On 2nd,June 2015 a batch of 26 grade 12 students of IES accompanied by Mrs. Tessy (Head of the Department of Biology) relished an opportunity to visit the KISR. This event was made possible with great help from an innovative scientist Dr. Krishnakumar Sugumaran. He is a Ph.D. in Biotechnology with immense experience in the field of hydroponics.
The tour commenced with a warm reception and a very cordial welcome note by Dr.Mohammed Al Baho , Programme manager of Modular Agricultural Production System (MAPS). MAPS is a unique system designed only for the country of Kuwait. It has a joint partnership with Canada . It’s a custom made program. The prototype here in Kuwait uses LED technology as well as hydroponics. It runs with the help of Argus control system. This idea is best suited for an urban scenario as well as plant factory systems.
This was followed by a very informative presentation by Dr. Krishnakumar. Their work is focused on developing animal feed and protected agriculture in Kuwait. Dr. Krishnakumar is currently working on the effect of LEDs of different colors on the growth of the leafy vegetables like lettuce, broccoli and cabbage. The use of LEDs proposes to give high yield, space efficiency and faster growth in plants.
We then went on a field trip where we visited some quality greenhouse prototypes set up for research purposes inside the premises of KISR. Each was made of a different type of glass and some coated with IR material. The sun was beating down on us but our excitement made us indifferent to the heat.
We moved on to explore the soil analysis lab. The scientists in the lab made us feel comfortable and explained every instrument with extreme patience. The lab was highly equipped with latest technology. We were awed by the centrifuge machine, a calcimeter, UV spectrometer and each small apparatus in the lab. We were so engrossed in the lab that time sprinted away.
When we thought we couldn't be impressed more we stepped into Dr. Krishnakumar's workspace. Its environment made us feel like young scientists. There was an amazing display of the hydroponics project in the centre of the room. It contained three slabs one each for red, white and blue light. The plants were supported with the help of rock wool and a small plastic container which was placed in the holes in the slabs. The whole system has many pressure valves, water pipes and even carbon dioxide could be pumped into the system through a huge pipe.
The place is so robotized that his computer can coordinate all his activities. It can generate graphs of the different variables, send him alarm messages, modulate the experimental setup and keep a record of his team's activities. Its advanced imaging and communication facilities enable him to monitor his project and change the environmental conditions of the plants from his house. Even after such advanced technology Dr. Krishnakumar follows the lab etiquettes of writing his daily activities in his personal register. His zeal definitely kindled our interest towards hydroponics and scientific research in general.
At the end of the trip we were filled with satisfaction and gratitude towards Dr. Krishnakumar, our Principal Mr.T.Premkumar ,Vice principal Mrs.Anita Sadanand, and KISR for granting us the opportunity to witness the activities of sophisticated labs and spend quality time with amazing scientists. Their hospitability and enthusiastic demeanor will create a permanent place in all our hearts.
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