How the New Concept of Illustrative Analysis of Different Natural Processes Originated
4/16/20242 min read
The concept of illustrative analysis of natural processes took root during a transformative period at the Central Institute of Fisheries Technology (CIFT). When I joined CIFT in 1963 with an M.Sc. in Physics and a Postgraduate Diploma in Marine Instrumentation from the Norwegian Technical University, my initial role involved routine fishing trips, which felt disconnected from my academic training.
Dr. A. N. Bose, the director of CIFT, created an open environment for discussions. During one such discussion, I expressed my dissatisfaction with my work. Dr. Bose encouraged me to pursue any research that could contribute meaningfully to CIFT. This encouragement marked the beginning of my research and development activities.
CIFT was actively developing new technologies in various fields, including fishing technology, fish processing, biochemistry, food processing, and statistics. Statistical analysis played a critical role, with data from field operations analyzed for significance. However, there was a lack of detailed analysis of the otter trawl system's components. Recognizing this gap, I developed the concept of illustrative analysis, which aimed to systematically analyze and illustrate the various components and processes within fishing technology and beyond, thereby enhancing the understanding and application of scientific principles.
Key Developments and Innovations
SST Estimation in Oceanography: Developed SST-1 and SST-2 for enhanced precision in Sea Surface Temperature (SST) measurements, crucial for oceanographic research (Fig. 73).
SSD (Sunshine Duration) Estimation in Meteorology: Simplified measurements offering numerous advantages, including extended energy analysis over months or years (Fig. 74).
Energy Integration Processes (EIP): Automatically acquires detailed energy data for various applied areas, such as meteorology, oceanography, and dam safety.
Fishing Craft & Gear Instrumentation: Developed by CIFT, these innovations received international acclaim for enhancing precision in related fields.
Multi-Channel Data Acquisition Systems: Supplied to universities, supporting practical work in plant physiology, botany, agriculture, and other disciplines with location-specific sensors and observational techniques.
Applications in Various Fields
Agricultural Sciences: Innovations like the Lysimeter for agricultural studies (Fig. 28) and solar radiation sensors (Fig. 38) provide new capabilities for analyzing environmental factors affecting agriculture.
Ocean Technology and Meteorology: SST and SSD measurements are now more accessible, enhancing research in oceanography and atmospheric studies (Figs. 73, 77).
Water Resource Management: Innovations such as the Hydro-dynamic Tilting Lever (Fig. 35) for flow and discharge measurements and the Remote Silt Meter (Fig. 81) for water depth analysis contribute to better water resource management and dam safety.
Land Use and Environmental Impact Studies: Systems like EDAS (Fig. 46) and Environmental Test Chambers (Fig. 52) offer new methodologies for assessing environmental impacts and making informed decisions in land management and conservation.
Recognition and Implementation
The technology has been recognized with numerous awards:
Republic Day Award (1971)
Independence Day Award (1976)
MSME Award of the Government of India
Commercialized by EMCON, these developments have been implemented in over 700 R&D institutions, including ICAR, CSIR, DRDO, DOS, IITs, NITs, ONGC, and various universities. This widespread implementation has enabled scientists and engineers to conduct new investigations and experiments, uncovering the complex nature of natural processes and promoting sustainable management.
Educational Integration
The technology has informed the design of five postgraduate-level subjects at different universities, enhancing practical applications within the curriculum. These subjects cover areas such as Coastal and Harbor Engineering, Ocean Technology, Agricultural Sciences, Post-Harvest Technology, and Oceanographic Observations.
Conclusion
The journey from routine fishing trips to pioneering illustrative analysis has significantly advanced our understanding of natural processes. The developments at CIFT and beyond have paved the way for innovative research and practical applications, enhancing the precision and scope of environmental and agricultural studies. Recognized by prestigious awards and implemented widely, these innovations underscore the importance of electronics and instrumentation in addressing today's environmental challenges.