Scientist at ICAR-Central Institute of Agricultural Engineering, Bhopal, India
Dr. Ramesh Kumar Sahni is an accomplished agricultural scientist specializing in Farm Machinery and Power Engineering. Currently serving at ICAR-CIAE, Bhopal, he combines technical ingenuity with field-centric research to address challenges in mechanized agriculture. With a PhD from Washington State University, USA, and multiple top-ranked academic achievements, Dr. Sahni has made pioneering contributions in automation, precision agriculture, and smart delivery systems. His work on drone-based spraying, automated irrigation, and sensor-integrated systems showcases his commitment to advancing sustainable farming practices. An active academician and innovator, he has published over 20 impactful research papers, received multiple national and international honors, and actively contributes as a reviewer and editor for prestigious journals. His career is marked by a blend of scientific excellence, applied innovation, and global collaboration, positioning him as a leader in next-generation agri-engineering solutions.
Professional Profile
Education
Dr. Sahni’s academic journey reflects a consistent pursuit of excellence. He earned his PhD in Biosystems Engineering from Washington State University in 2022 with a perfect 4.0 GPA, ranking as the top performer. His M.Tech in Farm Machinery & Power from IIT Kharagpur (2013) was completed with a 9.4 CGPA, again as class topper. He holds a B.Tech in Agricultural Engineering from Rajendra Agricultural University, Bihar, with an 8.4 CGPA. Earlier, he completed his schooling from Bihar State Boards with a solid academic foundation. Each stage of his education demonstrates his strong technical acumen, problem-solving ability, and leadership in learning. He has also successfully cleared GATE (AIR-11) and NET, making him among the most academically credentialed in his domain.
Professional Experience
Dr. Sahni began his professional journey with TAFE, Chennai, where he contributed to R&D in fuel and exhaust systems. In 2016, he joined ICAR-CIAE, Bhopal as a Scientist, and has since worked on over 7 research projects focusing on agricultural mechanization. His notable projects include development of drone-based spraying systems, automated irrigation for rice, and sensor-driven soil nutrient detection systems. Through his role, he has delivered real-world solutions aligned with India’s agricultural challenges, significantly improving efficiency and sustainability in farming. He also led field demonstrations, system standardizations, and inter-institutional collaborations, including his global research engagements in the USA. His experience blends industry, institutional, and international expertise, offering a rare multidisciplinary edge.
Research Interest
Dr. Sahni’s core research interests lie in precision agriculture, agricultural automation, sensor-based systems, and energy-efficient farm machinery. He is particularly focused on optimizing spray systems for orchards, developing smart delivery technologies using pneumatic mechanisms, and integrating remote sensing and drone technology for crop management. His interest in data-driven decision systems in agriculture allows for bridging traditional methods with smart, tech-enabled solutions. Additionally, he explores energy use efficiency, mechanization in horticulture, and sustainable input application systems—all aimed at reducing labor, maximizing yield, and protecting the environment. His research stands at the intersection of engineering, environmental science, and data analytics, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in modern farming.
Research Skills
Dr. Sahni possesses a robust set of interdisciplinary research skills, including CAD-based machinery design, Finite Element Analysis (FEA), spray system optimization, and statistical modeling. He is adept in using simulation tools for machine design and performance analysis. His expertise in sensor integration, DGPS systems, drone calibration, and automated control systems reflects his command over cutting-edge technologies. Additionally, he excels in experimental design, data interpretation, and field validation—making his innovations both scalable and practical. His PhD project involved complex biological efficacy studies and precision targeting, showcasing advanced problem-solving capabilities. Furthermore, his collaborative skills, project documentation, and publication experience enhance his ability to lead and communicate science effectively.
Awards and Honors
Dr. Sahni’s contributions have earned him over 15 prestigious awards. Notably, he received the Young Scientist Award (2023), Best Research Paper Awards (2022, 2018, 2023), and the Netaji Subhas ICAR International Fellowship. He was also honored as Star Alumnus (2022) and received accolades like the Best JAEI Reviewer Award (2024) and 3-minute thesis presentation award at WSU. His innovation prowess was recognized with the Star Innovator Award at TAFE (2013–14) and multiple national presentation prizes. These honors reflect peer and institutional recognition of his excellence in research, innovation, and communication. His active participation in editorial boards and reviewing for top-tier journals like ASABE, Sustainability, Sensors, and Agronomy further reinforce his standing as a leading agricultural engineering researcher.
Conclusion
Dr. Ramesh Kumar Sahni clearly demonstrates all hallmarks of a deserving recipient of the Excellence in Research Award. His deep expertise in farm machinery and power, consistent innovation, global exposure, and impactful publications make him highly suitable for this honor. With further expansion into patenting and leadership of funded research projects, he is poised to become a leading figure in agricultural engineering research nationally and internationally.
Publications Top Noted
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Tiwari PS, Singh KK, Sahni RK, Kumar V (2019) – Farm mechanization – trends and policy for its promotion in India, Indian Journal of Agricultural Sciences 89(10), 1555–62. 📑 Cited by: 63
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Sahni RK, Kumari S, Kumar M, Kumar M, Kumar A (2020) – Status of Litchi Cultivation in India, Int. J. of Current Microbiology and Applied Sciences 9(4). 📑 Cited by: 31
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Singh RS, Sahni RK (2019) – Transformation of Indian Agriculture through Mechanization, Economic Affairs 64(2), 297–303. 📑 Cited by: 31
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Sahni RK et al. (2024) – Drone spraying system for efficient agrochemical application in precision agriculture, in “Applications of computer vision and drone technology in agriculture 4.0”, pp. 225–244. 📑 Cited by: 22
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Tiwari PS, Gurung TR, Sahni RK, Kumar V (2017) – Agricultural Mechanization Trends in SAARC Region, in “Mechanization for Sustainable Agricultural Intensification in SAARC Region”. 📑 Cited by: 22
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Kumar SP et al., including Sahni RK (2024) – Measurement of droplets characteristics of UAV-based spraying system using imaging techniques and GWO-ANN model, Measurement 234, 114759. 📑 Cited by: 15
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Sahni RK et al. (2022) – Reservoir units optimization in pneumatic spray delivery-based fixed spray system, Sustainability 14(17), 10843. 📑 Cited by: 15
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Sahni RK et al. (2022) – Pneumatic spray delivery for control of OBLR and codling moth in apple orchards, Pest Management Science. 📑 Cited by: 15
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Rathnayake AP et al., including Sahni RK (2022) – Intelligent sprayer spray rates optimization, Journal of the ASABE 65(6), 1411–1420. 📑 Cited by: 15
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Tiwari PS, Sahni RK et al. (2019) – Precision agriculture applications in horticulture, Pantnagar Journal of Research 17(1), 1–10. 📑 Cited by: 15
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Chowdhury M et al., including Sahni RK (2024) – Digital insights into plant health, in “Applications of computer vision and drone technology in agriculture 4.0”, pp. 7–30. 📑 Cited by: 12
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Anand R et al., including Sahni RK (2023) – Advancement in Agricultural Practices with Use of Drones, Global Journal of Engineering Sciences 11(2), 1–7. 📑 Cited by: 9
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Kumar M, Sahni RK et al. (2018) – Automated Irrigation System for Rice: A Review, The Andhra Agricultural Journal 65 (Special), 324–329. 📑 Cited by: 9
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Gatkal NR et al., including Sahni RK (2024) – Crop residue management in India: A review, Heliyon 10(21). 📑 Cited by: 8
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Sahni RK et al. (2018) – Precision Agriculture Technologies, BiotechArticles.com. 📑 Cited by: 8
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Sahni RK et al. (2018) – DGPS Based on-the-go Soil Nutrient Mapping System: A Review, The Andhra Agricultural Journal 65 (Special), 1–6. 📑 Cited by: 8
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Jiang L et al., including Sahni RK (2024) – UAV-based field watermelon detection and counting using YOLOv8s, Artificial Intelligence in Agriculture 13, 117–127. 📑 Cited by: 6
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Bhalekar DG et al., including Sahni RK (2024) – Spray system configuration optimization for vineyards, Pest Management Science 80(8), 4044–4054. 📑 Cited by: 6
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Ranjan J, Sahni RK (2023) – Post-harvest losses of fruits and vegetables in India, ropanonline.com. 📑 Cited by: 6
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Sahni RK et al. (2018) – Status of Farm Mechanization in Indian Agriculture, BiotechArticles.com. 📑 Cited by: 6