The 36th National Conference and Seminar of Agricultural Engineers, held at Indira Gandhi Krishi Vishwavidyalaya, Raipur from 29 to 30 August, emphasized the importance of agricultural engineers in addressing the challenges of agriculture.
The event theme- “Agricultural Engineering: The Way to Improve Rural Economy for Sustainable Development,” underscored the significance of addressing climate change challenges, the diminishing availability of agricultural labor and technological development in agricultural machinery.
The national programme organised under the joint auspices of Institution of Engineers (India), Chhattisgarh State Centre, Raipur and Swami Vivekanand Agricultural Engineering and Technology College and Research Centre, Indira Gandhi Agricultural University.
Key Features of the Conference
The conference features discussions and research papers on multi relevant topics for the development of agriculture at present. Key topics include- conservation and management of engineering inputs, farm machinery, agricultural processing and value addition, non-conventional energy sources, soil and water conservation and management, etc.
Conference also included dialogue, demonstration, presentations and exchange of ideas on topics such as mechanisation of activities from plowing to sowing, harvesting and processing in agriculture, use of drones, remote sensing and geographic information system, use of state-of-the-art technologies such as artificial intelligence robotics and IoT in agriculture horticulture.
Climate change and agricultural operations highlighted the growing importance of agricultural engineers and the infinite possibilities of entrepreneurship growth. Engineers, entrepreneurs, scientists, entrepreneurs, researchers, progressive farmers and scholars from various educational institutions across the country participated in the program to finalize appropriate strategies to increase the income of farmers.
Engineers Discussions
Dr. Raman Singh, Speaker of the Chhattisgarh Legislative Assembly, inaugurated the conference in a ceremony held at the Agricultural Auditorium (Krishak Sabhagar). The event was led by Ramvichar Netam, Minister of Agriculture Development and Farmer Welfare and Biotechnology, Chhattisgarh Government.
The ceremony was attended by notable figures including Vice Chancellor of Indira Gandhi Agricultural University Dr. Girish Chandel; Chairman of Central Ground Water Board, Dr. Sunil K. Ambast; and Vice President of the Institution of Engineers (India) Dr. Nutan K. Das.
Dr. Girish Chandel, Vice Chancellor, Indira Gandhi Agricultural University, discussed the continued need for increased mechanization in agriculture. He commended the efforts of agricultural engineers and scientists at the university for their contributions to enhancing agricultural productivity and strengthening the rural economy and meeting the needs of middle class farmers.
Dr. Sunil K. Ambast, Chairman, Central Ground Water Board, emphasized the need for further work in soil and water conservation to support agricultural development. The conference also honored several individuals for their remarkable contributions to agricultural engineering.
Awards and Recognition
Notable awards included the Lifetime Achievement Award presented to Dr. Vinay Pandey from Swami Vivekanand Agricultural Engineering College. The distinguished professionals for their contribution in the field of agriculture engineering and technologies were were recognised. Honored included- Dr. Indramani Mishra, Chancellor Vasant Rao Naik, Marathwada Agricultural University Parbhani; Dr. T. B. S. Rajput, Senior Scientist, Water Technology Center, Indian Agricultural Research Council New Delhi; Dr. T. Vidya Laxmi, Senior Scientist, Central Institute of Post Harvesting Engineering and Technology (I. C. Eh. R. Ludhiana ); Dr. Madhuresh Dwivedi Assistant Professor, National Institute of Technology Rourkela; and Rajkumar Shrivas, Shubhi Agrotech Pvt Ltd, Raipur.