A two-day national seminar on a seminar on ‘Advanced Technologies to Enhance Productivity and Sustainability in Agriculture,’ organized by the Department of Agricultural Engineering, Institute of Agricultural Science, Banaras Hindu University (BHU), concluded on Tuesday. The seminar attracted a wide spectrum of participants, including distinguished experts, researchers, academicians, and industry professionals from across the country. The event fostered discussions on crucial topics such as agricultural mechanization, precision farming, renewable energy, post-harvest technologies, and sustainable soil management.
Addressing the Challenges of Global Food Demand
The seminar began with a keynote address by Panjab Singh, Chancellor of Rani Lakshmi Bai Central Agricultural University (RLBCAU), Jhansi. He underscored the pressing need to enhance agricultural production to meet the ever-growing global food demand. He stressed that food should be made accessible to all rather than becoming an excisable commodity. Addressing the inefficiencies within the food supply chain, he pointed out that nearly 30% of food production is lost due to various factors, including post-harvest losses and improper storage. He urged researchers and policymakers to find solutions to minimize this wastage, thereby increasing food security and reducing economic losses. Additionally, he called for maximizing production per unit input, ensuring that agricultural practices became more efficient and sustainable.
Collaboration Between Agriculturists and Engineers
Professor Amit Patra, Director of IIT-BHU, took the opportunity to highlight the importance of collaboration between agricultural scientists and engineers. He argued that such interdisciplinary cooperation could lead to the development of robust agricultural business models that integrate modern technological advancements with traditional farming methods. According to him, bridging the gap between agriculture and engineering could play a pivotal role in improving productivity and making agriculture a more profitable and sustainable sector.
Role of Machine Learning, IoT, and Drone Technology in Agriculture
The seminar also featured insights from Professor M.L. Gaur, Vice-Chancellor of Dr CV Raman University, who placed a strong emphasis on empowering farmers through advanced technology. He noted that machine learning, the Internet of Things (IoT), and drone technology could revolutionise the agricultural sector by enhancing efficiency, reducing costs, and providing real-time data for better decision-making. According to him, the integration of such technologies could transform traditional farming into a highly efficient and sustainable industry. He urged the academic and research community to work towards making these technologies more accessible and affordable for farmers.
Research for Agricultural Sustainability
Professor U.P. Singh, Director of the Institute of Agricultural Sciences at BHU, addressed the gathering with a call to action for the scientific community. He urged researchers to focus on agricultural sustainability and the development of innovative solutions to tackle challenges such as soil degradation, water scarcity, and climate change. He pointed out that sustainable agricultural practices not only ensured long-term productivity but also helped in conserving natural resources for future generations.
Contributions of Professional Societies
Apart from discussions on technological advancements and sustainability, the seminar also shed light on the contributions of professional societies in the field of agricultural engineering. Professor B.N. Rai, Chairman of the Institution of Engineers (IEI) Varanasi Centre, elaborated on the various activities undertaken by the institution to promote agricultural innovation and engineering excellence. He highlighted the role of IEI in bridging the gap between academia and industry by facilitating knowledge exchange and technical advancements.
Similarly, Professor R.M. Singh, Chairman of the Indian Society of Agricultural Engineers (ISAE) Varanasi Chapter, provided an overview of the organization’s efforts in advancing agricultural engineering research and fostering collaboration among scientists, engineers, and policymakers. He stressed the importance of continued engagement between different stakeholders to drive progress in the agricultural sector.
Key Takeaways and the Way Forward
As the seminar progressed, discussions delved deeper into ways of implementing these technological advancements at the grassroots level. Experts and policymakers focused on strategies for making agricultural mechanization and precision farming more affordable and widespread among small and marginal farmers. The event concluded with key recommendations and policy suggestions aimed at transforming Indian agriculture into a more resilient and technologically advanced sector.
With the growing need for sustainable food production and the increasing role of technology in agriculture, the seminar served as a vital platform for shaping the future of farming in India. The deliberations over the two days brought forward innovative ideas and solutions that would contribute to the nation’s goal of achieving food security and sustainability.
