In the dynamic intersection of technology and agriculture, Zentron Labs Pvt. Ltd. has emerged as a pioneering force, revolutionizing the landscape of fruit grading in India. Founded in 2012 by Mr. Krishnan R., Zentron Labs has been on a mission to bridge the technological gap in the country’s agricultural sector, particularly in the crucial domain of fruit grading.
In this exclusive interview, we have Michelle Dennis from Food Infotech and Ravindranath J from Zentron Labs to unravel the origin, aspiration, and unique contribution of this innovative enterprise.
Q 1: Could you provide insights into the origins of Zentron Labs and its founders?
A: Zentron Labs emerged onto the scene in 2012, founded by Mr. Krishnan R.
Q 2: What were the driving forces and aspirations behind the establishment of Zentron Labs?
A: The founders aimed to pioneer sophisticated technology within India, focusing on the crucial realm of fruit grading. This initiative stemmed from a recognition of the gap in indigenous fruit grading machines despite India’s position as the second-largest producer of fruits and vegetables.
Q 3: Could you elaborate on the importance of fruit grading in agricultural practices?
A: Absolutely pivotal. Fruit grading plays a transformative role, empowering farmers to mitigate post-harvest losses and negotiate better prices for their agricultural products. It essentially provides a nuanced valuation of produce in the market.
Q 4: How does fruit grading directly impact export processes, and do you have any specific instances to illustrate this?
A: Certainly. Take the case of Punjab farmers who aspired to export Kinnow oranges to Russia. Without proper grading, the fruits were prone to perishing, resulting in substantial losses. Zentron abs’ grading technology serves as a solution, ensuring that produce meets stringent export standards and fetches optimal prices.
Q 5: Delving into the technological aspect, do Zentron Labs’ machines leverage cutting-edge technologies such as AI and Robotics?
A: Absolutely. Our machines are intricately designed, incorporating the latest in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) to optimize and streamline the grading process.
Q 6: Could you share insights into the global reach of Zentron Labs, particularly regarding technology exports?
A: Certainly. Zentron Labs has extended its technological prowess beyond borders, exporting advanced grading technology software to various countries in Europe.
Q 7: Let’s delve into the specifics of one of your flagship products, the Hortisort Compact Optical Grader. What distinguishes its functionality?
A: Our array of grading machines, including the Hortisort Compact Optical Grader, showcases versatility by efficiently handling grading volumes ranging from 0.5 to 1.5 tonnes per hour. This is world’s first compact optical grader, which can grade produce based on size, color and weight and is in rotary design. Runs on single phase, suitable for smaller packhouses.
Q 8: Where is Zentron Labs headquartered, and how does its location contribute to its operations?
A: Zentron Labs calls Bangalore, India, its home base—a strategic location that positions the company at the heart of technological innovation and agricultural practices.