National Seminar Explores Technologies for Sustainable Agriculture and Environment

The Indian Society of Agrophysics, in collaboration with the Division of Agril. Physics at ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute orchestrated a national seminar titled ‘Smart Technologies for Sustainable Agriculture and Environment’ at ICAR-Central Research Institute for Dryland Agriculture in Hyderabad.

Inaugural Insights: Shaping the Future of Agriculture

The seminar commenced with dignitaries shedding light on the evolution of Indian agriculture, particularly in the context of the pre and post-Green Revolution eras. Dr Himanshu Pathak, Secretary of (DARE) and Director General of (ICAR), emphasized on the critical role of Physics in shaping modern agricultural practices.

He accentuated the remarkable strides made by Agricultural Physics in fostering what is now termed smart agriculture or precision farming. Dr Pathak’s address underscored the utilization of space technologies such as GIS, remote sensing, GPS, and satellites to augment agricultural productivity sustainably.

Innovative Solutions for Agricultural Challenges

Dr Ch. Srinivasa Rao, Director of the National Academy of Agricultural Research Management, delved into innovative solutions, advocating for the adoption of drones for spraying and Variable Rate Technology to facilitate precise nutrient management. His discourse highlighted the imperative need for technological advancements to propel agricultural productivity while mitigating environmental impact.

Frontiers of Agricultural Advancements

Dr S K Chaudhari, Deputy Director General (Natural Resource Management) at ICAR, provided insights into the latest advancements in agriculture, stressing the importance of innovation and research in driving sustainable growth within the sector. His remarks illuminated the continuous quest for cutting-edge solutions to address pressing agricultural challenges.

A Focus on Dryland Agriculture and Climate Resilience

Dr Jacqueline Hughes, Director General of the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics, shifted the focus to the significance of dryland agriculture and the imperative adoption of climate-smart technologies for long-term sustainability. Dr Hughes championed the integration of digital technologies in agricultural practices, emphasizing their pivotal role in enhancing resilience and productivity.

Harnessing Technology for Sustainable Solutions

Dr V.K. Singh, Director of ICAR-CRIDA, echoed the sentiments, highlighting the pivotal role of technology in providing sustainable solutions to the multifaceted challenges faced by agriculture and the environment.

A Vision for the Future: Collaboration and Innovation

The seminar not only served as a platform for knowledge dissemination but also as a catalyst for collaboration and innovation. Dr Pragati Parmanik Maity, Secretary of ISAP, highlighted the importance of ongoing research in Agrophysics and the integration of advanced technologies such as GIS, Remote Sensing, VRT, sensors, crop modeling, AI, ML, and robotics in agricultural practices.

Memorial Lecture on Forward-Thinking Technologies

The seminar also featured the 10th Dr B. P. Ghildyal Memorial Lecture, delivered by Dr V. Geethalakshmi, Vice-Chancellor of Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, who expounded on the theme of “Smart Technologies for Sustainable Agriculture and Environment”.

In a bid to embrace the digital era, the seminar initiated discussions on the digitization of agriculture, encompassing technologies like artificial intelligence, Big Data Analytics, drones, and remote sensing to foster productivity and sustainability.

Celebrating Milestones: Inauguration of ICAR-IARI Mega University

Amidst the intellectual fervor, the DG, ICAR, seized the opportunity to inaugurate the academic block of the ICAR-IARI Mega University in Hyderabad, marking a significant milestone in agricultural education and research.

A Collaborative Endeavor

The seminar culminated with active participation from over 350 stakeholders including scientists, research workers, farmers, and students, underscoring a collective commitment towards embracing technology-driven solutions for sustainable agriculture and environmental conservation.