Academic Programmes AS PER 6th Deans committee

Under-graduate Courses

Offered to Other Degree Programmes

Course Title   : Farm Machinery and Power

Course Code  : FMP 251

Credit Hours : 2(1+1)

 Sem.               : I

(For students of College of Agriculture)

Theory: Status of Farm Power in India; Sources of Farm Power, I.C. engines, working principles of I C engines; comparison of two stroke and four stroke cycle engines, Study of different components of I.C. engine, I.C. engine terminology and solved problems; Familiarization with different systems of I.C. engines: Air cleaning, cooling, lubrication, fuel supply and hydraulic control system of a tractor; Familiarization with Power transmission system: clutch; gear box, differential and final drive of a tractor; Tractor types; Cost analysis of tractor power and attached implement; Criteria for selection of tractor and machine implements. Familiarization with Primary and secondary Tillage implement; Implement for hill agriculture; implement for intercultural operations; Familiarization with sowing and planting equipment; calibration of a seed drill and solved examples; Familiarization with Plant Protection equipment; Familiarization with harvesting and threshing equipment.

Practical: Study of different components of I.C. engine. To study air cleaning and cooling system of engine; Familiarization with clutch, transmission, differential and final drive of a tractor; Familiarization with lubrication and fuel supply system of engine; Familiarization with brake, steering, hydraulic control system of engine; Implements for hill agriculture; Familiarization with different types of primary and secondary tillage implements: mould plough, disc plough and disc harrow; Familiarization with seed-cum-fertilizer drills their seed metering mechanism and calibration, planters and transplanter; Familiarization with different types of sprayers and dusters; Familiarization with different inter-cultivation equipment; Familiarization with harvesting and threshing machinery; Calculation of power requirement for different implements.

Course Title   : Farm Machinery and Power for Horticulture

Course Code  : FMP 252

Credit Hours : 3(2+1)

 Sem.               : II

(For students of College of Horticulture and Forestry)

Theory: Basic concepts of various forms of energy; Tractors, power tillers and their types and uses Introduction about IC Engines: Basic principles of operation of compression, ignition and spark ignition engines; two stroke and four stroke engines; Broad understanding of performance and efficiency. Tillage: objectives, method of ploughing. Primary tillage implements: construction and function of improved indigenous ploughs, mould board ploughs, disc and rotary ploughs, offset rotavators. Secondary tillage implements construction and function of cultivators, harrows, levellers, ridgers and bund formers. Adjustments affecting performance in tillage equipment. Calculation of bite length of rotavator. Post-hole digger. Introduction about planting and transplanting equipment: potato planters, small seed planter, nursery sowing machinery, vegetable transplanters, plastic mulch and drip laying machinery. Introduction about intercultural machinery. Sprayers: Types, working principle, manual and tractor operated, gun-type and boom type. Special purpose sprayers: aeroblast sprayers, electrostatic sprayers, sprayer calibration and nozzle spacing. Safety features and safe use, shrub cutters, pick positioner; grafting, pruning and training tools and equipment; sweep, rotary weeders, tractor operated pruners. Crop harvesting equipment for horticulture crops: potato diggers, fruit- pluckers, seed extraction machine.

Practical: Calculation on force, power and energy. IC engines – showing the components of dismantled engines. Familiarization with engine systems Primary and secondary tillage implements: hitching, adjustments and operations. Operation of post hole digger. Operation of planting and transplanting machinery. Operation of vegetable transplanter, plastic mulch and drip laying machinery. Operation of Inter-culture equipment including offset rotavator in orchard; calibration of plant protection equipment, calculation of dilution ratio and operation; operation of power weeder, shrub cutter. Operation of crop harvesting equipment for horticulture crops and seed extraction machine. Operation of shrub cutters, fruit-pluckers, pick positioner.

Course Title   : Farm Machinery, Power and Custom Hiring Services

Course Code  : FMP 253

Credit Hours : 2(1+1)

 Sem.               : II

(For students of College of Basic Sciences and Humanities)

Theory: Status of Farm Power in India, Sources of Farm Power, Familiarization of I.C. engines and its main components, Familiarization of working principle of Petrol and Diesel engines, two stroke and four stroke cycle engines. Familiarization with different systems of tractors engines: Air cleaning, cooling, lubrication, fuel supply, power transmission system. Calculation of field capacity of farm machines. Concept and benefits of custom hiring of farm machinery. Optimization of farm machinery usage through custom hiring. Cost analysis of tractor and implement, Familiarization with Tillage operation and Tillage implements, Familiarization with sowing and planting equipment, calibration of a seed drill and solved examples, Familiarization with Plant Protection equipment, Familiarization with harvesting and threshing equipment.

Practical: Familiarization of I.C. engine and its components, working of tractor engine, air cleaning system, cooling system, lubrication system, fuel supply system, power transmission system, Familiarization with different types of primary and secondary tillage implements: mould board plough, disc plough, rotavator, disc harrow and cultivator. Familiarization with seed-cum-fertilizer drills and calibration, planters and transplanter. Familiarization with different types of sprayers, Familiarization with different interculture equipment, Familiarization with harvesting and threshing machinery. Cost analysis of selected farm machinery if owned or utilized on custom hiring.

UG – B. Tech. (Agricultural Engineering)

Course Title   : Farm Machinery and Equipment-I

Course Code  : FMP 211

Credit Hours : 3(2+1)

 Sem.               : I

Theory: Introduction to farm mechanization; Classification of farm machines; Unit operations in crop production; Identification and selection of machines for various operations on the farm. Materials used in construction of farm machines; Heat treatment processes and their use in farm machines; Properties of materials used for critical and functional components of agricultural machines; Different types of steels and alloys for agricultural applications; Identification of heat treatment processes specially for the agricultural machinery components. Seed-bed preparation and its classification; Land reclamation and earth moving equipment; Machines used for primary tillage, secondary tillage, rotary tillage, deep tillage and minimum tillage, viz. mould-board plough, disc plough, chisel plough, sub-soiler, harrows, puddler, cultivators, identification of their major functional components; Attachments with tillage machinery; Hitching systems and controls. Calculation of field capacities and field efficiency; Draft of tillage tools and calculations for power requirement for the tillage machines; Calculation for economics of machinery usage; Comparison of ownership with hiring of machines. Sowing, planting and transplanting equipment, viz. seed drills, no-till drills, strip-till drills, different types of planters, bed-planters; Planting equipment for crops like sugarcane, potato; Furrow openers and metering systems in drills and planters; Calibration of seed-drills/ planters; Adjustments during operation. Testing and Evaluation of tillage and sowing equipment and their test codes.

Practical: Familiarization with different farm implements and tools; Study of hitching systems; Study on draft measurement; Study of different problems on machinery management.; Study of primary tillage machinery- types, construction, operation, adjustments and calculations of power and draft requirements; Study of secondary tillage machinery- types, construction, operation, adjustments and calculations of power and draft requirements; Study of different types of puddlers and determination of puddling index in the field; Study of sowing and planting equipment- construction, types, calculation for calibration and adjustments; Study of seed drill and its calibration; Study of different types of metering mechanisms used in seed drills and planters; Study of paddy transplanters; Study of various pre-germinated paddy seeder; Study of vegetable transplanters; Identification of materials of construction in agricultural machinery and study of material properties; Testing and Evaluation of tillage and sowing equipment; Visit to a site to observe field operations of paddy transplanters; Visit to an implement manufacturing unit.

Course Title   : Farm Machinery & Equipment-II

Course Code  : FMP 212

Credit Hours : 3(2+1)

Sem.                : II

Plant protection equipment: Different types of sprayers and dusters; Classification of sprayers and sprays; Types of nozzles; Calculations for calibration of sprayers and chemical application rates; Introduction to interculture equipment; Weeders- different types of manual and powered weeders; Functional requirements of weeders and main components; Different types of fertilizer application methods and equipment. Harvesting of crops: Harvesting methods, harvesting terminology; Mowers– types, constructional details, working and adjustments; Shear type harvesting devices- cutter bar, inertia forces, counter balancing, terminology, cutting pattern; Reapers, binders and windrowers- principle of operation and constructional details; Hay conditioning, importance, methods of hay conditioning, and calculation of moisture content of hay. Threshing: manual and mechanical systems; Types of threshing drums and their applications; Types of threshers- tangential and axial, constructional details and cleaning systems; Factors affecting thresher performance; Grain combines- combine terminology and features, classification of grain combines, study of material flow in combines; Computation of combine losses; Combine troubles and troubleshooting; Chaff cutters- working principle, constructional features and capacity calculations; Straw combines- working principle and constructional details. Root crop diggers: Principles of operation, functional components, blade adjustment and approach angle, calculation of material handled; Potato and groundnut diggers; Cotton harvesting cotton harvesting mechanisms, cotton pickers and strippers; Maize harvesting combines; Vegetables and fruit harvesting equipment and tools. Testing and Evaluation of intercultural, plant protection and harvesting machinery and their test codes.

Practical: Familiarization with plant protection and interculture equipment; Study of sprayers types, functional components, calibration; Study of dusters- types and functional components; Calculations for chemical application rates; Study of nozzle types and spread pattern using patternator; Familiarization with manual and powered weeding equipment and identification of functional components; Study of fertilizer application equipment including manure spreaders and fertilizer broadcasters; Study of various types of mowers, reaper, reaper binder; Study of functional components of mowers and reapers; Study of threshing systems, cleaning systems in threshers, calculations of losses in threshers; Study of functional units of grain combines and their types, calculations for grain losses in a combine; Study of root crop diggers and familiarization with the functional units and attachments; Study of the working of cotton and maize harvesters; Study of different vegetable and fruit harvesters; Testing and evaluation of intercultural, plant protection and harvesting machinery; Visit to field showing operations various machines; Visit to implement manufacturing unit.

Course Title   : Tractor and Automotive Engines

Course Code  : FMP 311

Credit Hours : 3(2+1)

 Sem.               : I

Theory: Sources of farm power: conventional and non-conventional energy sources; Classification of tractors and IC engines. Review of thermodynamic principles of IC (CI and SI) engines and deviation from ideal cycle; General energy equation and heat balance sheet; Derivation of thermal efficiency of Otto cycle, Diesel cycle and familiarization with Dual cycle; Mechanical, thermal and volumetric efficiencies. Study of engine components their construction, operating principles and functions; Engine strokes and comparison of 2-stroke and 4-stroke engine cycles and CI and SI engines; Engine valve systems, valve mechanism, valve timing diagram, valve clearance adjustment; Cam profile, valve lift and valve opening area. Inlet and exhaust systems; Importance of air cleaning system; Types of air cleaners and performance characteristics of various air cleaners; Fuel supply system, types of fuels, properties of fuels, calculation of air-fuel ratio. Different tests on fuel for SI and CI engines; Detonation and knocking in IC engines; Carburetion system, carburetors and their main functional components; Fuel injection system-injection pump, their types, working principles; Fuel injector nozzles- types and working principles. Engine governing- need of governors, governor types and governor characteristics; Lubrication system- need, types, functional components; Lubricants- physical properties, additives and their application. Engine cooling system- need, cooling methods and main functional components; Need and types of thermostat valves; Additives in the coolant; Radiator efficiency. Ignition system of SI engines; Electrical system including battery, starting motor, battery charging, cut-out, etc.; Comparison of dynamo and alternator; Basics of engine testing.

Practical: Study of different systems of CI engines; Study of engine parts and functions, working principles, etc.; Study of valve systems construction and adjustments; Determination of physical properties of oil and fuel; Study of air cleaning system; fuel supply system of SI engine; Study of diesel injection system and timing; Study of cooling system, and fan performance, thermostat and radiator performance evaluation; Study of part load efficiencies and governing; Study of lubricating system and adjustments; Study of starting and electrical system; Study of ignition system; Study of tractor engine heat balance and engine performance curves; Study of dynamo; Visit to engine manufacturer/ assembler/ spare parts agency.

Course Title   : Tractor Systems and Controls

Course Code  : FMP 312

Credit Hours : 3(2+1)

Sem.                : II

Theory: Transmission system- need of the system in a tractor, types, major functional systems; Clutch- need, types, functional requirements, construction and principle of operation; Single plate, multi-plate, centrifugal and dual clutch systems; Hydraulic Clutch; Gear box- principle of operation, gear box types, functional requirements, and calculation for speed ratio; Differential system- need, functional components, construction, calculation for speed reduction; Final drive; Epicyclic Gear System; Brake system- types, principle of operation, construction, calculation for braking torque; Steering system- requirements, steering geometry characteristics, functional components, calculation for turning radius; Ackerman steering; Steering systems in track type tractors; Hydraulic system- principle of operation, types, main functional components, functional requirements. hydraulic system adjustments and ADDC; Tractor power outlets- PTO standards, types and functional requirements. Traction- traction terminology, theoretical calculation of shear force and rolling resistance of traction device; Wheels and tyres- solid tyres and pneumatic tyres, tyre construction and tyre specifications; Traction aids; Tractor mechanics- forces acting on the tractor, determination of CG of a tractor, importance and determination of moment of inertia of a tractor, tractor static equilibrium, tractor stability especially at turns; Maximum drawbar pull and its determination; Tractor as a spring-mass system; Ergonomic considerations and operational safety; Tractor testing; Engine test codes.

Practical: Study of basic transmission systems and components; Study of clutch functioning, parts and design problem on clutch system; Study of different types of gear box, calculation of speed ratios, design problems on gear box; Study on differential, final drive and planetary gears; Study of brake systems and some design problems; Study of geometry and adjustments of tractor steering; Steering Components; Study of hydraulic systems in a tractor, hydraulic trainer and design problems; Study of various controls in different makes of tractors in relation to anthropometric measurements; Determination of CG and moment of inertia of a tractor; Study of traction performance of a traction wheel; Study of hitching system of tractor with various matching implements; Study on safety requirements of tractor during operation; Study of tractor testing; Visit to tractor dealers’ outlet/ tractor manufacturers.

Skill Enhancement Courses

Course Title   : Operation and Maintenance of Farm Machinery

Course Code  : SEC FMP1

Credit Hours : 4(0+4)

Sem.                : I

Practical: Constructional details, adjustment and working of primary tillage equipment such as mould board plough and disc plough. Constructional details, adjustment and working of secondary tillage equipment such as cultivators, harrows. Constructional details, adjustment and working of weeding equipment such as manual weeder, power weeder/ dry land weeders/ low land weeders/ interculture equipment. Constructional details, adjustment and working of rotary tillage / active tillage equipment such as tractor operated /power tiller operated rotavator. Constructional details, adjustment and working of sowing equipment such as seed drills, planters and transplanters, minimum tillage equipment. Adjustments and calibration of seed drills, working with different types of furrow openers with seed drills/ planters, Constructional details, adjustment and working of metering mechanisms of drills and planters, Details of precision farm equipment such as laser levelers, zero till drills, pneumatic planters etc. Constructional details, adjustment and working with earth moving equipment such as bulldozers, trenchers and elevators, etc. Constructional details, adjustment and working of transplanting equipment such as rice transplanters and vegetable transplanters, Seedling raising technique for transplanters. Constructional details, adjustment and working of harvesting equipment such as root crop harvesters (bullock drawn as well as tractor operated groundnut diggers) and grain crop harvesters (self-propelled / tractor operated/ power tiller operated vertical conveyer reapers) etc. Constructional Details, adjustment and working of threshing equipment such as axial flow paddy threshers, combine harvesters etc.

Course Title   : Repair and Maintenance of Tractors and Power Tillers

Course Code  : SEC FMP2

Credit Hours : 4(0+4)

Sem.                : II

Practical: Study of different systems of tractor and power tiller, Study of different components of engine: piston, cylinder, rings, fly wheel, firing interval, firing order. Study of fuel system, working principle, repair and maintenance. Working of fuel pumps, fuel filters and injectors, Study of lubrication system, working principle, repair and maintenance, Working of oil filters, oil pumps etc. Study of cooling system, working principle, repair and maintenance, Working of thermostat valve, Study of tractor/ power tiller engine system, Study of power transmission system of tractor/ power tiller (different types of clutches/gears/ sliding mesh gear box/constant mesh gear box/ planetary gear box etc. in tractor; power transmission in power tiller), Study of differential / final drive/ PTO drive, their working principle/ repair and maintenance, Study of braking system: different types of brakes/ their components and working principle/ adjustment / repair, Study of steering system, types of steering system, steering geometry: caster angle, camber angle, toe-in, toe-out etc. working principle, adjustments, repair and maintenance, Steering in power tiller: Dog clutch and other arrangements. Study of hydraulic system of tractor, automatic draft and position control, hitch system, their working principle, practical hitching, repair and maintenance. Study of tyres, rims, their construction and specification, repair and maintenance. Daily, weekly and monthly maintenance schedule. Maintenance after each 50, 125, 250 and 500 hours of operation. Engine overhauling and assembling. Implement hitching and detaching from tractor as well as power tiller, Safety rules.

Course Title   : Management of Agricultural Machinery Custom Hiring and Maintenance   Facilities

Course Code  : SEC FMP3

Credit Hours : 4(0+4)

Sem.                : I

Practical: Terms associated with machinery management for correct understanding, Different ways machinery can be obtained for use on the farm, Factors that affect the purchase of machinery, Advantages and limitations of two-wheel drive tractors, Advantages and limitations of four-wheel drive tractors, Calculation of the theoretical capacity of a farm machines, General rules concerning field efficiency, Calculation of field capacity of a farm machines, Distinguishing between types of costs of machinery ownership, Understanding how cost and machine use are related, Calculation of salvage value of a farm machine, Calculation of average machine investment of a farm machine, Calculation of annual fixed cost of a farm machine, Calculation of repair cost for a farm machine, Calculation of fuel and lubrication costs for a tractor, Calculation of labour cost for a farm machine, Understanding causes of fatal tractor accidents, Learning of procedures for safe machine operation, Understanding the reasons for efficiency in tractor operation, Preventative maintenance of farm Machinery, Calculate estimated variable cost of a farm machine, Calculate overall cost per acre for farm machinery, Calculate equipment width (size) to match tractor horsepower.

Course Title   : Operation   and      Maintenance  of         Drones            Used for  Agricultural Applications

Course Code  : SEC FMP4

Credit Hours : 4(0+4)

Sem.                : II

Practical: Overview of drone technology, Importance of drones in agriculture. Types of agricultural drones (fixed-wing, rotary-wing, multi-rotor), Regulatory framework and compliance requirements for agricultural drone operations. Frame, motors, propellers, flight controller, GPS, sensors, and batteries. Functionality of each component and its role in operations. Basics of drone aerodynamics: Principles of flight, stability, and control. Relationship between thrust, drag, lift, and weight. Understanding the drone’s communication systems (radio frequency, telemetry). Introduction to various sensors used in agricultural drones (RGB cameras, multispectral cameras, thermal cameras, LiDAR, etc.). Applications of different sensors in agriculture (crop monitoring, pest detection, irrigation management, etc.), Payload integration and compatibility considerations, Principles of flight planning for agricultural drone missions, Selection of appropriate flight parameters (altitude, speed, overlap, etc.), Use of mission planning software and tools, Pre-flight checks and safety protocols, Techniques for data acquisition during drone flights, Post-flight data processing and analysis, Interpretation of aerial imagery and sensor data, Software tools for data processing and visualization. Applications of drones in crop monitoring (plant health assessment, yield estimation, disease detection, etc.), Integration of drone data with precision agriculture techniques; Decision support systems for crop management based on drone data, Using drones for early pest and disease detection, Identification of common pests and diseases in crops, Monitoring strategies for pest infestations and disease outbreaks, Role of drones in assessing soil moisture levels and irrigation needs, optimizing irrigation scheduling with drone data, Water resource management and conservation using drone technology. Routine maintenance procedures for agricultural drones, Diagnosing and troubleshooting common issues (motor failure, GPS signal loss, sensor calibration, etc.), Battery management and care, Safety protocols for drone operations in agricultural settings, understanding airspace regulations and restrictions, Emergency procedures and risk mitigation strategies, Real-world examples of successful agricultural drone applications: Pest management, yield estimation, and irrigation planning. Field demonstrations and hands-on exercises: Mission planning, data collection and processing and sensor integration. Challenges and opportunities for the widespread adoption of drone technology in agriculture, Ethical and societal implications of drone use in farming.

Course Title   : Farm Machinery

Course Code  : SEC FMP11

Credit Hours : 2(0+2)

Sem.                : I

(For students of College of Horticulture and Forestry)

Practical: Familiarization with different makes and models of agricultural tractors. Identification of various functional systems including air supply, fuel, cooling, transmission, steering and hydraulic systems. Maintenance points to be checked before starting a tractor. Familiarization with controls on a tractor. Safety rules and precautions to be observed while driving a tractor. Practice of driving a tractor and with tillage tools (Primary/Secondary tillage implements) and their adjustment in the field. Field patterns while operating a tillage implement. Hitching and de-hitching of mounted and trailed type implements to the tractor. Practice for driving of a trailed type of trolley: forward and in reverse direction. Familiarization with different types of sprayers. Operation of tractor operated boom and orchard sprayers. Calibration of a sprayer. Nozzle spacing on a boom, pressure setting of a nozzle. Use of Pick Positioner. Use of drones for spraying. Familiarization with tractor operated tree pruners.

Elective Courses

Course Title   : Mechanics of Tillage and Traction

Course Code  : FMP 411

Credit Hours : 3(2+1)

Sem.                : II

Theory: Introduction to mechanics of tillage tools, engineering properties of soil, principles and concepts, stress strain relationship; Design of tillage tools, principles of soil cutting, design equation, force analysis; Application of dimensional analysis in soil dynamics and traction prediction equation. Introduction to traction and mechanics, off-road traction and mobility, traction model, traction improvement, tyres-functions, size, lug geometry and their effects, tyre selection and testing; Soil compaction and plant growth and variability; Application of GIS in soil dynamics.

Practical: Measurement of static and dynamic soil parameters related to tillage; Soil parameters related to puddling and floatation; Draft for passive rotary and oscillating tools, slip and sinkage under dry and wet soil conditions and load and fuel consumption for different farm operations; Weight transfer and tractor loading including placement and traction aids; Studies on tyres, tracks and treads under different conditions, and soil compaction and number of operations.

Course Title   : Farm Machinery Design and Production

Course Code  : FMP 412

Credit Hours : 3(2+1)

Sem.                : II

Theory: Introduction to design parameters of agricultural machines and design procedure, characteristics of farm machinery design, research and development aspects of farm machinery; Introduction to safety in power transmission; Design of standard power transmission components used in agricultural machines: mechanical and hydraulic units; Application of design principles to the systems of selected farm machines such as design of disc plough, cultivator, seed drill, reaper, thresher and digger; Critical appraisal in production of agricultural machinery, advances in material used for agricultural machinery; Cutting tools including CNC tools and finishing tools; Heat treatment of steels including pack carburizing, shot pining process, etc., limits, fits and tolerances, jigs and fixtures; Industrial lay- out planning, quality production management, reliability; Economics of process selection, familiarization with project report.

Practical: Familiarization with different design aspects of farm machinery and selected components; Solving design problems on farm machines and equipment; Visit to agricultural machinery manufacturing industry, tractor manufacturing industry; Study of jigs and fixtures in relation to agricultural machinery; Study of fits, tolerances and limits; Layout planning of a small scale industry; Problems on economics of process selection; Preparation of a project report; Case study for manufacturing of simple agricultural machinery.

Course Title   : Tractor Design and Testing

Course Code  : FMP 413

Credit Hours : 3(2+1)

Sem.                : II

Theory: Procedure for design and development of agricultural tractor; Study of parameters for balanced design of tractor for stability and weight distribution; Traction theory, hydraulic lift and hitch system design; Design of mechanical power transmission in agricultural tractors: single disc, multi disc and cone clutches; Rolling friction and anti-friction bearings; Design of Ackerman Steering and tractor hydraulic steering; Study of special design features of tractor engines and their selection, viz. cylinder, piston, piston pin, crankshaft, etc.; Design of seat and controls of an agricultural tractor; Tractor Testing; Familiarization with dynamometers and their types.

Practical: Design problem of tractor clutch (single/multiple disc clutch); Design of gear box (synchromesh/ constant mesh), variable speed constant mesh drive; Selection of tractor tires; Problem on design of governor; Design and selection of hydraulic pump; Engine testing as per BIS code; Drawbar performance in the lab; PTO test and measure the tractor power in the lab/field; Determining the turning space, turning radius and brake test; Hydraulic pump performance test and air cleaner and noise measurement test; Visit to tractor testing centre/ industry.

Course Title   : Hydraulic Drives and Controls

Course Code  : FMP 414

Credit Hours : 3(2+1)

Sem                 : II

Theory: Basics of hydraulics: Pascal’s law, flow, energy, work, and power; Hydraulic systems, colour coding, reservoirs, strainers & filters, filtering material & elements, accumulators, pressure gauges, and volume meters; Hydraulic circuit, fittings, and connectors; Pumps & its classifications, operation, performance, and displacement; Design of gear pumps, vane pumps, piston pumps, and hydraulic actuators; Cylinders & its construction, applications, and maintenance; Hydraulic motors, valves, pressure-control valves, directional- control valves, flow-control valves, valve installation, valve failures & remedies, valve assembly, and troubleshooting of valves; Hydraulic circuit diagrams; USA Standards Institute (USASI) symbols; Tractor hydraulics, nudging system, ADDC, application of hydraulic and pneumatic drives in agricultural systems.

Practical: Introduction to hydraulic systems; Study of hydraulic pumps, and hydraulic actuators; Study of hydraulic motors, hydraulic valves, colour codes and circuits; Building simple hydraulic circuits; Hydraulics in tractors; Introduction to pneumatics, pneumatic devices, and pneumatics in agriculture.

Course Title   : Human Engineering and Safety

Course Code  : FMP 415

Credit Hours : 3(2+1)

Sem.                : II

Theory: Human factors in system development-concept of systems, basic processes in system development, performance reliability, human performance; Information input process, visual displays, major types and use of displays, auditory displays; Noise, Vibration and dust measurements, Biomechanics of motion, types of movements, range of movements, body posture, strength and endurance, speed and accuracy, human control of systems; Human motor activities, controls, tools and related devices; Anthropometry/ strength parameters: arrangement and utilization of work space, atmospheric conditions, thermoregulation in human, thermal comfort, environmental factors, air pollution; Dangerous machine (Regulation) act, rehabilitation and compensation to accident victims; Safety gadgets for sprayers, threshers, chaff cutters, tractors, tractor-trailers etc.

Practical: Measurement of anthropometric and strength measurements of a selected subject; Optimum workspace layout and locations of controls for different tractors; Calibration of human subject on bicycle ergometer and/ or treadmill for its energy output and physiological parameters, Use of heart rate monitor; Study of general fatigue of the subject using eye blink ratio method, body posture assessment, Familiarization with the noise, vibration and dust measuring equipment; Familiarization with safety gadgets for tractors and farm machines; Studies on drudgery of farm women in manual drawn equipment.

Course Title   : Precision Agriculture and System Management

Course Code  : FMP 416

Credit Hours : 3(2+1)

Sem.                : II

Theory: Precision agriculture- need and functional requirements; Familiarization with issues relating to natural resources; Equipment for precision agriculture including sowing and planting machines, power sprayers, land clearing machines, laser guided land levelers, straw-chopper, straw-balers, grain combines, etc.; Introduction to GIS based precision agriculture and its applications; Introduction to sensors and application of sensors for data generation; Database management; System concept, system approach in farm machinery management, problems on depreciation cost calculation, machinery selection, maintenance and scheduling of operations; Application of PERT and CPM in machinery system management.

Practical: Familiarization with precision agriculture problems and issues; Familiarization with various machines for resource conservation; Solving problems related to various capacities, pattern efficiency, system limitation, etc; Problems related to cost analysis, inflation and problems related to selection of equipment, replacement, break-even analysis, time value of money, etc. Problem-solving on PERT and CPM.

Post-Graduate Courses

Course Title   : Soil Dynamics in Tillage and Traction

Course Code  : FMPE 501

Credit Hours : 2+1

Sem.                : I

Theory:

Unit I

Characterization of state of stress in a point: Derivation, representation by Mohr’s Circle. Coulomb’s law of friction and cohesion. Measurement of soil resistance properties: Direct shear box, torsion shear apparatus, tri-axial apparatus. Soil behaviour considerations: Soil water pressure and movement. Critical state soil mechanics: Soil stress-strain behaviour, shear rate effects.

Unit II

Soil cutting forces: The universal earthmoving equation, two dimensional cases, smooth vertical blade, smooth and rough raked blades in cohesive soil, unconstrained tool to soil adhesion. The shape of failure surfaces. Hettiaratchi’s calculations, effect of soil weight. Soil cutting force by method of trial wedges.

Unit III

Extension of theory to three dimension: Hettiaratchi, Reece-Godwin and Spoor. Three dimensional wedges: McKyes and Ali, Grisso models. Dynamic effect: Inertial forces, change in soil strength. Concept of critical depth. Complex tool shapes: Curved tools-shank and foot tools-mould board plough. Soil Loosening and manipulation: Measurement of soil loosening and its efficiency. Draft force efficiency: Loosening and pulverization efficiency. Soil mixing and inversion: Soil properties, tool shape, tool speed and tool spacing.

Unit IV

Traction devices: Tyres, type, size, selection mechanics of traction devices. Maximum traction force: Soil deformation and slip, estimation of contact areas. Sinkage in soil: Rolling resistance, Bekker’s formulae, McKyes formulae. Soil compaction by agricultural vehicles and machines.

Practical:

Measurements of soil shear strength by in-situ shear box apparatus and soil friction by friction plate. Measuring cone penetrometer resistance and working out tractive coefficients for tyres. Measurement of in-situ shear strength of soil by torsional vane shear apparatus. Solving problems on stress in soil. Solving problems on soil properties. Solving problems of tool forces. Problems on tillage tool forces, wheel slippage, tyre deflection, design and performance of traction devices.

Course Title   : Testing and Evaluation of Agriculture Equipment

Course Code  : FMPE 502

Credit Hours : 2+1

Sem.                : I

Theory:

Unit I

Importance and significance of testing and types of testing. Test equipment, usage and limitations. Test procedures and various test codes: National and International.

Unit II

Laboratory and field testing of tillage and sowing machinery: Sub-soiler, laser land leveler, mould board Plough, disc plough, rotavator, cultivator, disc harrow, seed cum fertilizer drill and planter.

Unit III

Laboratory and field testing of manual and power operated intercultural machinery and plant protection machine.

Unit IV

Laboratory and field testing of reaper, thresher and chaff cutter.

Unit V

Laboratory and field testing of straw combine and combine harvester. Review and interpretation of test reports. Importance and need of standardization of components of agricultural equipment.

Practical:

Laboratory and field testing of selected farm equipment: Tillage, sowing and planting. Material testing of critical components. Accelerated testing of fast wearing components.

Course Title   : Ergonomics and Safety in Farm Operations

Course Code  : FMPE 503

Credit Hours : 2+1

Sem.                : I

Theory:

Unit I

Description of human-machine systems. Ergonomics and its areas of application in the work system. History of ergonomics. Modern ergonomics.

Unit II

Anthropometry: Its role in daily life, principles in workspace and equipment design, design of manual handling tasks and application in equipment design. Human postures: Postural stress and its role in design of farm machinery.

Unit III

Human factors in tractor seat design: Entry system, controls, shape, colour coding, dial and indicators. Modern technology for comfort in driving places.

Unit IV

Physiological parameters: Psychological and mental stresses and their measurement techniques. Human energy expenditure: Calibration of subjects, human workload and its assessment.

Unit IV

Safety considerations and operator’s protective gadgets in farm operations. Standards/codes for tractors and agricultural machinery safety.

Practical:

Identifying role of ergonomics in our daily life. Measurement of anthropometric dimensions of agricultural workers and establishing relationship between them. Determination of human requirements for field operation with manually operated equipment. Assessment of psychological/general load for specific agricultural operations. Calibration of human subject on bicycle ergometer and/ or treadmill for its energy output and physiological parameters like heart rate, oxygen consumption rate under laboratory conditions. Case studies of agricultural accidents and safety measure.

Course Title   : Design of Tractor Systems

Course Code  : FMPE 504

Credit Hours : 2+1

Sem.                : II

Theory:

Unit I

Design and types, research, development, design procedure, technical specifications of tractors, modern trends in tractor design and development, special design features of tractors in relation to Indian agriculture.

Unit II

Engine related terminology. Selection of stroke-bore ratio. Design of engine components; Piston, connecting rod, cylinder, cylinder head, crank shaft etc.

Unit III

Design of tractor systems like clutch, gearbox, steering, steering geometry, turning force, hydraulic system & hitching, chassis, operator’s seat, work-place area and controls. Tire selection, aspect ratio etc.

Unit IV

Mechanics of tractor stability. Computer aided design and its application in farm tractors.

Practical:

Engine design calculations, transmission component design calculations. Extensive practices on the computer aided design packages.

Course Title   : Design of Farm Machinery I

Course Code  : FMPE 505

Credit Hours : 2+1

Sem.                : I

Theory:

Unit I

Farm machinery design: Modern trends, tasks and requirements, economic considerations of durability, reliability and rigidity. Physico-mechanical properties of soils. Technological process of ploughing. Wedge. Working process of mould board plough, determination of basic parameters. Design of coulters, shares, mould boards.

Unit II

Constructing of mould board working surface. Design of landside, frog, jointer. Forces acting on plough bottom and their effect on plough balance: Trailed, semi mounted and mounted plough. Draft on ploughs, resistance during ploughing. Design disk ploughs: Concave disk working tools, forces acting.

Unit III

Machines and implements for surface and inter row tillage; Peg toothed harrow, disk harrows, rotary hoes, graders, rollers, cultivators. Design of V shaped sweeps. Rigidity of working tools. Rotary machines: Trajectory of motion of rotary tiller tynes, forces acting, power requirement. Machines with working tools executing an oscillatory motion.

Unit IV

Methods of sowing and planting: Machines, agronomic specifications. Sowing inter- tilled crop. Grain hoppers: Seed metering mechanism, furrow openers and seed tubes. Machines for fertilizer application: Discs type broadcasters. Organic fertilizer application: Properties of organic manure, spreading machines. Liquid fertilizer distributors. Planting and transplanting: Paddy transplanters, potato planters.

Practical:

Design of mould board working surface; Coulter, frog, share, jointer, mould board plough. Trailed, semi mounted and mounted ploughs. Design of disc plough, disc harrow, peg tooth harrow, cultivators, sweeps. Design of rotary tiller. Design of traction and transport devices.

Design of seed drills; Metering mechanism, hopper, furrow opener. Fertilizer spreader, liquid fertilizer applicators and design of its sub systems. Design of paddy transplanters and potato planters

Course Title   : Design of Farm Machinery-II

Course Code  : FMPE 506

Credit Hours : 1+1

Sem.                : II

Theory:

Unit I

Pesticide calculation examples. Multidisciplinary nature of pesticide application. Overview of chemical control integrated pest management. Targets for pesticide deposition. Formulation of pesticides.

Unit II

Spray droplets. Hydraulic nozzles. Power operated hydraulic sprayer design principles. Air assisted hydraulic sprayer design principles. Controlled droplet application. Electrostatically charged sprayers. Spray drift and its mitigation. Aerial spraying systems. Use of drones for spraying: Design of spray generation and application issues.

Unit III

Introduction to combine harvesters: Construction, equipment subsystems, power sub systems. Crop harvesting: Plant properties, physical and mechanical properties of plant stem, plant bending modelling. Properties of plant grain: Physical, mechanical, grain damage. Properties of MOG; Mechanical and aerodynamic.

Unit IV

Design of grain header; Orienting and supporting reel. Plant cutting cutter bar: Working process, cutter bar drive. Knife cutting speed pattern area. Design of auger for plant collection. Corn header: Working elements, snapping roll design, stalk grasping and drawing process. Corn ear detachment: Stalk cutting and chopping.

Unit V

Cereal threshing and separation; Design of tangential and axial threshing units. Performance indices of threshing units. Modelling material kinematics in different threshing units. Factors influencing the threshing process and power requirement. Separation process and design of straw walker. Cleaning Unit process and operation. Grain pan; Chaffer and bottom sieve. Blower design and flow orientation. Design of conveying system for grain. Straw choppers and shredders.

Practical:

Measurement of spray characters for different nozzles. Problems on sizing of sprayer components. Design of sprayer for special purpose: Orchard and tall trees. Harvesting machine. Problems on design of cutterbars, reels, platform auger, conveyors. Design of threshing drum: Radial and axial flow type. Design of cleaning and grading systems. Design of blowers.

Course Title   : Management of Farm Power and Machinery System

Course Code  : FMPE 507

Credit Hours : 2+1

Sem.                : I

Theory:

Unit I

Importance and objectives of farm mechanization in Indian agriculture, its impact, strategies, myths and future needs. Estimation of operating cost of tractors and farm machinery. Management and performance of power, operator, labour. Economic performance of machinery, field capacity, field efficiency and factors affecting field efficiency.

Unit II

Tractor power performance in terms of PTO, drawbar and fuel consumption. Power requirement problems to PTO, DBHP.

Unit III

Selection of farm machinery, size selection, timeliness of operation, optimum width and problem related to its power selection. Reliability of agricultural machinery. Replacement of farm machinery and inventory control of spare parts.

Unit IV

Systems approach to farm machinery management and application of programming techniques to farm machinery selection and scheduling. Network Analysis: Transportation, CPM and PERT, dynamic programming, Markov chain.

Practical:

Study of latest development of different agricultural equipment and implements in India and other developing countries. Size selection of agricultural machinery. Experimental determination of field capacity of different farm machines. Study of farm mechanization in relation to crop yield. Determination of optimum machinery system for field crop and machine constraints. To develop computer program for the selection of power and machinery.

Course Title   : Principles of Automation and Control

Course Code  : FMPE 511

Credit Hours : 2+1

Sem.                : II

Theory:

Unit I

Introduction to industrial automation and control: Architecture of industrial automation systems, review of sensors and measurement systems. Introduction to process control: PID control, controller tuning, implementation of PID controllers, special control structures, feed forward and ratio control, predictive control, control of systems with inverse response, cascade control, overriding control, selective control and split range control.

Unit II

Introduction to sequence control: PLCs and relay ladder logic, sequence control, scan cycle, RLL syntax, sequence control structured design approach, advanced RLL programming, the hardware environment, Introduction to CNC machines.

Unit III

Control of machine tools: Analysis of a control loop, introduction to actuators. Flow control valves, hydraulic actuator systems, principles, components and symbols, pumps and motors. Proportional and servo valves. Pneumatic control systems, system components, controllers and integrated control.

Unit IV

Control systems: Electric drives, introduction, energy saving with adjustable speed drives stepper motors, principles, construction and drives. DC motor drives: Introduction to DC-DC converters, adjustable speed drives. Induction motor drives: Introduction, characteristics, adjustable speed drives. Synchronous motor drive- motor principles, adjustable speed and servo drives.

Unit V

Networking of sensors, actuators and controllers, the fieldbus, the fieldbus communication protocol, introduction to production control systems.

Practical:

Control system practical: Characteristics of DC servomotor, AC/DC position control system. ON/OFF temperature control system. Step response of second order system, temperature control system using PID level control system. Automation: Introduction to ladder logic, writing logic and implementation in ladder. PLC programming, water level controller using programmable logic controller. Batch process reactor using programmable logic controller. Speed control of AC servo motor using programmable logic controller.

Course Title   : Principles of Hydraulic and Pneumatic Systems

Course Code  : FMPE 512

Credit Hours : 2+1

Sem.                : I

Theory:

Unit I

Hydraulic power, its advantages, applications, properties of hydraulic fluids, viscosity, bulk modulus, density. Concepts of energy of hydraulic systems, laws of fluid flow.

Unit II

Hydraulic pump and motors, principle, capacity, classifications, working, performance. Design of various types of pumps and motors.

Unit III

Actuators, types, design of linear actuator and rotary actuators. Hydraulic rams, gear motors, piston motors and their performance characteristics. Hose, filters, reservoirs, types of circuits, intensifier, accumulator, valves. Valve types: Direction control, deceleration, flow, pressure control, check valve and their working etc.

Unit IV

Hydraulic circuit design. Applications in farm power and machinery: Tractor, combine, farm machinery systems, hydrostatic system etc.

Unit V

Power pack, pneumatic circuits, properties of air. Compressors, types. Design of pneumatic circuits.

Practical:

Study of various hydraulic pumps, motors, valves, directional control valves, cylinder piston arrangements, engineering properties of hydraulic fluids, hydraulic system of tractor, power steering system.

Course Title   : Applied Instrumentation in Farm Machinery

ICourse Code : FMPE 513

ICredit Hours            : 2+1

Sem.                : I

Theory:

Unit I

Strain gauges, types and applications in two and three dimensional force measurement in farm machinery. Various methods of determining strain/stresses experimentally. Design, selection and analysis of strain gauges.

Unit II

Introduction to transducers (sensors). Active and passive transducers, analog and digital modes, null and deflection methods. Performance characteristics of instruments including static and dynamic characteristics.

Unit III

Load cells, torque meters, flow meters types and principles of working. Devices for measurement of temperature, relative humidity, pressure, sound, vibration, displacement (LVDT) etc. Recording devices and their types. Measuring instruments for calorific value of solid, liquid, and gaseous fuels.

Unit IV

Basic signal conditioning devices, data acquisition system. Micro computers for measurement and data acquisition. Data storage and their application including wireless communication. Application of sensors in farm machinery and power: Tractor and selected farm machinery.

Practical:

Calibration of load cells, torque meters, flow meters etc. Experiment on LVDT, strain gauge transducer, speed measurement using optical devices, vibration measurement, making of thermocouples etc, application of sensors in farm machinery like wheel hand hoe, etc.

Course Title   : Systems Simulation and Computer Aided Problem Solving in Engineering

Course Code  : FMPE 514

Credit Hours : 1+1

Sem.                : II

Theory:

Unit I

Mathematical modeling and engineering problem solving: Conservation laws and engineering. Computers and software: Software development, structured programming, logical representation. Modular programming. Approximation: Round off errors, truncation errors, significant figures, accuracy and precision.

Unit II

Nature of simulation: Systems models and simulation, discreet event simulation, time advance mechanisms, components of discrete event simulation model, simulation of single server queuing system. Program organization and logic, development of algorithm. Simulation of an inventory system.

Unit III

Solving roots of equation using computers. Application in: Ideal and non-ideal gas laws, open channel flows, design of an electric circuit, vibration analysis. Solving linear algebraic equation on computers: Naïve Gauss Elimination, techniques for improving solutions, LU decomposition and matrix inversion. Application in: Steady state analysis of chemical reactors, statically determinate truss, current and voltage in circuits, spring mass systems.

Unit IV

Optimization techniques. Search techniques: Golden Sections, quadratic interpolation. Application: Optimum design of tank, least cost treatment of waste water, power transfer for circuits. Solving ordinary differential equation on computers: Modeling engineering systems with ordinary differential equation, solution techniques using computers.

Practical:

Comparison of analytical and numerical solutions using Spread sheet. Generation of random variables. Generation of discreet and continuous random variate-coding. Implementation of single server queue on computer. Exercises with software packages for roots of equation: Solving linear algebraic equation, curve fitting and optimization. Solving simultaneous equation through Gauss elimination, solving steady state analysis of chemical reactors, statically determinate truss, current and voltage in circuits, spring mass systems on computers. Application of ordinary differential equation to solve mixed reactor problems, predator prey models and chaos.

Course Title   : Computer Aided Design of Machinery

Course Code  : FMPE 515

Credit Hours : 0+2

Sem.                : II

Practical:

Learning 2D drafting: Controlling display settings, setting up units, drawing limits and dimension styles. Drawing and dimensioning simple 2D drawings, keyboard shortcuts. Working with blocks, block commands. Exercise in simple assembly in orthographic. Exercise in measuring and drawing simple farm machinery parts. Learning 3D Drafting: Advantages of virtual prototyping-starting the 3D drafting environment, self-learning tools, help and tutorials. Familiarizing with user interface, creating files and file organization, structuring and streamlining. Features of document window. Concept of coordinate system: Working coordinate system, model coordinate system, screen coordinate system, graphics exchange standards and

Course Title   : Advanced Manufacturing Technologies

Course Code  : FMPE 516

Credit Hours : 2+1

Sem.                : II

Theory:

Unit I

Material and their characteristics, structure and properties of materials, wood, ferrous, Non-ferrous, alloys, plastic, elastomers, ceramics and composites. Material selection and metallurgy: Equilibrium diagram, time temperature transformation curves, heat treatments, surface treatment: Roughness and finishing.

Unit II

Measurement and quality assurance: Quality control, tolerance, limits and clearance. Automated 3-D coordinate measurements. Advance casting processes and powder metallurgy. Forming process: Fundamentals of metal forming, hot and cold rolling, forging processes, extrusion and drawing.

Unit III

Workshop practices applied in prototype production, jigs and fixtures. Traditional machining processes: Cutting tools, turning, boring, drilling, milling and related processes. Non traditional machining processes fuzzy c-mean (FCM), electric discharge machining (EDM), laser beam machining (LBM), Abrasive jet machining (AJM), and Wire-electro-discharge machining (EDM).

Unit IV

Joining processes: Gas flame processes, arc processes, brazing and soldering, adhesive and bonding.

Unit V

Numerical control: Command system codes, programme, cutter position X and Y, incremental movements, linear contouring, Z movements and commands. Manufacturing systems and automation. Robotics and robot arms. 3-D printing. Integrated manufacturing production system.

Practical:

Identification of material and their application. Study of heat treatment processes and their suitability with respect to materials. Tool and equipments for measurements: Tolerance limits, clearance and surface finish. Site visits for study of advanced manufacturing techniques. Case studies.

Course Title   : Machinery for Precision Agriculture

Course Code  : FMPE 517

Credit Hours : 2+1

Sem.                : II

Theory:

Unit I

Importance of precision agriculture. Mapping in farming for decision making. Geographical concepts of PA. Understanding and identifying variability

Unit II

Geographical Position System (GPS) Basics (Space Segment, Receiver Segment, Control Segment), Error and correction, Function and usage of GPS. Introduction to Geographic Information system (GIS), function of GIS, use of GIS for decisions. IDI devices usage in Precision Agriculture Yield monitor, variable rate applicator for fertilizers, seed, chemicals etc. Remote sensing Aerial and satellite imagery. Above ground (non-contact) sensors.

Unit III

Data analysis, concepts of data analysis, resolution, Surface analysis. Analysis application interpretive products (map, charts, application map etc).

Unit IV

Electronics and Control Systems for Variable rate applications, Precision Variable Equipment, Tractor-Implement interface technology, Environmental Implications of Precision Agriculture.

Unit V

Goals based on end results of Precision Agriculture, Recordkeeping, Spatial Analysis, Variable Rate Application, reducing of negative environmental impact, Crop/ technology cost optimization. Economic of precision agriculture and determining equipment and software, review of Cost/Benefit of Precision Agriculture, System vs. Parcels. Making a selection.

Practical:

Calculation of the benefits of Data and Mapping, Determining Latitude/Longitude, UTM or State Plane Position Navigation with Waypoints, Configuring a GPS System. Defining area of field for prescriptive treatment. Making the Grid, The Grid Sampling Process, generation of yield maps, Thematic or Spatial Resolution, Yield Map Example, Surface Analysis in Arc-View.

Course Title   : Machinery for Horticulture and Protected Agriculture

Course Code  : FMPE 518

Credit Hours : 2+0

Sem.                : II

Theory:

Unit I

Vegetable cultivation, nursery machinery, tray seeders, grafting machines, vegetable trans-planters. Machinery for planting crops on raised beds, mulch laying and planting machines. Harvesting of vegetable crops: Harvesting platforms and pickers.

Unit II

Machinery for orchard crops: Pit diggers, inter-cultivators and basin forming equipment for orchards. Machinery for transplanting of trees. Harvesters for fruit crops: Shaker harvesters, types and principle of operation. Elevated platforms for orchard management and harvesting. Pruning machines.

Unit III

Machinery for orchards, vineyard machinery spraying machines, inter-cultivation machines. High clearance machines and special purpose machinery for crops on trellis. Machinery for special crops: Tea leaf harvesters, pruners and secateurs.

Unit IV

Machinery for lawn and garden: Grass cutters, special machinery for turf maintenance. Turf aerators and lime applicators.

Unit V

Protected agriculture: Principles, mechanical systems of greenhouse, ventilation systems, shading system, water fogging system, irrigation system, sensors, electrical and electronic system. Intelligent Control system for greenhouses. Machinery for processing of growth media, tray filling machines-tray sowing machines, transplanting machines. Robotic grafting machines. Weeding and thinning equipment. Crop protection and harvest under protected agriculture

Course Title   : Advances in Farm Machinery and Power Engineering

Course Code  : FMPE 601

Credit Hours : 2+1

Sem.                : II

Theory:

Unit I

Advances in mechanization as applicable to Indian context. Future outlook for improving agricultural productivity and reducing cost. Mechanization: Review of the applications of some of the advanced mechanization technologies and constraints in adaptability. Levels of mechanization and transition between levels.

Unit II

Sustainable mechanization management: Management of compaction of agricultural fields. Strategies to develop machinery and systems that reduce compaction. Concept of Controlled Traffic Farming (CTF) systems. Introduction of wide span mechanization to vegetable production systems to enhance productivity and sustainability.

Unit III

Optimization of production processes to minimize energy loss in agriculture. The rationale for the use of photovoltaic systems in farming. The Energy Returned on Energy Invested (EROEI) ratio as an indicator for evaluating the efficiency of renewable energy sources.

Unit IV

board sensors, computing hardware, algorithms and software. Manipulator type ag-robots: Use in food processing, dairy, horticulture, and orchard industries.

Unit V

Precision Livestock Farming (PLF): Individual identification and monitoring of animals, tractability of livestock products. Developments in livestock and building control: Radio telemetry systems to remotely monitor and record physiological parameters. Silage process and their variants. Coordination of machinery system to enhance quality of silage and forage conditioners.

Practical:

Case studies and presentations on: Mechanization in India-analysis of machinery data- mechanization index and relation between productivity and mechanization. Levels of mechanization in different crops. Design of traffic lanes-field geometry and generating guideline lanes for operation of machinery. Planning use of multiple machinery-sugarcane harvesting system. Measurement of soil compaction due to heavy machinery using cone penetrometer. Machine vision system design–case studies. Challenges in development of robotic machinery in agricultural operations- case studies.

Course Title   : Advances in Machinery for Precision Agriculture

Course Code  : FMPE 602

Credit Hours : 2+1

Sem.                : I

Theory:

Unit I

Global navigation satellite system (GNNS). Satellite ranging: Accuracy, standards,

components of GIS, data layers, map component, attribute table component, function of a GIS, resolution. Data formats: Vector or raster. GIS for precision farming, data analysis, field calculator, convert to grid, interpolation, reclassification, image classification, band math, interpretation of analysis, farm management information systems, and crop intelligence.

Unit II

Yield Monitors: Components, Differential GPS Receiver, GNSS Receiver, mass flow sensors. Impact plates, measuring volume with a photoelectric sensor. Using microwave radiation, and Gamma rays to estimate volume, volumetric flow sensing and alternatives. Grain moisture sensor, fan speed sensor, elevator speed sensor, header position, yield monitor data, cotton yield monitors.

Unit III

Sources of soil variability, general soil sampling basics, systematic variability, selecting a soil sampling strategy. Parameters: Electrical conductivity, electromagnetic sensors, sensing mechanical impedance. Proximal plant sensing systems, crops canopy reflectance and fluorescence. Machine vision thermal sensors, mechanical sensors, acoustic sensors.

Unit IV

Remote sensing platforms: Aircraft or satellite. Sensors: Imaging or non imaging, active or passive. Making use of reflected energy or emitted energy. The spectral signature of vegetation, vegetation indices, application to agriculture, nutrient management, weed management, disease and insect management, water management.

Practical:

Simple programming for automating precision farming calculations. Mathematics of longitude and latitude. Spatial statistics, soil sampling and understanding soil testing results for precision farming, calculations. Supporting management zones, understanding soil, water and yield variability in precision farming. Developing prescriptive soil nutrient maps, essential plant nutrients, fertilizer sources, and application rates calculations. Deriving and using an equation to calculate economic optimum fertilizer and seeding rates cost of crop production.

Course Title   : Energy Conservation and Management in Production Agriculture

Course Code  : FMPE 603

Credit Hours : 3+0

Sem                 : I

Theory:

Unit I

Global navigation satellite system (GNNS). Satellite ranging: Accuracy, standards, components of GIS, data layers, map component, attribute table component, function of a GIS, resolution. Data formats: Vector or raster. GIS for precision farming, data analysis, field calculator, convert to grid, interpolation, reclassification, image classification, band math, interpretation of analysis, farm management information systems, and crop intelligence.

Unit II

Yield Monitors: Components, Differential GPS Receiver, GNSS Receiver, mass flow sensors. Impact plates, measuring volume with a photoelectric sensor. Using microwave radiation, and Gamma rays to estimate volume, volumetric flow sensing and alternatives. Grain moisture sensor, fan speed sensor, elevator speed sensor, header position, yield monitor data, cotton yield monitors.

Unit III

Sources of soil variability, general soil sampling basics, systematic variability, selecting a soil sampling strategy. Parameters: Electrical conductivity, electromagnetic sensors, sensing mechanical impedance. Proximal plant sensing systems, crops canopy reflectance and fluorescence. Machine vision thermal sensors, mechanical sensors, acoustic sensors.

Unit IV

Remote sensing platforms: Aircraft or satellite. Sensors: Imaging or non imaging, active or passive. Making use of reflected energy or emitted energy. The spectral signature of vegetation, vegetation indices, application to agriculture, nutrient management, weed management, disease and insect management, water management.

Practical:

Simple programming for automating precision farming calculations. Mathematics of longitude and latitude. Spatial statistics, soil sampling and understanding soil testing results for precision farming, calculations. Supporting management zones, understanding soil, water and yield variability in precision farming. Developing prescriptive soil nutrient maps, essential plant nutrients, fertilizer sources, and application rates calculations. Deriving and using an equation to calculate economic optimum fertilizer and seeding rates cost of crop production.

Course Title   : Mechanics of Tillage in Relation to Soil and Crop

Course Code  : FMPE 604

Credit Hours : 2+1

Sem.                : I

Theory:

Unit I

Soil condition and soil strength determining factors. General aspects of mechanical behavior of soil elements. Soil compaction, conditions for its occurrence. Methods of estimation of soil compaction by experimental stress distribution. Concept of soil distortion, deformation at constant volume. Expansion of soil at breaking.

Unit II

Occurrence of soil breaking fundamentals. Measures of resistance against breaking. Shear failure and Coulomb’s law. Compaction v/s shear failure. Tensile failure of soil, idealized brittle failure, Griffith’s Model. Loading rate and repeated loading effects. Draft calculation using mechanism of rigid soil bodies.

Unit III

Crop requirements: Root structure, Soil conditions and purpose of tillage, looseness of soil and depth of loosening. Structure of seed bed. Soil properties, properties affected by tillage and those not affected by tillage. Soil compaction, formation of clods and dust. Effect of tillage on erosion and water logging. Impact of climate factors on soil. Tillage requirement for various types of soils.

Unit IV

Tillage operations for special tasks. Preparation of soil for cropping and stubble management. Primary and secondary tillage. Ploughing and its effect on soil. Disc tillage: Appropriate conditions and effect. Requirement of seed bed and techniques of creating proper seed bed. Quality of sowing and sowing methods. Modern trends and objectives of soil tillage.

Unit V

Plough bodies: Generalized representation, intake main flow and output process. Main flow under different surface curvatures. Kinetic aspects of plough bodies with different shapes. Draft of plough bodies as affected by moisture, speed and attachments.

Practical:

Characterization of soil condition before and after tillage. Cone penetrometer resistance, bulk density, moisture content. Measurement of forces on tillage tools under soil bin condition/ field condition. Measurement of soil manipulation by different tillage tools: Pulverization, furrow profile, inversion and mixing. Measurement of energy required for soil breakup by different methods. Field study of crop root development in relation to soil compaction and hard pan. Measurement of moisture movement in different surface configuration: Ridges, furrows, raised bed and flat bed. Field evaluation of plant establishment in relation to planting parameters.

Course Title   : Mechanics of Traction and its Application

Course Code  : FMPE 611

Credit Hours : 2+1

Sem.                : II

Theory:

Unit I

Tractor performance in soft soils, operational states of wheel: Wismer and Luth. Path traced by point on tyre periphery. Rolling resistance, conditions of wheel soil interaction, theoretical prediction, work on soil deformation, Bekke’s model, derivation of resistance offered by flat rigid plate on soft soil. Measurement of sinkage parameters. Soft wheel on soft surface and rigid wheel on soft surface. Empirical prediction of tractive force: Bekker’s model, stress deformation relation in soil, analysis of tractive performance of tracks.

Unit II

Empirical modelling of tractor performance, tractive performance modelling and mobility number. Empirical models for rolling resistance and traction by Gee- Clough. Derivation of equations for drawbar pull and drawbar power.

Unit III

Rigid wheel systems. Rigid wheel at rest: Soil bearing capacity, contact pressure and sinkage. Rigid wheel at driving state: Ground reaction on rigid wheel during driving action, force balance in soil reaction to driving wheel, determination of driving force, compaction resistance and effective driving force. Energy equilibrium under driving wheel.

Unit IV

Wheel under braking state: Slip velocity and amount of slippage under braked wheel. Soil deformation under braked wheel. Distribution of shear stresses and normal stress under driving wheel.

Unit V

Tyre wheel system-deformation of tyre and area of contact. Deformation of tyre and its measurement. Tyre deformation as function of inflation pressure. Ground reaction during pure rolling of tyre on hard surface. Trafficability in soft terrain, concept of wheel mobility number-cornering characteristic of wheel forces on a steered wheel under driving and braking conditions. Relation between cornering force and self-aligning torque.

Practical:

Measurement of soil parameters for modelling traction-simulation of the different traction models to obtain the tractive performance. Calculating the performance of tractor drive wheels, Braking performance of trailer wheels on road, Planter metering drive wheels, Tractor front wheel. Measurement of performance of tyres under soil bin condition/field condition for driving and braking. Measurement of variation in contact patch of tractor tyres under different inflation pressures. Design of lugged wheels for wet puddle soil condition. Field experiment with tractive performance of tractor.

Course Title   : Farm Machinery Management and Systems Engineering

Course Code  : FMPE 612

Credit Hours : 2+1

Sem.                : II

Theory:

Unit I

Mathematical models of field machinery systems: Operational constrains, power constrains, weather constrains. Systems approach to field operations and models of: Tillage, seeding, chemical application, harvesting, storage and irrigation systems.

Unit II

Engineering economics: Concept of incremental and differential cost, economic efficiency, time value of money. Equipment investment cost: Operational cost, production cost, income cost and uncertainty cost. B.C. ratio, payback period, IRR machinery replacement policies.

Unit III

Uncertainty: Concepts of probability, probability functions, distributions, sampling. Statistics, confidence limits, significance, contingency tables, analysis of variance. Regression and correlation. Monte Carlo methods and applications to farm machinery.

Unit IV

System modeling in farm machinery: Numerical methods, analogs, models with uncertainty stochastic service system. Feasibility system design-stability. Deterministic systems and stochastic systems.

Unit V

Optimum Design: Trial and error, differential calculus, calculus of variations. Allocations: Linear programming, simplex technique. Transportation and assignment technique. Critical path scheduling, dynamic programming, game and its applications to farm machinery management.

Practical:

Solving problems of mathematical models of field machinery, constraints, power constraints, weather constraints. Problems relates to tillage seeding chemical application harvesting and storage and irrigation systems. Problem solving in Economics of Engineering, calculation of investment cost, operational cost, and uncertainty cost. Case studies in machine performance modelling, Economics of machine selection, Analog components, Analog modelling stochastic system modelling and critical path scheduling.

Course Title   : Machinery for Special Farm Operations

Course Code  : FMPE 613

Credit Hours : 2+0

Sem.                : I

Theory:

Unit I

Machinery for land development. Tractor operated and self-propelled machines for laying drainage system, sub surface drip laying machines, subsoiler, trenchers, laser levelers.

Unit II

Machines for plant protection, pneumatic, thermal type sprayers, aero/drone spraying and other methods of spraying, electrostatic charging, air sleeve boom sprayer, disinfection of seed beds by micro waves and other methods. Safety aids for operator and advances in plant protection method.

Unit III

Field plot machinery and its importance. Fertilizer and manure spreader.

Unit IV

Machines for residue management. Silage and hay making machines.

Unit V

Machinery for horticultural crops. Crop specific machines for cotton, sugarcane, forage/fodder. Machines for processing and handling of agricultural products.

Course Title   : Ergonomics in Working Environment

Course Code  : FMPE 614

Credit Hours : 2+1

Sem.                : II

Theory:

Unit I

Musculoskeletal problems in sitting and standing postures-behavioral aspects of posture, body mechanics. Workspace design for standing and seated workers. Display units, controls and human-machine interaction, design of static work.

Unit II

Noise and noise control. Measurement of noise and safe limits. Protection from noise. Vibration and health. Vibrations generated by agricultural machines. Types of vibrations: Whole body vibrations and hand transmitted vibrations. Methods of measurements of vibrations, hazards of vibrations. Vibration White Fingers (VWF). Vibration reductions in agricultural machines.

Unit III

Working environment-heat and cold stress conditions. Thermal balance of human body. Measurement of thermal environment. Heat and cold stress condition. Thermoregulatory system of human body. Heat and cold acclimatization. Effect of climate on human performance. Environmental dust and its measurement: Organic and inorganic dust. Types of dust and their hazards: Respirable, thoracic and inhalable dust. Personal protection from dust.

Unit IV

Time motion study and its purpose. Application of Time motion study in agricultural and processing operations. Recent research works related to ergonomics in agriculture.

Practical:

Design of workspace for static work in standing and sitting positions. Study of body mechanics and postures in design of agricultural machinery. Human energy expenditure, calibration of subjects, Human work load and its assessment. Study of work and rest schedule. Measurement of visibility of tractors. Measurement and control of noise in tractors and self-propelled machines. Measurement of human vibrations in farm tractors and agricultural machines. Study of dust generated in agricultural operations.