Research and Development

Gathering subject matter experts from various schools at RP consisting of plant biologists, microbiologists, molecular biologists, food scientists, engineers, data analysts, and market researchers, the AGRI Centre provides holistic agriculture solutions and adopts a multidisciplinary approach in research and development.

Quality of Farm Produce

We leverage the knowledge of plant science to increase crop qualities and yields. The studies aim to: 

• increase the understanding of the physiological needs of the plants leading to improved plant growth,

• tweak metabolic pathways leading to enhanced flavours, fragrances and longer shelf-life and

• understand the mechanisms involved in disease/stress resistance

Our Project Scope

• Nutrients formulations that can significantly improve plant quality in hydroponic based farming. We invite farmers to work with us to customise species-specific formulations and growth parameters to improve plant yield and optimise resource utilisation.

• Interactions between plant and microbes. This approach increases stress resistance in plants in the presence of beneficial microbes, especially for substrate-based farming. We have identified microbe cocktails that improve the plants’ ability to withstand heat and drought stress naturally.

• LED-assisted grow recipes. Using AI-based LED integration systems, we facilitate the development of light recipes to improve the nutrients, flavour, and colour of plants.

• Using a controlled environment for quality growth. Working together with our partners, we look at increasing the plant’s nutrient content and overall quality using a controlled environment for growth.

• Using Genetics and Breeding tools to identify superior varieties. Through phenotyping, we aim to identify seeds varieties with traits suited for agriculture in a controlled environment. Marker-assisted breeding reduces the time for generating new varieties that are well-suited for growth using advanced agricultural technologies.