In a major move to catalyze a data-driven shift in Indian agriculture, the Bihar Agricultural University (BAU), Sabour, has initiated strategic discussions with Bengaluru-based iValue InfoSolutions to establish the Center for Innovation in Digital and Sustainable Agriculture (CIDSA)—an AI-powered research and innovation hub set to anchor a new era of precision, inclusivity, and sustainability in the agri sector.
Integrated Facility for Smart Agriculture
CIDSA is envisioned as a national center equipped with advanced laboratories dedicated to Smart Precision Agriculture, Agri Automation, Agronomy, Agricultural Equipment Innovation, Advanced Drone Technology and Geospatial Farming Solutions. This integrated facility at BAU will focus on accelerating the development and deployment of autonomous farming systems, digital agronomic tools, and scalable solutions tailored to the realities of smallholder and diversified crop farming across eastern India.
Recalibrating the Green Revolution
BAU, under the leadership of Vice Chancellor Dr. D. R. Singh, is positioning CIDSA at the forefront of the Second Green Revolution—an evolution from input-intensive agriculture to intelligent, AI-enabled systems. Unlike the previous wave, which emphasized high-yield cereals and largely bypassed smallholder needs and horticultural diversity, CIDSA will facilitate climate-smart practices, optimize agri-input use, and enhance yield outcomes across a wider spectrum of crops through data-led methodologies.
Consortium-Backed Technological Framework
The collaboration draws on the technological strength of iValue InfoSolutions Ltd., which represents a consortium of 36 domestic and global technology companies, including Microsoft, Intel, Hexagon, Kawasaki Robotics, Mahindra, Ansys, and MongoDB. This multi-stakeholder model ensures CIDSA is embedded with frontier capabilities and global operational benchmarks from its inception.
Academic Skilling and Institutional Enablement
Beyond innovation infrastructure, CIDSA will serve as a skilling and academic resource center. BAU will integrate AI-focused curriculum modules and certification programs targeting students, researchers, and extension professionals. Simultaneously, the center will enable public institutions and private enterprises to build AI fluency, advancing sector-wide digital readiness.
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Digital Enablement for GI Crops
A strategic priority for CIDSA will be the application of AI to enhance the quality assurance, traceability and market reach of Bihar’s Geographical Indication (GI) crops—Shahi Litchi, Bhagalpuri Zardalu Mango, Katarni Rice, Magahi Paan and Makhana. Through predictive analytics and blockchain-integrated systems, the initiative aims to improve the commercial trajectory of these culturally and economically valuable commodities.
Institutional Commitment and Launch Dialogue
The strategic meeting, chaired by Dr. Singh, confirmed BAU’s commitment to host CIDSA within its campus, contribute scientific and academic expertise, and ensure institutional alignment to support the initiative’s long-term objectives. The session was attended by senior officials including Dr. Ajay Kumar Sah (Dean, Agriculture), Prof. Mohammad Feza Ahmad (Director, Seed & Farm), Er. K. S. Raman (Director, Works & Plants), Dr. Anshuman Kohli (Director, IQAC), and Dr. Sanjay Kumar (Nodal Officer, CRA), marking the formal initiation of what is set to become a cornerstone in India’s agri-digital future.