KUWAIT CITY, Dec 16: The Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research (KISR) has announced that its Environment and Life Sciences Research Center has been granted a patent for a new project involving the invention of a vertical tuber planter and harvester by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.

Project manager Dr. Samira Al-Sayed Omar stated in a press release on Monday that the device is a portable vertical system designed to enhance the planting and harvesting of tubers with minimal loss or damage.

Dr. Al-Sayed Omar explained that the device can be used in various environments, including buildings, homes, gardens, and farms, depending on the required production volume. It is intended for planting small tuber varieties such as potatoes, beets, and sweet potatoes, using a portable vertical system that improves growth and harvesting techniques.

She noted that although researchers have developed indoor plant growth systems relying on artificial lighting, these systems lacked the necessary equipment to handle heavy loads required for growing root vegetables like potatoes. The new device addresses this issue by offering scalability, allowing for plant cultivation units that can be easily relocated across various surfaces, including paved or unpaved ground and even rooftops.

The device also offers protection from harsh natural conditions such as heavy rains, floods, and strong winds. Dr. Al-Sayed Omar highlighted that the system enables the harvesting of tubers without loss or damage, and the soil can be reused, facilitating rapid harvesting with minimal effort from individuals.

Additionally, the device helps standardize the size and quality of crops and allows for the possibility of increasing the number of units used to enhance crop production in controlled environments, all without the need for pesticides.