The Center for Additive Manufacturing (CPAM), established under the Additive Manufacturing (AM) initiative of MeitY at the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing, Kolkata, pioneers a groundbreaking concept of Agri-factories. These facilities integrate agri-produce lines with value-added agri-product lines, ensuring control over quality, quantity, and costs. Through this innovative approach, dependency on open agri-produce markets diminishes. CPAM's mission encompasses enhancing time-to-market, market resilience, and establishing product-independent manufacturing lines for value-added agri-products, introducing AM to the sector for the first time globally. Additionally, AM will streamline production by creating supply chain components such as agri- produce line modules and agri-photonics components, thereby reducing costs.
Collaborating with institutions like CSIR - Central Food Technological Research Institute, Mysuru, Central Manufacturing Technology Institute, Bengaluru, and IIM Calcutta Innovation Park, CPAM aims to indigenously develop the Agri-Factory concept and AM machinery and materials. This initiative aligns with the government's vision to propel Indian brands in international markets, particularly in the food processing sector, as evidenced by the significant investment outlined in the Ministry of Food Processing Industries' annual report. CPAM's vision to catalyze product-oriented research and development in the agri and environment sectors is reinforced by its mission to enhance productivity, food safety, security, and inclusive growth through ICT and electronics-driven solutions. The center's objectives encompass controlling the quality and volume of agricultural lines, reducing infrastructure and food processing costs through 3D printing, fostering industry-driven economics, and promoting indigenous machinery and supply chains. Its scope includes designing and establishing Agri-Factory test beds, developing Agri-Factory technology, establishing a business office for self-sustenance, and preparing techno- commercial roadmaps for Agri-Factory development.
