National workshop on artificial intelligence in agriculture held in Delhi

The workshop explored various possibilities of incorporating AI based systems in potential areas of agriculture and to provide a platform for agricultural scientists to deliberate on AI and its implementation in agriculture

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New Delhi: A two-day “National Workshop on Artificial Intelligence in Agriculture: Status and Prospects’ was held by the institutes affiliated to Indian Council of Agricultural Research on 30-31st July at New Delhi.

The workshop was organized by ICAR-Indian Agricultural Statistics Research Institute, New Delhi in collaboration with ICAR-National Academy of Agricultural Research & Management, Hyderabad and ICAR- Indian Institute of Water Management, Bhubaneshwar

The workshop aimed to discuss various plausible AI based applications in agriculture and development; explore the possibilities of incorporating AI based systems in potential areas of agriculture and to provide a platform for agricultural scientists to deliberate on AI and its implementation in agriculture.

Mr Amitabh Kant, CEO, NITI Ayog, in his inaugural address said AI has a potential along with other technologies like IoT and mobile technology to enhance the productivity, cut losses and increase the farmer’s income. He urged that based on the recommendations, a concrete programme should be formulated which can take care of the need of small and marginal farmers. He talked about the value chains, price volatility and the agri-intelligence which needs attention to help farmers to have better income and returns. He pointed out the key challenges being faced by farming community and needs immediate intervention of latest technologies like AI, IoT etc.

Dr Trilochan Mohapatra , Secretary (DARE) & Director General (ICAR) in his presidential address called for collaborative research and work to be carried out by the scientists of ICAR in the area of AI and other latest technologies like IoT, Deep Learning etc. He emphasized that doable &implementable action plan need to be prepared and solutions should be cost effective. He urged to deliberate upon the symbiosis and synergy between Indian Council of Agricultural Research knowledgebase and the private sector and to develop an Institutional framework in PPP mode which can deliver in a time frame.

Ms Chhabilendra Roul, Special Secretary (DARE) & Secretary (ICAR) emphasized on the integration of AI and IoT applications in agriculture and proposed the formal vote of thanks. Earlier, Dr Ch Srinivasa Rao, Director, ICAR-NAARM, delivered welcome address. Dr LM Bhar, Director, ICAR-IASRI briefed about the status of AI in agriculture and AI based initiatives being taken in ICAR.

On this occasion, a Policy Brief on AI and IoT: Implications for human resources in Indian NARES, prepared by ICAR-NAARM, Hyderabad, was also released.

About 100 delegates from various private organizations, software companies, IITs, Central Universities, Startups, Directors and scientists of various ICAR institutes participated and deliberated in the workshop.

*(Source: ICAR-IASRI, New Delhi; ICAR-NAARM, Hyderabad and ICAR-IIWM, Bhubaneswar)