Space Farming Research: UAS Bangalore & IIT Dharwad
Project Overview
- Institutions Involved:
- University of Agricultural Sciences (UAS), Bangalore
- Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Dharwad
- Axiom-4 Research Mission (Launched June 2025)
- Purpose:
- To study space farming – compare seed growth and nutritional differences between Earth and space environments.
Seeds Sent to Space
- Types of Seeds:
- Green Gram (Moong)
- Fenugreek (Methi)
Experiment Design
- Parallel Growth:
- Same seeds are also being grown on Earth at UAS Bangalore for comparison.
- In-Space Growth:
- Seeds will sprout on ISS under microgravity.
- Watering done by ISRO astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla.
Key Researchers
- Principal Investigator:
- Ravikumar Hosamani, Assistant Professor, Biotechnology Dept., UAS Bangalore
Global Context & India’s Focu
- India’s Need:
Developing space agriculture tailored to Indian dietary preferences and genetic profiles.
Karnataka’s Longest Cable-Stayed Bridge: Load Test Report
Location & Structure
- Bridge Location:
Across Sharavathi River backwaters,
connecting Ambaragodlu and Tumari in Sagar taluk, Shivamogga district. - Type:
Cable-stayed bridge (with extra-dosed spans). - Significance:
Longest cable-stayed bridge in Karnataka.
Load Test Details
- Purpose:
To evaluate how the bridge responds to gradually increasing static loads over time. - Method:
- 18 tippers filled with M-sand were stationed (not driven) on the bridge.
- Conducted in presence of:
- National Highways Authority of India (NHAI)
- Project engineers and officials
- Load Progression:
- Started at 25 tonnes
- Increased to 50 tonnes → 75 tonnes → 100 tonnes
- Results:
- Deflection observed: 22 mm
- Permissible deflection limit: 38 mm
Conclusion: Within safe range → Bridge passed the test successfully
Yanagumba Inscriptions & Hero Stones (Veeragallu)
Location: Yanagumba village, Chamarajanagar taluk, Karnataka
Time Period: 10th century CE
Key Discoveries
- Total Inscriptions: 7
- 5 in Kannada
- 2 in Tamil
- Village Name Reference:
- Kannada: Yaramagumba
- Tamil: Yaramaigumba
Highlights of Inscriptions
- Buffalo Farming: Widely practiced; mentioned in multiple inscriptions.
- Land Donation: Recorded in one Kannada inscription, found near a buried Shiva temple (now partially fenced).
- Hero Worship:
- Tamil inscription honors Kolan, son of sage Kandachari, for his bravery.
- Veeragallu (Hero Stone):
- Commemorates Kala of Yaramagumba, who died protecting cows from thief Kesanna.
Royal Insignia
- One inscription bears a royal emblem (umbrella and horses).
- Partially illegible, under further analysis.
Expert Confirmation
- Anil Kumar, Epigraphy Expert (Archaeological Survey of India), confirmed the historical and cultural significance.
Turugol Edicts
- Inscriptions classified as Turugol (cattle raid) edicts.
Common in Karnataka’s history—document cattle thefts, land disputes, and heroic resistance.
