BHAGALPUR, Jan. 30 -- 'Appreciation certificates' were issued by the Bihar Agricultural University (BAU) to the six scientists and researchers of the university for their significant contribution towards the development of 'Sabour Makhana Harvester' on this year's Republic Day. Six people who have been appreciated include Dr Mohan Kumar Sinha, assistant professor-cum-junior scientist (Agricultural Engineering) IRS (Irrigation Research Station) Araria (Team leader), Dr Ashish Ranjan, assistant professor-cum junior scientist (Horticulture) BPSAC (Bhola Paswan Shastri Agricultural College), Purnea, Dr Manish Kumar, Assistant Prof-cum-junior scientist (agricultural Engineering) NCOH (Nalanda College of Horticulture), Noorsarai, Dr Dilip Kumar Mahto, Associate-Dean cum -Principal, BPSAC, Purnea, Dr Anil Kumar Singh, director research, BAU (Bihar Agricultural University), Sabour and Dr D R Singh, vice chancellor, BAU, Sabour. Talking to HT over phone, Dr Anil Kumar Singh, director research, BAU Sabour said, "We have acknowledged all the scientists and researchers who have been doing research to make harvester since 2014 and finally we have succeeded in it." He stressed that researchers include six persons including VC and director research and their names figured in the appreciation certificate. On being asked about the name of two signatories Dr D R Singh, VC, BAU and Dr Anil Kumar Singh, Director Research, BAU figured in the appreciation certificate, Dr Singh said, "All these people have contributed to the evolution of the harvester and hence they have been appreciated by the BAU." While asked about the honour or felicitation considered something conferred by other persons, acting as a formal, external recognition of an individual's achievements, success or milestones, he said, "This very principle has never been bypassed by BAU, it just reflected the contributions of all those who have been its part during its evolution. The harvester is said to be an innovative machine designed to automate the harvesting of fox nuts (Makhana), significantly reducing drudgery, improving efficiency and increasing income for farmers by replacing manual, labour-intensive pond harvesting. The machine uses a specialized suction mechanism to lift seeds from the pond bottom, featuring a sieve to separate mud....