A Specialized webinar on how to participate in technological projects of sugarcane bio-refinery with the aim of explaining and introducing technological projects in the field of technical research and agricultural engineering in the sugarcane industry by the Iranian Association of Agricultural Machinery and Mechanization Engineering, Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz and in collaboration with the Sugarcane Development Research & Training Institute was held with lectures by university professors.
In this webinar, which was held on Wednesday, May 20, with Lectures by Dr. Zaki Dizaji, Chairman of the Board and a member of the faculty of the Department of Bio-systems Engineering, of Ahvaz Shahid Chamran University, and Dr. Taherkhani, the CEO of Sugarcane Development Research and Training Institute, discussions were presented on the realization of technological influence in the sugarcane industry and technological projects related to bio-system engineering and mechanization.
First, Dr. Dizaji emphasized the need to apply the collection of bio-system engineering (mechanical engineering of bio-systems, food industry machines and agricultural mechanization) and its research in solving the problems and difficulties of the agricultural industry. Also, due to the interdisciplinary nature of this field of study, he pointed out some of the abilities of the graduates.
Optimization of livestock, poultry and aquatic feed production, optimization of bio-fertilizer, optimization, production and consumption of bioenergy, design and management of dedicated sugarcane machines with green harvesting approach and waste management and production of by-products were among the topics discussed in this webinar.
In this webinar, the CEO of Sugarcane Development Research and Training Institute, referring to the establishment of a biological refinery centered on Sugarcane Development Company in Khuzestan, said: In September of last year, a tripartite memorandum of understanding was signed between the Agricultural Education and Extension Research Organization, the Biotechnology Development Headquarters and the Sugarcane Development Company.
Dr. Kourosh Taherkhani added: “This memorandum was concluded in line with the sustainable development of the sugarcane industry with the aim of completing the chain of by-products and creating added value, and based on that, the Agricultural Education and Extension Research Organization announced its readiness to use the knowledge and ability of its researchers to increase the productivity of the Sugarcane Industry.
He added: The use of sugarcane wastes and effluents by bio-refining method and creating added value are among the goals of the biological refinery in Khuzestan.
In another part of his speech, the CEO of Sugarcane Development Research and Training Institute stated: “Sugarcane development is the gateway to mechanization and has new knowledge and new tools in this field.”
Referring to mechanized sugarcane operations, Taherkhani emphasized: The most complex and diverse agricultural machines and tools are used in the sugarcane industry, and only sugarcane implantation operations are carried out in a non-mechanized manner.
Explaining and introducing information technology projects in the field of technical research and agricultural engineering in the sugarcane industry, he mentioned: ” Among Sugarcane Development Company’s matters and concerns are agricultural mechanization, which in this regard the Iranian Agricultural Machinery Engineering and Mechanization Association are problem-solvers”.
The CEO of Sugarcane Development Research and Training Institute, referring to the green sugarcane harvest, stated: “This company has taken steps towards green harvesting step by step and based on the existing obligations, and measures have been taken in the field of straw, packaging, transportation and storage”.
Referring to the challenges of green harvesting, Taherkhani added: “The transition from burnt to Green harvesting has several challenges that the Iranian Mechanization Association can address these concerns in various projects and research.”
He described and mentioned the increase in sugarcane waste, the significant increase in debris, restrictions on harvesters, machine motors, safety, hydraulic system, elevator, feed roller system and chopper, collection of sugarcane residues, collection and transfer from the field, harvesting costs and… as concerns and challenges of green harvest which requires comprehensive review and studies based on existing conditions.