Indian Scientist Bags 'BRICS-Young Innovator Prize' for indigenous innovation

The BRICS Young Innovator Prize was awarded to one Ravi Prakash, a Ph.D. scholar of ICAR-National Dairy Research Institute (NDRI), Bangalore for his indigenously designed affordable milk chilling unit for small to marginal income rural dairy farmers. Ravi Prakash was awarded a cheque of $25,000 as the first prize, in the fourth BRICS-Young Scientist Forum (YSF) – 2019. The event was held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil from 6th to 8th November 2019.

The Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India, released a statement which says that the technology designed by Prakash can be used for chilling milk from the point of production by bringing down the temperature of raw milk from 37 Degree Celsius to 7 Degree Celsius within 30 minutes duration. The technology uses nano-fluid based phase change materials for the process. The innovation will be beneficial to the farmers, read the statement as it will help in preserving the safety and quality of milk just after production. It also said that the technology is of great socio-economic importance.

Mr. Prakash belongs to the West Champaran District of Bihar. He was a member of a 21-member delegation, deputed by the DST, India for BRICS-YSF 2019. Born and raised in a farmer's family, Ravi has always had a keen interest in addressing rural issues of farmers. He completed his schooling in Bihar from where he went on to complete his B. Tech and M. Tech degree from ICAR-NDRI, Karnal. He was also the recipient of the Gandhian Young Technological Innovation Award from the President of India in 2018.

BRICS Young Scientist Forum is organized in collaboration by the Department of Science and Technology, India, International multilateral and Regional Cooperation Division. The BRICS Young Innovator Prize is aimed towards recognizing and rewarding the best results related to research, development and projects that represent technological innovation that have the potential to contribute to the science and technology sector of the BRICS countries.

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