Design of Farm Machinery Course | IIT Kharagpur NPTEL | Prof. Hifjur Raheman
Course Details
| Exam Registration | 107 |
|---|---|
| Course Status | Ongoing |
| Course Type | Core |
| Language | English |
| Duration | 12 weeks |
| Categories | Agricultural and Food Engineering, Product Design |
| Credit Points | 3 |
| Level | Undergraduate/Postgraduate |
| Start Date | 19 Jan 2026 |
| End Date | 10 Apr 2026 |
| Enrollment Ends | 02 Feb 2026 |
| Exam Registration Ends | 20 Feb 2026 |
| Exam Date | 24 Apr 2026 IST |
| NCrF Level | 4.5 — 8.0 |
Master the Engineering Behind Modern Agriculture: A Deep Dive into Farm Machinery Design
The global challenge of feeding a growing population demands smarter, more efficient agricultural practices. At the heart of this agricultural revolution is mechanization—the design and development of advanced farm machinery. For engineers, researchers, and industry professionals looking to lead this change, a strong foundation in the principles of farm machinery design is essential.
We are excited to highlight a premier educational opportunity: the “Design of Farm Machinery” course, offered by the prestigious Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kharagpur. This comprehensive 12-week program is meticulously crafted to transform your theoretical knowledge into practical design expertise.
Learn from a Pioneer: Instructor Profile
The course is led by Prof. Hifjur Raheman, a distinguished authority from the Agricultural and Food Engineering Department at IIT Kharagpur. With over three decades of dedicated teaching and research in Farm Machinery and Power, Prof. Raheman brings unparalleled depth to this subject.
His credentials speak volumes:
- Extensive Experience: At IIT Kharagpur since 1999, teaching UG, PG, and PhD students.
- Proven Research Leadership: Principal Investigator for 6 sponsored research projects focused on machinery development.
- Innovator: Holds 9 patents, with 6 specifically related to farm machinery design.
- Author & Educator: Published author (Springer) and developer of an NPTEL course on Traction Engineering.
- Recognized Expert: Fellow of NAAS, ISAE, and IE India, and recipient of the Jyoti Award and Commendation Medal from ISAE.
Who Should Enroll in This Course?
This course is designed for a wide audience passionate about advancing agricultural technology:
- Students & Faculty of Agricultural Engineering colleges.
- Industry Professionals from farm equipment manufacturing companies.
- Researchers & Innovators working in farm machinery and precision agriculture.
Industry Support: The course curriculum is recognized and supported by leading industry giants including John Deere India, Mahindra & Mahindra, TAFE Ltd., Shaktiman Rotavator, and Dashmesh Agro Works, ensuring its relevance to current market needs.
Course Overview: What Will You Learn?
This undergraduate/postgraduate level course provides a holistic journey from fundamental principles to cutting-edge design. Over 12 intensive weeks, you will cover:
Detailed Course Layout
| Week | Focus Area | Key Learning Outcomes |
|---|---|---|
| Weeks 1-3 | Foundations of Tillage | Understand forces and design principles for passive (mouldboard plough, disk harrow) and active (powered disk harrow) tillage implements. |
| Weeks 4-6 | Advanced Tillage & Evaluation | Design a rotavator and combination implements (e.g., rota-cultivator). Learn performance parameter measurement for all tillage types. |
| Weeks 7-8 | Precision Sowing Technology | Master the design of seed drills, multi-crop drum seeders, and unmanned paddy seeders. Explore concepts for precise seed dropping. |
| Weeks 9-10 | Chemical Application Systems | Design tractor-drawn boom sprayers, understand droplet dynamics, and learn to design a solar-powered unmanned applicator. |
| Weeks 11-12 | Harvesting & Threshing Machinery | Design harvesters for forage, cereals, and vegetables (onion, cabbage). Design conventional and solar-powered wire-loop paddy threshers. |
Why This Course is Essential for Your Career
This course goes beyond textbook theory. It empowers you to:
- Solve Real-World Problems: Each module includes problem-solving sessions on design and performance evaluation.
- Embrace Innovation: Learn to design futuristic equipment like unmanned seeders, solar-powered threshers, and electric conveyors.
- Bridge the Knowledge Gap: Gain the specific skills needed to develop efficient machinery that improves farm productivity and sustainability.
- Boost Industry Readiness: The curriculum, backed by major industry players, ensures you acquire skills that are directly applicable in the agricultural machinery sector.
Your Learning Resources
The course is supported by seminal texts in the field, including Prof. Raheman’s own recent publication, ensuring you learn from the most current and authoritative sources:
- Bernacki, H., et al. – Agricultural machines, Theory and Construction
- Kepner, R.A., et al. – Principle of Farm Machinery
- Srivastava, A. K., et al. – Engineering Principles of Agricultural Machines
- Raheman, H. and Sarkar P. (2024) – Tillage machinery- Passive, active and combination (Springer Publication).
If you are ready to contribute to the future of farming by designing the next generation of intelligent, efficient, and sustainable farm machinery, this course is your definitive starting point. Dive deep into the engineering principles that power modern agriculture and become a catalyst for change in this vital industry.
Enroll Now →