, D. T. (2023). International Journal of Bioresource Science, 10(2), 165–172. IF 0.6
#136–137 · 2023
Enhancing Grand Naine banana production with drip and plastic mulch technology; IoT in protected cultivation.
Santosh, D. T., Giri, R., Debnath, S., & Natraj, K. (2023). Griffon, Canada & Recent Advances in Agricultural Sciences and Technology.
#138 · 2023
Which adult diet is better? Comparative analyses of carbohydrate- and protein-rich diets on growth of Chrysoperla zastrowi sillemi.
Satapathy, S. N., Adhikary, R., Patra, C., et al. (2023). Journal of Asia-Pacific Entomology. IF 1.5
#139 · 2023
Linking the role of melatonin in plant stress acclimatization.
Singh, A., Pandey, H., Gaikwad, D. J., Sahu, C., & Atta, K. (2023). South African Journal of Botany, 159, 179–190. IF 3.1
12 Publications in 2022
#140 · 2022
Effect of growing media on rooting of stem cuttings of Hygrophila auriculata under different shade conditions.
Das, S., Singh, M., Shukla, G., Manohar, K. A., & Chakravarty, S. (2022). Pleione, 16(2), 154–165.
#141 · 2022
Abiotic stresses impact on major cereals and adaptation options: A review.
Gaikwad, D. J., Ubale, N. B., Pal, A., Singh, S., Ali, M. A., & Maitra, S. (2022). Research on Crops, 23(4), 896–915. IF 0.5
#142 · 2022
Reviewing the adaptability of pure and mixed Norway spruce forests to climate change in Central Europe.
James, A., & Manohar, K. A. (2022). Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology, 9(1–2), 70–74.
#143 · 2022
Effect of foliar application of nutrients on growth and productivity of rabi maize (Zea mays L.).
Kumar, P. S. M., Mahapatra, A., Maitra, S., & Masina, S. R. (2022). Crop Research, 57, 161–165. IF 0.6
#144 · 2022
Effects of rice herbicides on soil enzymes of succeeding toria sown with stubble mulch and minimum tillage.
Mahapatra, A., Bhambri, M. C., Saha, S., Munda, S., & Tiwari, N. (2022). Indian Journal of Natural Sciences, 13, 42643–42646. IF 0.3
#145 · 2022
Abiotic stress signaling in plants and transgenic technology as a triumph: A review.
Manepalli, S. B., Tomar, S., Gaikwad, D. J., & Maitra, S. (2022). Journal of Applied Biology and Biotechnology, 10, 5–13. IF 1.0
#146 · 2022
Emerging impressions of ethno-medicinal plants and nutraceuticals.
Manohar, K. A., Pandey, A., Sarkar, B. C., et al. (2022). Indian Journal of Natural Sciences, 13(72), 42681–42685. IF 0.3
#147 · 2022
Resource conservation technologies in rice cultivation.
Nongmaithem, A., & Mahapatra, A. (2022). Indian Journal of Natural Sciences, 13, 43209–43214. IF 0.3
#148 · 2022
Effect of straw mulching and nitrogen doses on nutrient status, yield and economics of rabi maize.
Rout, R. K., Mahapatra, A., Shankar, T., et al. (2022). Int. Journal of Plant & Soil Science, 34, 413–420.
#149 · 2022
Application of nanotechnology in agriculture in India.
Sahoo, U., Malik, G. C., Banerjee, M., Sahoo, B., & Maitra, S. (2022). Indian Journal of Natural Sciences, 13(72), 44422–44429. IF 0.3
#150 · 2022
Growth and productivity of rabi maize as influenced by foliar application of urea and nano-urea.
Samui, S., Lalichetti, S., Shankar, T., Manohar, K. A., Adhikary, R., Maitra, S., & Praharaj, S. (2022). Crop Research, 57(3), 136–140. IF 0.6
#151 · 2022
Kerala homegardens as a source of timber.
Syamili, M. S., Manohar, K. A., & Aftab, F. K. (2022). Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology, 9(1–2), 63–69.
3 Publications in 2021
#152 · 2021
Weeds in finger millet and their management: A retrospect.
Mahapatra, A., Singh, S., Kalasare, R. S., Pradhan, P. R., & Sahu, C. (2021). International Journal of Botany Studies, 6, 1995–1999.
#153 · 2021
Influence of micronutrient management on growth and yield attributes in pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan L. cv. PRG176).
Malik, H. N., Naik, U., Sahoo, U., Panda, A., et al. (2021). Journal of Experimental Agriculture International, 43(2), 86–93. IF 0.7
#154 · 2021
A review on molecular mechanisms of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) and rice (Oryza sativa L.) under abiotic stresses.
Tomar, S., Babu, M. S., Gaikwad, D. J., & Maitra, S. (2021). Int. Journal of Agriculture, Environment and Biotechnology, 14, 215–222.
Our Experts

Distinguished Faculty Members

Prof. Sagar Maitra

Prof. Sagar Maitra

Dean, MSSSoA

Dr. Dinkar Gaikwad

Dr. Dinkar Gaikwad

Associate Dean, Extension MSSSoA

Dr. Santosh D. T.

Dr. Santosh D. T.

Associate Dean, SoABE

Dr. Rahul Adhikary

Dr. Rahul Adhikary

Associate Professor

Dr. Parle Kalyan Chakravarthy

Dr. Parle Kalyan Chakravarthy

Associate Professor

Dr. Jnana Bharati Palai

Dr. Jnana Bharati Palai

Assistant Professor

Dr. Ashirbachan Mahapatra

Dr. Ashirbachan Mahapatra

Assistant Professor

Dr. Lalichetti Sagar

Dr. Lalichetti Sagar

Assistant Professor

🚁 Sub Centre: Drones
Dr. Kamal Kumar Barik

Dr. Kamal Kumar Barik

Associate Professor

Dr. Korla Harshavardhan

Dr. Korla Harshavardhan

Associate Professor

Mr. Saneev Kumar Das

Mr. Saneev Kumar Das

Assistant Professor

Er. Pradeep Kumar Behera

Er. Pradeep Kumar Behera

Assistant Professor

Active Projects

Ongoing Research

🌿

1000 Science Trial Program — Kyminasi Plants Crop Booster (KPCB)

Funded by Harvest Harmonics, Florida, USA. Large-scale trial assessing biostimulant efficacy across multiple crop varieties.

🧪

Spreader Study of Dov on Rice, Maize & Cotton

Sponsored by Heetu Chemicals, Maharashtra. Evaluating adjuvant performance on key commercial crops.

📸

Hyperspectral Imaging for Crop Disease Detection

Real-time, non-destructive identification of fungal, bacterial and nutritional stress in hydroponic lettuce using spectral signatures.

🌡️

Automated Greenhouse Climate Management

IoT-integrated actuator systems modulating temperature, humidity and CO₂ to maintain optimal growing windows with up to 40% energy saving.

🌺

Saffron Cultivation in Eastern India

Adapting controlled-environment protocols for Odisha conditions — corm dormancy, chilling requirements and photoperiod manipulation.

Key Outcomes

Research Outcomes

📸

Validated imaging system for accurate real-time crop health assessment via hyperspectral & multispectral technology.

🌡️

Enhanced greenhouse precision through automated environmental control, reducing energy consumption by up to 40%.

💦

Standardised hydroponic systems enabling efficient, high-quality production of exotic vegetables year-round.

🌺

Optimised protocols enabling saffron cultivation in non-traditional Eastern Indian regions with consistent yield.

Intellectual Property

Patents & Design Registrations

Utility Patent

IoT-Based Smart Irrigation System for Crop Production and Soil Management Using Artificial Intelligence

App No.: 202231074745 · Country: India
Publication Date: 24 February 2023
Utility Patent

Cyber Physical System for Human Resource Management to Increase Green Corporate Image

App No.: 202341034845
Date: 18 May 2023
Utility Patent

Internet of Things and Blockchain Revolutionary Integration in Business and Financial Sector

App No.: 202431004213
Date: 19 March 2024
Utility Patent

Design and Development of Digital Fruit and Spices Quality Identification Technology

App No.: 202431052021 A
Publication Date: 12 July 2024
Utility Patent

AI-Driven Risk Assessment System for Dynamic Portfolio Allocation in Volatile Financial Markets

App No.: 202541089065
Date: 17 October 2025
Design Registration

IoT-Based Indoor Hydroponics System

App No.: 384323-001
Design Registration

IoT-Based Rooftop Hydroponics System

App No.: 383383-001
Design Registration

IoT-Based Solar Operated Hydroponics Fodder System

App No.: 418824-001
Design Registration

Portable Soil Monitoring Module for Intelligent Irrigation System

App No.: 415260-001 · Country: India
Date: 29 April 2024
Design Registration

Precision Farming Device

App No.: 400479-001
Date: 19 January 2024
Design Registration

Seed Quality Analyzer Device

App No.: 399422-001
Design Registration

Warning System for Elephant Intrusion in Forest Fringe Areas

App No.: 415255-001
Training & Outreach

Training & Workshop Programmes

#ProgrammeDurationParticipants
01Agro-Industrial Attachment 1.017 Jan – 12 Mar 202371
02Agro-Industrial Attachment 2.005 Jun – 05 Aug 202313
03Summer Internship for BTech Students18 Jun – 07 Jul 202306
04Agro-Industrial Attachment 4.005 Jun – 05 Aug 202409
05Hands-on Training — Birsa Agriculture University10–15 Jan 202415
06Hands-on Training on Smart Agriculture for PG Students02–08 Apr 202431
07One-Week Workshop — Sri Sri University, Cuttack20–27 May 202406
08Summer Internship20 May – 08 Jun 202404
09One-Week Training for CUTM PG Students15–21 Apr 202525
10Lecture Series on Python01–15 Jun 202529
11Three-Day Webinar on Unlocking the Power of AI Tools05–07 Aug 202591
12Two-Day Training on Saffron Cultivation at Paralakhemundi23–24 Oct 202532
13Two-Day Training on Saffron Cultivation at Paralakhemundi28–29 Oct 202510
14Smart Agriculture Technology — Netaji Subhash University, Jharkhand22–27 Dec 202523
Programme Gallery

Training Photographs

Training Session 1
Training Session
Workshop Activity
Workshop Activity
Hands-on Training
Hands-on Training
Field Demonstration
Field Demonstration
Participant Group
Participant Group
Laboratory Session
Laboratory Session
Expert Lecture
Expert Lecture
Practical Demo
Practical Demo
Saffron Training
Saffron Training
Technology Demo
Technology Demo
Closing Ceremony
Closing Ceremony
Smart Agriculture Training
Smart Agriculture Training
Entrepreneurship

Faculty-Led Startups & Clubs

Harit Hydro Farms LLP

A faculty-led limited liability partnership focused on commercial hydroponic farming systems, translating academic research into scalable food production businesses for the Odisha market.

Faculty Startup · LLP

Samantar Krishi LLP

Driving research-to-market transition in parallel farming techniques — implementing precision agriculture solutions developed in CUTM labs into commercial operations across Eastern India.

Faculty Startup · LLP

Saffroponics Society

Student-led club specialising in saffron cultivation under controlled environments — imparting practical skills in this high-value crop to the next generation of agronomy leaders.

Student Club

Smart Farming Club

An active student community developing hands-on experience with IoT devices, drone applications and digital tools that are transforming modern agricultural practice in India.

Student Club
Get in Touch

Connect With Our Centre

Interested in research collaboration, student admissions, or training programmes? Reach out to our team at Centurion University, Bhubaneswar.

📞
Toll Free: 8260077222
WhatsApp: 7735627796
📍
HIG-4, Floor 1 & 2, Jaydev Vihar,
Opp Pal Heights, Bhubaneswar, Odisha
🌐
cutm.ac.in/center-for-smart-agriculture
✉️
[email protected]
Centurion University · CUTM

Research Centre for
Drones

Advancing precision agriculture and environmental research through state-of-the-art unmanned aerial systems — delivering hyperspectral, multispectral, RGB, and thermal imaging insights directly from the sky.

Explore Services Get in Touch
🎯 Precision Farming
📡 Remote Sensing
🌾 Crop Health Analysis
🔥 Thermal Mapping
200+
Flight Hours Logged
50+
Hectares Mapped
4
Sensor Payloads
2cm
Ground Resolution
Imaging Technologies

Aerial Imaging Services

Our drone fleet carries cutting-edge imaging payloads — transforming raw aerial data into actionable agricultural insights for precision farming and environmental research.

🔬 Hyperspectral Mean Reflectance Spectrum Hyperspectral
Service 01 · Spectral Analysis

Hyperspectral Imaging

Capture hundreds of contiguous spectral bands far beyond visible light. Our hyperspectral payloads deliver precise spectral signatures for early disease detection, canopy chemical analysis, soil composition mapping, and nutrient deficiency identification at sub-field resolution.

400–1000 nm · 200+ bands
📡 MicaSense Vegetation Index Maps Multispectral
Service 02 · Vegetation Indices

Multispectral Imaging

Compute key vegetation indices — NDVI, NDRE, EVI, and SAVI — across large farm landscapes in a single mission. Enables large-scale crop monitoring, yield prediction modelling, irrigation efficiency analysis, and disease outbreak hotspot mapping for data-driven farm management.

NDVI · NDRE · EVI · SAVI
📷 RGB Aerial Orthomosaic RGB Imaging
Service 03 · High-Resolution Mapping

RGB Imaging

Ultra-high-resolution true-color aerial photography for field mapping, crop stand assessment, automated plant counting, weed detection, and photogrammetric 3D terrain reconstruction. Ideal for progress documentation, area measurement, insurance surveys, and precision field boundary delineation.

Up to 2 cm/pixel GSD
🌡️ DJI Thermal Infrared Survey Thermal
Service 04 · Temperature Mapping

Thermal Imaging

Detect water stress, irrigation anomalies, and disease hotspots through precision temperature-variance mapping. Thermal surveys enable crop water management, early blight and fungal detection, livestock heat monitoring, and solar panel inspection for agri-energy installations.

LWIR · 7.5–14 μm band
Data to Decisions

Drone Intelligence & Inferences

Every flight generates actionable maps and indices — from soil chemistry and vegetation health to 3D terrain models. Below are real outputs produced by our drone imaging systems in field operations.

MicaSense Vegetation Index Suite
Multispectral

Vegetation Index Suite — 6 Indices

MicaSense RedEdge-MX derived NDVI, NDRE, GNDVI, SAVI, EVI and MCARI maps computed in a single flight. Reveals spatial variability in canopy vigour, chlorophyll, and biomass across the field.

NDVI NDRE EVI SAVI MCARI
NDVI Crop Health Map
Multispectral

NDVI Crop Health Map

Normalized Difference Vegetation Index map showing photosynthetically active zones. High NDVI (dark red) indicates dense healthy canopy; low values (blue) indicate bare soil or stressed vegetation.

NDVI Crop Health Stress Detection
NDRE Chlorophyll Map
Multispectral

NDRE Chlorophyll Map

Red-Edge Normalized Difference index sensitive to chlorophyll and nitrogen content. More precise than NDVI for dense canopies — ideal for early nutrient deficiency and late-season stress detection.

NDRE Nitrogen Chlorophyll
DATT Vegetation Index
Multispectral

DATT Vegetation Index Map

DATT index correlates strongly with leaf chlorophyll content and canopy LAI. Used to quantify the impact of disease pressure and nutrient limitations on overall vegetation productivity.

DATT LAI Canopy
Soil Organic Carbon
Hyperspectral HIGH confidence

Soil Organic Carbon (SOC)

Relative SOC distribution mapped with HIGH model confidence. Dark zones indicate carbon-rich organic matter — a key indicator of soil fertility, water-holding capacity, and long-term productivity.

Hyperspectral SOC Soil Fertility
Total Nitrogen Map
Hyperspectral

Total Soil Nitrogen Map

Relative Total Nitrogen content derived from VNIR hyperspectral reflectance. Guides variable-rate fertiliser application — reducing input costs while ensuring crops receive optimal nutrition where needed.

Hyperspectral Nitrogen Fertilisation
Soil pH Map
Hyperspectral

Soil pH Distribution Map

Spatial pH variability across the field from alkaline (blue) to acidic (red) zones. Critical for lime application planning — ensuring optimal nutrient availability and preventing aluminium toxicity in crops.

Hyperspectral Soil pH Liming
Soil Moisture Map
Hyperspectral

Soil Moisture Content Map

Relative soil moisture distribution inferred from hyperspectral VNIR reflectance. Enables precision irrigation scheduling — targeting dry zones precisely and preventing over-watering in already-moist areas.

Hyperspectral Moisture Irrigation
Cation Exchange Capacity
Hyperspectral

Cation Exchange Capacity (CEC)

CEC quantifies the soil's ability to retain positively charged nutrient ions (Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺, K⁺). High CEC soils are more fertile and buffer pH better — essential for tailoring fertiliser and amendment plans.

Hyperspectral CEC Nutrients
Clay Content Map
Hyperspectral

Soil Clay Content Map

Relative clay fraction derived from spectral absorption features in the VNIR range. Guides tillage management and irrigation depth decisions — clay-rich zones retain water longer and respond differently to amendments.

Hyperspectral Clay Tillage
Iron Oxide Map
Hyperspectral

Iron Oxide (FeOx) Distribution

Iron oxide content mapped via goethite/haematite absorption features in the VNIR spectrum. Indicates soil weathering degree and redox conditions — linked to phosphorus fixation and micronutrient availability.

Hyperspectral Iron Oxide Phosphorus
3D Elevation Model Nayan Sagar
RGB

3D Elevation Model — Nayan Sagar Pond

High-resolution digital elevation model (DEM) of Nayan Sagar pond (50 cm resolution) created by photogrammetric processing of RGB drone imagery. Contour lines and inlet/outlet points are precisely located for watershed management planning.

Photogrammetry DEM Watershed
Mean Soil Reflectance Spectrum
Hyperspectral

Mean Soil Reflectance Spectrum

VNIR mean reflectance curve (400–1000 nm) with key absorption features annotated — Fe³⁺ charge transfer, haematite shoulder, SOC visible darkening, and goethite/FeOx bands. Foundation for all soil property models derived from hyperspectral data.

400–1000 nm VNIR Reflectance
Field Operations

Drone Operations Gallery

Drone Flight Operations
Field Survey
GPS Mapping Survey
Agricultural Drone
Precision Mapping
Drone Survey Operations