About The Book

The book “Nexus in Agriculture – Engineering” brings together the contributions of experienced academicians, researchers from various institutes. It covers a wide range of topics such as precision farming, farm mechanization, sustainable water management, bioenergy, food processing, and the use of advanced technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), and the Internet of Things (IoT) in agriculture.

Each chapter combines theoretical insights with practical applications, offering readers a comprehensive understanding of how modern tools and techniques can improve agricultural productivity while conserving resources. The interdisciplinary approach makes this book especially valuable for addressing the complex issues facing today’s agricultural landscape.

Nexus in Agriculture – Engineering is designed for a broad audience, including researchers, educators, students, policymakers, and extension professionals. It serves as a useful resource for those seeking to implement sustainable practices and adopt technology-driven solutions in the agricultural sector.

About Author

Dr.P.Rajkumar, is serving as Dean, Agricultural En-
gineering College and Research Institute, Tamil Nadu

Agricultural University, Kumulur, Trichy. He joined in
the Dept. of Food Process Engineering, TNAU since
1997. He has completed his B.E (Agrl. Engineering) in

1992, subsequently did his M.E and Ph.D in Agricul-
tural Processing. He has done his Post Doctoral in

McGill University, Canada. He has many accomplish-
ments in Teaching and Research activities. He received

the Best Researcher Award from TNAU and NASI-
ICAR Award from ICAR, New Delhi and commenda-
tion medal from ISAE, New Delhi. He has published 75 National and Interna-
tional articles and also presented papers in many national and international con-
ferences. He had authored 5 books and he obtained 15 nos. of patents and 1

copyright. He has handled several research projects of which he was the Princi-
pal investigator of 7 projects and Co-principal investigator of 5. He had guided 5

Ph.D. and 11 M.Tech students.

Dr. P. Masilamani is a Seed Scientist, currently serving
as Professor and Head, Department of Basic
Engineering and Applied Sciences, Agricultural
Engineering College and Research Institute, TNAU,
Kumulur, Trichirappalli, Tamil Nadu. He has over 28
years of experience in Research, UG and PG teaching,
agri business and extension service. He served as the
Dean, Anbil Dharmalingam Agricultural College and
Research Institute, TNAU, Tiruchrirappalli, Tamil Nadu
between 2019 and 2022 and Dean i/c, Horticultural
College and Research Institute for Women, TNAU,
Tiruchrirappalli, Tamil Nadu. He held the additional charge as Director and Nodal
officer, TABIF (Tiruchirappalli Agri Business Incubation Forum) during 2019 to
2022. He worked as a Director, National Seed Research and Training Centre,
Varanasi, Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare during 2012. During his
tenure as Director, he was instrumental in the formation of Central Seed Testing
Laboratory (CSTL) which is the Referral Seed Testing Lab under the seed rules
1968. His area of specialization includes forest tree seed technology and seed
dormancy. He had authored 6 books and published 157 research papers in
International and National journals. He had presented over 60 papers in various
National and International conferences and seminars and published 49 popular
articles in English and Tamil. He had also contributed 31book chapters in reference
books. He is responsible for releasing two varieties of paddy viz., TRY4 and
TRY5 and one variety of Daincha -TRY1 and released one technology viz., “Seed

cubes for propagation for tree/vegetable crops during 2023 from Tamil Nadu
Agricultural University. He was actively involved in evolving three new farm
implements, that led to three design patents (1.Moringa depodding machine during
2023, 2.Power operated Teak drupe deseeding machine and 3.Neem Fruit Picker
Cum Collector during 2024).
He had handled several research projects of which he was the Principal
investigator of 6 and Co-principal investigator for 15 funded by various agencies.
He developed soil amelioration technology for nursery seedling production of
forest tree species. He had guided two Ph.D. and 5 M.Sc students. He is the
recipient of Dr. G. Rengasami Award for a research paper published in Madras
Agricultural Journal in 2010 from MASU, Best Researcher Award in 2011, Best
Seed Production Scientist Award in 2015 and Scientist of Excellence in Niche
area of research in recognition of his meritorious contribution in the field of Teak
Seed Research and Development in 2019 from TNAU, Coimbatore. He is also
bestowed with Achievement Award for Excellence in Education during 2022 from
Tamil Nadu Association of Intellectuals and Faculty & GRABS Educational
Charitable Trust, Chennai and Eminent Scientist Award from The Society for the
Science of Climate Change and Sustainable Environment, New Delhi during
February, 2024.
He is a member of Task Force (04/2017) for development of description
and Distinction Uniformity and Stability testing guidelines for indigenous forest
tree species (Tectona grandis and Media dubia) constituted by Protection of Plant
Varities and Farmers Rights Authority, Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers
Welfare, GOI, New Delhi and Member of Perambalur District level Expert
Appraisal Committee, Tamil Nadu, constituted by Ministry of Environment and
Forest and Climate Change, GOI, New Delhi for the grant of Environment
clearance for B2 category projects for mining of minor minerals . He is a Fellow
of the Indian Society of Seed Technology, New Delhi on 5 February 2019 for his
outstanding contribution in the field of Seed Science and Technology. He had
organized National Seed Congress at Raipur, Chhattisgarh during 21-23 December
2012 and National Conference on “Climate Smart Agriculture for Livelihood
Security; challenges and opportunities during 13-14 September 2019 at Anbil
Dharmalingam Agricultural College and Research Institute, Tamil Nadu
Agricultural University, Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu. He had been a Co-Organizing

secretary for the International Conference on “Sustainable Food- Water-Energy-
Mechanization-Nexus and Whole grain (SWEMI nexus 2025)” held during

27.01.2025& 28.01.2025 and the “National Conference on Biochar: Bridging
Research, Production and Application held during 28.02.2025 at AEC&RI,
Kumulur. He has extensively travelled within India and Israel in connection with
waste land reclamation and procedure for selection of trees for arid lands and The
Netherlands for understanding the variety registration procedure, farmers’ rights
and breeder’s rights.

Dr. R. Thiyagarajan, Associate Professor & Head,
Department of Farm Machinery & Power Engineering,

Agricultural Engineering College and Research Insti-
tute, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Kumulur,

Trichy District, Tamil Nadu with 15 years of experi-
ence in Teaching, Research and Extension activities.

He has released 10 farm implement/equipments for the
benefit of farmers and also he has published 6 books,
18 research articles and 21 popular articles in addition

to many book chapters. He is actively involved in vari-
ous research projects towards small farm mechaniza-
tion and possesses extensive knowledge in horticultural mechanization and ob-
tained external funded schemes under DST and GoT. He has been honored with

the prestigious award by the various academic societies

Dr. M. Nagarajan, is presently working as Assistant
Professor (SWC), Department of Soil & Water
Conservation Engineering, Agricultural Engineering
College & Research Institute, Tamil Nadu Agricultural
University, Kumulur, Trichy, Tamil Nadu, India. He
completed his graduation in Agricultural Engineering
and Post graduation (M.E and Ph.D) in Soil and Water
Conservation Engineering from Tamil Nadu
Agricultural University, Coimbatore during 2000, 2002
& 2006. He was received a post graduate merit scholar
award during 2002, given by Tamil Nadu Agricultural
University, Coimbatore and received best teacher award for producing 100% result
during 2007, given by SRM University, Chennai. He has more than 18 years of
professional experience in Teaching and Research in the fields of hydrology,
Remote Sensing & GIS, Water Resources Engineering. He has published more
than 15 national and international research articles in the reputed journals having
more than 6.0 NAAS rating, books, book chapter and various popular articles to
his credit.

Dr. I.P. Sudagar, is a highly accomplished academic,
researcher, and innovator in the field of Food Process
Engineering, with an illustrious career spanning over
23 years.
Currently serving as the Professor and Head
at Department of Processing and Food Engineering in
Agricultural Engineering College and Research
Institute (AEC&RI), Kumulur, Tamil Nadu Agricultural
University, Tamil Nadu, India. He plays a pivotal role
in academic leadership and research development. His

work integrates engineering solutions with real-world agricultural problems,
aiming to benefit both the farming community and the scientific world. His deep
commitment to improving agricultural processing systems has led to remarkable
contributions in bio composites from waste materials and storage engineering,
areas that are now gaining global attention for their sustainability and relevance
to food security.
His creative engineering mind has led to the design and development of
machines, including Palmyrah Young Fruit Opener, Palmyrah Fibre Extractor
and Turmeric Washer. These machines have not only increased efficiency but
have also contributed to value addition and employment generation in rural areas.
His research excellence is reflected in the two patents he holds, which
underscore his inventive capabilities and commitment to advancing agricultural
engineering. In addition, he has published over 25 peer-reviewed research articles
in prestigious international journals, addressing critical challenges in food process
engineering and offering sustainable, science-backed solutions.
He got two research projects funded by the Department of Science and
Technology (DST), Government of India. His research has consistently focused
on resource-efficient technologies, waste utilization, and post-harvest
mechanization—all aimed at building a resilient agricultural sector.
As a dedicated mentor and guide, he has supervised the academic work
of 12 postgraduate students, many of whom have gone on to pursue successful
careers in academia, research, and industry. His ability to inspire and lead young
minds is one of his defining characteristics as an educator.
His contributions to literature in the field are substantial—he has authored
two books and contributed to seven book chapters, covering a wide spectrum of
topics from post-harvest handling to mechanical systems in food processing. These
publications are widely referenced and used by students, scholars, and
professionals alike.
In addition to his academic and research responsibilities, he has been
instrumental in conducting numerous training programs and workshops focused
on Post-Harvest Technology of Cereals, Pulses, Fruits, and Vegetables. These
programs are designed to provide practical, hands-on knowledge to farmers,
extension workers, and agri-preneurs, ensuring that cutting-edge research is
translated into field-level practices.
His career stands as a testament to his unwavering commitment to
innovation, knowledge-sharing, and rural empowerment. By seamlessly bridging
the gap between laboratory research and field implementation, continues to shape
the future of agricultural engineering in India.
His vision is to promote sustainable technologies and capacity building
among stakeholders in agriculture, ensuring that food production and processing

are aligned with the principles of efficiency, equity, and environmental
responsibility.

Dr. E. Sujitha is currently working as Teaching
Assistant (SWCE), Department of Soil and Water
Conservation Engineering, Agricultural Engineering
College and Research Institute, Tamil Nadu Agriculture
University, Kumulur, Trichy. She completed her under
graduation (B.Tech.) Agricultural Engineering from
Agricultural Engineering College and Research
Institute, TNAU, Kumulur, M.Tech (Soil and Water
Conservation Engineering) from Tamil Nadu
Agricultural University, Coimbatore and Ph.D (Soil and
Water Conservation Engineering) from Agricultural
Engineering College and Research Institute, TNAU, Kumulur, during 2012, 2014
and 2018. She has more than 7 years of professional experiences in Teaching,
Extension and Research. She has cleared ASRB - NET 2017 in the discipline of
Land and Water Management Engineering. She has owned 4 awards (Best
Presentation and Young Professional), published 17 research papers in reputed
journals, 3 books, 6 book chapters and 25 popular articles in her credit. She has
participated and presented papers in many national and international conferences.