Rita Patle | Agricultural Engineering | Research Excellence Award

Dr. Rita Patle | Agricultural Engineering | Research Excellence Award

ICAR – Central Institute of Agricultural Engineering | India

Dr. Rita Patle is an agricultural engineer specializing in Farm Machinery and Power Engineering with advanced expertise in precision agriculture and automation. She earned her B.Tech in Agricultural Engineering and M.Tech in Farm Machinery & Power, followed by a Ph.D. focusing on the design of an autonomous site-specific variable rate fertilizer applicator. Over her career she has served as Assistant Professor, Senior Research Fellow, and Research Associate at leading agricultural-engineering institutes, and contributed to both teaching and R&D. Her research interests center on precision farming, sensor-based variable-rate fertilizer application, farm mechanization, and integration of AI and embedded systems for smart agriculture. She is recognized for her innovative contributions — she holds a design patent for an autonomous variable-rate fertilizer applicator, and has registered the software program controlling it. Her work has earned national-level awards and best-paper recognitions. Through peer-reviewed journal articles, technical bulletins and conference publications, she has helped advance sustainable mechanization in Indian agriculture. Her commitment to bridging academic research, practical engineering solutions and agricultural productivity underscores her goal to address real-world farming challenges and support agricultural growth for the nation.

Profile: Orcid

Featured Publications

Patle, R., Kavitha, R., Surendrakumar, A., Sahni, R. K., Suthakar, B., Kannan, B., & Maragatham, S. (2025). Development of a sensor-based embedded system for on-the-go variable-rate fertilizer applicator in maize crop. Results in Engineering, 28, 107852. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rineng.2025.107852

Patle, R., Kavitha, R., Surendrakumar, A., Balaji, K., Maragatham, S., & Suthakar, B. (2023). Estimation of sensor-based site-specific variable rate fertilizer application for maize (Zea mays L.) crop. Journal of Applied and Natural Science, 15(3), 1109–1118. https://doi.org/10.31018/jans.v15i3.4724

Patle, R. (2024). Variable rate fertilizer applicator (Software registration No. SW-18483/2024).

Patle, R. (2023). Autonomous variable rate fertilizer applicator (Patent filed at The Patent Office, India).

Karunesh Shukla | Agricultural Science | Young Researcher Award

Dr. Karunesh Shukla | Agricultural Science | Young Researcher Award

ICAR-NCIPM | India

Dr. Karunesh Kumar Shukla is a researcher in Remote Sensing and GIS with expertise in agricultural applications, disaster risk reduction, and geospatial technology. He has contributed extensively to the integration of advanced geoinformatics in crop health monitoring, policy development, and environmental studies. His work spans precision agriculture, disaster management, and sustainable resource planning. Dr. Shukla has published widely in reputed journals, showcasing his dedication to bridging technology and real-world challenges. With a background in both research and field-based projects, he brings innovation and scientific rigor to his professional endeavors, making significant contributions to the scientific community.

Professional Profile

Orcid

Education

Dr. Shukla holds a Ph.D. in Remote Sensing and GIS, supported by a strong academic foundation in the same discipline at the postgraduate level and Information Technology at the undergraduate level. His educational journey also includes foundational studies in mathematics and science at the school level, which strengthened his analytical skills and problem-solving abilities. Through his higher studies, he developed proficiency in geoinformatics, image processing, and spatial analysis. This academic background provided him with a multidisciplinary perspective, enabling him to connect geospatial science with agriculture, environmental management, and disaster mitigation, shaping his path as a geospatial professional.

Professional Experience

Dr. Shukla has served in diverse research and consultancy roles across national institutions and state-level organizations. His professional journey includes contributions in agricultural statistics research, pest management, disaster management, and remote sensing applications. He has worked on projects focused on monitoring agricultural crops, identifying plant diseases, and developing geospatial policies for risk management. In his various positions, he has collaborated with scientists, policymakers, and technical experts, contributing to both applied research and field-level implementation. His experience reflects versatility, leadership, and technical depth, strengthening his ability to address complex issues in agriculture, environment, and disaster risk reduction.

Awards and Recognition

Dr. Shukla has earned recognition for his contributions to remote sensing, geoinformatics, and agricultural research. His publications in peer-reviewed journals highlight his expertise in hyperspectral analysis, crop disease detection, and environmental monitoring. He has been acknowledged for his role in integrating ground-based and satellite-based data for real-time applications in agriculture and disaster management. His involvement in multidisciplinary research collaborations has further enhanced his visibility within the scientific community. By contributing to national projects and policy-oriented initiatives, he has been recognized as a dedicated professional who combines technical expertise with societal impact in his research endeavors.

Research Skills

Dr. Shukla possesses strong research skills in remote sensing, GIS, and hyperspectral data analysis. He is proficient in geospatial applications for agriculture, disease stress detection, and disaster management. His technical expertise covers programming tools, satellite data processing, and advanced classification algorithms. He has practical experience with geospatial software, spectral analysis, and vegetation indices, enabling accurate crop monitoring and environmental assessments. His skills extend to the development of geospatial solutions for planning, monitoring, and risk mitigation. With an emphasis on interdisciplinary approaches, his research integrates science, technology, and practical solutions, reflecting both academic depth and applied innovation.

Notable Publications

Integrating ground-based spectral reflectance and machine learning for Cotton Leaf Curl Virus Disease (CLCuD) detection in cotton crop
Authors: Rahul Nigam; Karunesh K. Shukla; Ajanta Birah; Mukesh K. Khokhar; Bimal K. Bhattacharya
Journal: Advances in Space Research
Year: 2025
Citations: Not yet available

Detection of Aphid-Infested Mustard Crop Using Ground Spectroscopy
Authors: Karunesh K. Shukla; Rahul Nigam; Ajanta Birah; A. K. Kanojia; Anoop Kumar; Bimal K. Bhattacharya; Subhash Chander
Journal: Remote Sensing
Year: 2023
Citations: 2

Conclusion

Dr. Shukla’s career reflects a consistent dedication to applying remote sensing and geoinformatics for societal benefit. His contributions to agricultural research, disaster risk management, and environmental sustainability demonstrate his ability to combine technical expertise with meaningful impact. Through his academic achievements, professional engagements, and collaborative projects, he has established himself as a skilled researcher and practitioner in the geospatial field. His work exemplifies the integration of science and technology to address real-world challenges. Dr. Shukla continues to pursue innovative research, contributing to national and global priorities in agriculture, environment, and sustainable development.