At the Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir (SKUAST-K), a pair of intensive workshops held in April 2025 have drawn attention for their commitment to merging cutting-edge technologies with the realities of agriculture. Set against the backdrop of the university’s Shalimar campus, these events welcomed researchers, students, and faculty into an engaging dialogue on artificial intelligence, deep learning, and their practical applications in farming and sustainability.
A Thoughtful Start to Technology-Driven Agriculture
One of the two major events was a workshop titled “AI-Powered Digital Twin Workshop,” organised by the College of Agricultural Engineering and Technology. More than a hundred participants gathered, representing a mix of scholars, students, faculty, and dignitaries. The aim was to explore how advanced tools like digital twins and artificial intelligence (AI) can help address some of the longstanding challenges in the agricultural sector, including crop planning, yield prediction, and soil management.
Vice Chancellor Prof. Nazir Ahmad Ganie of SKUAST-K, opened the event with remarks that set the tone for the day. He spoke about the growing importance of technology in agriculture—not as a replacement for traditional practices, but as a way to complement them. His address underscored a sense of urgency, especially in light of growing global concerns around food security and climate-related challenges.
In the keynote session, Prof. Abdul Motaleb El Saddik from the University of Ottawa, Canada, brought his global experience into the room. He shared insights on how AI-based large language models and multimodal interactions are being used to build digital replicas of farms—what experts call “digital twins.” His talk sparked curiosity among participants, especially with real-world examples showing how virtual models could mirror physical farming conditions, helping in decision-making and resource management.
Following him, Dr. Mukesh Saini from IIT Ropar presented on practical applications of digital twins in farming. He moved the discussion from theory to on-the-ground implementation, showcasing case studies on predictive crop analytics and soil health monitoring. His examples demonstrated how farmers could use such data to make more informed choices, conserve water, and increase productivity.
Dr. Mudasir Ahmad Ganaie, also from IIT Ropar, added to the momentum with his discussion on AI tools designed for precision agriculture. He elaborated on the role of IoT devices and data analytics in helping farmers manage irrigation and other resources with greater accuracy. His presentation drew attention to the possibility of reducing waste while ensuring that crops receive just the right amount of care they need.
Prof. Rohitashw Kumar, Associate Dean of the College of Agricultural Engineering & Technology, reflected on the broader implications of these advancements. He emphasised that while technology offers new tools, it is the collaboration between researchers, engineers, and farmers that truly matters. These partnerships, he noted, are essential for making AI and digital tools meaningful at the field level.
Also Read: SKUAST-K and IIT Bombay Collaborate to Advance Agricultural Research and Innovation
Deep Learning Takes Center Stage at the NVIDIA Workshop
Just days before, SKUAST-K hosted another significant event—the NVIDIA Deep Learning Ambassador Workshop, held from April 17 to 18, 2025. The training, coordinated through the Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (CAIML), was designed to introduce students to the practical side of AI.
Dr. Ambreen Hamadani, a Junior Scientist and NVIDIA-certified instructor, led the sessions. As an Assistant Professor at SKUAST Kashmir, she brought not just technical knowledge but also a clear understanding of how AI intersects with local agricultural needs. Her sessions gave participants hands-on exposure to deep learning concepts. From convolutional neural networks to data augmentation and advanced AI architectures, the workshop offered an opportunity to get comfortable with complex tools that are shaping the future of precision agriculture.
The workshop drew a familiar group of dignitaries and academics, including Prof. Nazir Ahmad Ganie, who once again lent his support to the programme. He stressed the importance of equipping students with skills that are not only current but forward-looking. His comments made it clear that for SKUAST-K, digital literacy is not a buzzword but a long-term priority.
Prof. Abdul Motaleb El Saddik, already an active participant in the earlier digital twin workshop, also attended this event, along with faculty from CAIML like Dr. Ab Rouf Khan, Dr. Syed Rameem Zahra, Dr. Basharat Bhat, and Dr. Zamir Wani. Their presence helped bridge the gap between research and student learning, making these workshops more than just theoretical exercises.
Students who took part in the training described it as an eye-opening experience. For many, it marked their first hands-on encounter with AI programming and neural network design. The skills they acquired may eventually lead to further research or even job opportunities in AI-driven agriculture, robotics, or environmental science.
Building a Future Where Innovation Meets the Field
Both workshops were coordinated with care and intention, thanks in large part to the efforts of individuals like Dr. Ab Rouf Khan and Dr. Syed Rameem Zahra, who have been central to CAIML’s ongoing initiatives. At the conclusion of the digital twin workshop, Dr. Showkat Rasool, in charge of CAIML, delivered a valedictory address that brought attention back to the participants. He thanked the speakers, organisers, and students, reiterating SKUAST-K’s commitment to creating an ecosystem where academic learning translates into real-world impact.
The pairing of these two events—one focused on conceptual innovation and the other on skill-building—signals a broader vision for SKUAST-K. The university is not merely experimenting with AI for agriculture; it is actively investing in creating a knowledgeable, skilled, and tech-aware community. The goal is not to impose technology on farmers, but to offer it as a tool they can choose to adopt, based on their needs and contexts.
In a region where agriculture remains central to livelihoods, these efforts stand out for their blend of caution and optimism. They reflect an understanding that progress is not just about adopting the newest tools, but about ensuring those tools serve the people who need them most.
As AI continues to grow and change, institutions like SKUAST-K are trying to keep pace—not through grand declarations, but through steady, thoughtful engagement with the people who work the land.