Technologies

Low Cost Technology for Algal Biomass Production

Algal strains adapted to the extreme climatic conditions of Uttarakhand have been collected. Low cost technology for multiplication under laboratory conditions and controlled field conditions has been developed. The enrichment of algal biomass with lipid content (38-40%) has been achieved. The technology is presently suitable for lab scale and controlled field conditions. A patent has been filed for the technology. R&D is in progress to produce different biofuel from algae.

Tissue culture for mass propagation of Biofuel Crop - Jatrophacurcas

Protocols for tissue culture mediated mass propagation and subsequent hardening and transfer to field have been developed. Demonstrations have been carried out at semi-arid zones of Madhya Pradesh, Telangana and Maharashtra.

Gasification of Pine Needles for Space Heating

Technology has been developed to divest heat generated during gasification of pine needles for space heating, thereby maximizing the benefits under combined heat and power (CHP) model. The technology is at the level of controlled field conditions.

Gasification of Biomass Including Pine Needles to Produce Syngas

A steam gasification process has been developed on the lab scale producing hydrogen rich syngas. The syngas thus produced can be further channeled to produce a number of bio-energy and biofuel products.

Technology for Producing Energy-rich Bio-plastic Char

A mixture of low density polyethylene (LDPE) and organic wastes are co-thermolysed to obtain an energy rich bio-plastic char, which in turn is being utilized to develop components of energy devices. The technology is presently under controlled field conditions. One patent on the technology is already filed, while another one has been applied.

Technology for Producing Hydrocarbon Crude from Plastics

A technology to produce high purity C16 rich hydrocarbon crude from high-density polyethylene (HDPE) has been developed. The technology is presently at lab scale.

Technology for Enriching Energy Density in Pine Needles

A combination of binder and additives has been standardized to prepare briquettes and pellets of pine needles, thereby enriching its energy density. The technology is presently at lab scale, and IPRs are being sought for the technology.

Hydroponics

Hydroponics technology of DIBER, DRDO is based on a unique nutrient solution which ensures higher yields simultaneously for multiple crops including spinach, coriander, tomato, cucumber, brinjal, parsley, pakchoy, broccoli, strawberry, bitter gourd, sponge gourd, etc. The entire system is low cost, low maintenance and environment friendly. A patent has been submitted for the technology. The technology has also been tested under extreme weather conditions of Antarctica.

High-Tech Nursery Technology for Disease Free Plants

High-tech nursery technology of crop plants using mixture of cocopeat, vermiculite and perlite under potrays and root trainers has been established. On an average 600 nursery plants of cucurbits crops can be grown in 1.0 m area using multitier system which can allow 60 thousand plants in 100 m 2 area leading to profit of Rs 60000. Whereas in case of crops like tomato, capsicum, chilli, brinjal; about 5000 plants can be accommodated in one m 2 area which can be a profitable venture on commercial scale.

Protected Cultivation Technology for Border Areas

Vegetable production technology in greenhouses suitable for different agro-climatic zones in central Himalayan regions has been developed. DIBER has identified different design, shapes and sizes of greenhouse suitable for vegetable production in varying altitudes.

In vitro Culture of Ophicordyceps sinensis

In order to reduce the exploitation of endangered O. sinensis in nature, in vitro cultures have been established and transferred to Industry partners. Importantly, the spores are also obtained in the cultures.The technology is protected by the means of a patent.

Technology for Low Cost Green Fodder Production for Equines

Low cost technology for production of green fodder for equines in 10-12 days have been developed. The technology works well under controlled field conditions.

Recent Technologies

• Hydroponics - Under the Border Development Plan of Uttarakhand Government, Horticulture Department has disseminated DIBER’s technology of soil-less cultivation (hydroponics) to fifty farmers in first phase. These efforts has led to successful adoption of technology and better remuneration of high quality produce to local farmers. The Institute is supporting the programme by organizing necessary trainings wherever required.
• Exotic vegetables - As the climate in Himalayan Border regions is optimum for the growth of European vegetables, a number of such exotic vegetables like Brussles sprout, Parsley, Pakchoy, red cabbage, etc. alongwith their Agrotechnology have been introduced and disseminated in Tawang region of Arunachal Pradesh and has resulted in doubling of income of local farmers.
• High tech nursery technology - The technology has been successfully demonstrated for dissemination of technology to the farmers of remote border areas of Uttarakhand and also Sheru and Namet village of Tawang (Arunachal Pradesh).
• Protected cultivation - DIBER research stations Pithoragarh (5000 ft) and Auli (10000 ft) are showcasing technology for low cost to high cost greenhouses for year round cultivation of various types of vegetables. The technology for cultivation of high value vegetables including exotic and Indian vegetables including tomato, cucumber, bottlegourd during summer and broccoli, cauliflower and cabbage including leafy vegetables inside polyhouses in Tawang region has also been standardized and being demonstrated. He technology has resulted in to doubling the farmers income in the remote villages of district Pithoragrah.

Technologies developed prior to 2008

DIBER was re-christened from erstwhile Defence Agricultural Research Laboratory (DARL) in 2008. As DARL a number of agricultural and allied technologies were developed which are now being disseminated in border areas of Uttarakhand and Tawang in Arunachal Pradesh with a long term objective to contain migration. This is being done in collaboration with state government/ local bodies. Following are the representative technologies being disseminated

• Improved vegetable crops - A number of improved varieties and breeds of pea, tomato, cucumber, brinjal, capsicum, cabbage, cauliflower, bitter gourd, etc. were developed, third party validated and introduced by DARL. These varieties are being introduced in border regions alongwith their harvest and post harvest technologies.
• Angora rearing - Angora rabbits were introduced in border regions of Uttarakhand by this Institute alongwith the technical known how on their rearing, harvesting high quality wool and preparation of various garments using angora wool. Necessary trainings are being provided in border regions of Uttarakhand.
• Vermicomposting - Trainings are organized on technology for vermicomposting, alongwith making availability of the desired earthworms.
• Fishery - Hatchery and seedlingsalongwith technical knowledge is provided in border regions to encourage fishery as a livelihood option.
• Mushroom cultivation - Technical knowhow and the seedlings of Pleurotus and button mushroom are provided for mushroom cultivation in border regions, which are ideal for the growth of the mushrooms.