Answer: International Crops Research Institute for Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT)
Notes: International Crops Research Institute for Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) has received its first Indian industrial design patent for a solar-powered water hyacinth harvester. The harvester is an affordable, eco-friendly solution priced under ₹2 lakh, designed for rural farming communities. It efficiently clears water hyacinth, a fast-spreading aquatic weed threatening ecosystems, fisheries, and waterways. The harvester can clear a 3-acre pond in 2-3 days, compared to 18-20 days of manual labor by 10-20 workers. It is user-friendly, requiring only semi-skilled or unskilled operators. The project empowers local communities, especially women, creating livelihoods and boosting the rural economy. It is supported by the Odisha Government’s Department of Agriculture and Farmers’ Empowerment.
