Sree Padmavathi Venkateswara Foundation

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Degradable coated kraft paper for mulching

January 6, 2026 devadmin
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In this post, we take a closer look at one of the projects that was awarded the 2025 Agriculture Research Grant Awards. This project is led by Dr Arindam Chakrabarty from CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Technology, Hyderabad, and it rethinks a common farming practice: mulching.
Plastic mulch sheets are widely used to retain soil moisture and suppress weeds, but they come with an environmental cost — plastic waste, microplastics in soil, and labour-intensive removal after each crop season.
Dr. Chakrabarty’s group has developed a biodegradable kraft paper mulch with a coating that makes it stronger, and ideal for short-duration crops. With the SreePVF grant, he aims to commercialize this product, and optimize it for wider adaptability among farmers.

Swipe through to discover Dr. Chakrabarty’s journey — from problem to solution — helping farmers save time, cut waste, and keep their fields cleaner, without compromising productivity.

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India is rapidly transforming into a dynamic hub of intellectual innovation and discovery. To support the science and technology ecosystem in the country, the Sree Padmavathi Venkateswara Foundation has created peer- reviewed funding programs that recognize exceptional researchers with the potential to achieve ground-breaking results in areas of critical national
importance. Our foundation provides these researchers with generous funding and empowering mentorship to generate knowledge and develop sustainable solutions of the highest quality, particularly in the fields of biomedical and agricultural research. We also work on projects to deploy advanced knowledge and improve the income of small and marginal farmers. We believe that by working together, we can create sustainable solutions that will benefit not only India but also the world.

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