Lifestyle

Durgapur, Sept 29:- Science is everywhere, but in the rural quarters, it's the harsh reality that true benefits of science is 'nowhere' - as it seems, which had shocked the scientists of a Central research laboratory in Durgapur and they have now set a goal to carry forward the benefits to the roots.

The scientists of the Central Mechanical Engineering Research Institute  - a Central research laboratory, aiming to showcase the organization's achievements have turned their puja pandal into a smart village. 

The smart village is equipped with modern living and technology aided cultivation systems alongside harvesting, cooking and waste management technology and these altogether comprised the theme of the Durga puja organised by the scientists, and technicians of a CMERI.

The puja is organised by the scientists community of CMERI since 61 years. As this puja is not equivalent to that of the much hyped community pujas of Durgapur Asansol Industrial region, the pandal hoppers didn't show courage to visit CMERI colony ever. This year, the puja however has become a genuine destination for the revelers.

The CMERI Director, Dr. NC Murmu is well acquainted with the deficiencies and shortcomings faced by the village residents- mostly the farmer community. He, according to the scientist community here, has stressed the need to propel the technical upgradations and innovations by the CMERI scientists these days. 

Dr Murmu appears to be quite excited and optimistic with the crowd at the pandal where the revelers chose to have a glimpse of a rural life. Dr Murmu said: "Keeping the essence of our current thrust zone, our officials and the puja committee chose to insist turning the entire puja pandal into a smart village where the original farm machines developed by our organization over the years exploiting the needs making machines using indigenous technologies, which are now planted surrounding the pandal to make our farmers aware about the developments," said Dr Murmu. He said: "Our farmers should have clear knowledge about the technical upgradations we are offering to help better yield, productivity and hassle-free cultivation."

The CMERI developed country's first e-tractor in mid of 2024, but the larger section of the Bengal farmers were still unaware about this. The innovation however has gained momentum in Andhra Pradesh and Gujarat, the officials stated. 

In 1974, CMERI had developed an Indian tractor titled 'Swaraj' for the first time that became popular in Punjab. In 2002, the scientific laboratory developed a light weight tractor titled  'Sonalika' and a mini version for small farmlands and now the organization has invented a 11 horsepower electric tractor for the small and marginal farmers.