ICAR–Central Institute of Agricultural Engineering (CIAE), Bhopal
The ICAR–Central Institute of Agricultural Engineering (CIAE), headquartered in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, is a premier national institute dedicated to Agri Engineering advancement in India. Established on 15 February 1976 under the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), CIAE leads in agricultural mechanization, energy use in agriculture, and post-harvest technology. It supports policy-aligned programs and develops farmer-friendly, scalable solutions to enhance productivity and sustainability.
CIAE is also the nodal agency for coordinating Agri Engineering research with other ICAR institutes and State Agricultural Universities (SAUs), strengthening India’s agricultural innovation ecosystem.
Objectives of CIAE
- To conduct advanced research in Agri Engineering and farm mechanization tailored to Indian agro-climatic conditions.
- To design and develop cost-effective, need-based Agri Engineering tools and farm machinery for small and marginal farmers.
- To promote sustainable, climate-resilient, and energy-efficient solutions through Agri Engineering innovations.
- To coordinate national-level Agri Engineering activities among ICAR institutes and State Agricultural Universities (SAUs) for technology dissemination.
- To strengthen capacity building in Agri Engineering by offering training, workshops, and collaborative projects with stakeholders.
Research Achievements
CIAE has developed over 450 technologies and prototypes in Agri Engineering, including:
- Tractor-operated seed-cum-fertilizer drills.
- Energy-efficient irrigation systems.
- Paddy threshers, sugarcane planters, and turmeric processors.
- Solar dryers and agro-waste management tools.
- Drone applications in precision agriculture.
These innovations contribute significantly to India’s self-reliance in Agricultural Engineering solutions.
Facilities & Services
- National Agricultural Technology Incubation Center (NATIC) supporting startups and innovations in Agri Engineering.
- Fully-equipped mechanical and energy laboratories for advanced Agri Engineering experiments and research.
- Machine testing center authorized for ICAR and BIS certification to ensure quality and reliability of Agri Engineering tools.
- Advanced training infrastructure and hands-on workshops in Agri Engineering for students and professionals.
- Technology dissemination and field demonstrations through Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) focused on Agri Engineering applications.
- Well-resourced library with digitized materials, journals, and case studies dedicated to Agri Engineering knowledge and reference.
Education & Training
- Education: CIAE promotes academic excellence by collaborating with universities and technical institutions to offer postgraduate and doctoral research opportunities in agricultural engineering. These programs build a strong foundation in mechanization, energy use, and processing technologies.
- Training: The institute regularly organizes hands-on training, capacity-building programs, and farmer workshops. These cover areas like farm machinery use, solar applications in agriculture, and food processing, enhancing rural skills and promoting technology adoption.
Extension & Outreach
- Field demonstrations of Agri Engineering tools and machinery in real farming conditions.
- Farmer-centric exhibitions and melas showcasing the latest Agri Engineering innovations.
- Mobile van-based technology transfer systems delivering Agri Engineering solutions to rural areas.
- Collaboration with Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) for widespread promotion of Agri Engineering practices.
- On-farm research and participatory trials to adapt Agri Engineering innovations to regional agricultural needs.
Leadership & Partnerships
- Leadership: The ICAR–Central Institute of Agricultural Engineering (CIAE) functions under the expert leadership of its Director, who guides the institute’s vision in advancing agri engineering innovation, energy efficiency, and post-harvest solutions. The leadership ensures that the institute remains at the forefront of agricultural engineering research and continues aligning with ICAR’s national goals. Their commitment supports farmer-centric, region-specific innovations that strengthen mechanization across India’s agricultural systems.
- Partnerships: CIAE actively collaborates with other ICAR institutes, State Agricultural Universities (SAUs), international organizations, and private sector stakeholders in the agri engineering ecosystem. These partnerships promote technology transfer, real-world testing, and widespread adoption of agricultural engineering solutions. Such collaborations drive sustainable farming practices, mechanization outreach, and capacity building among smallholder farmers and rural entrepreneurs.
Contact Information
- Address: ICAR–Central Institute of Agricultural Engineering Nabi Bagh, Berasi Road, Bhopal – 462038, MadhyaPradesh, India
- Email: director.ciae@icar.gov.in
- Website: www.ciae.icar.gov.in
Conclusion
ICAR–CIAE stands as a beacon of excellence in Agri Engineering, bridging the gap between innovation and implementation. Through its cutting-edge research, farmer-oriented technology development, and national partnerships, CIAE remains central to India’s journey toward sustainable and mechanized agriculture.