Workshop on “Emerging Techniques in Agriculture & Allied Sciences: Use of Artificial Intelligence & Sensor Based Technologies” from 22 to 26 February 2021

The Faculty of Agricultural Science and Technology, Mansarovar Global University (MGU), Bhopal, in collaboration with Commonwealth Educational Media Centre for Asia (CEMCA) conducted an online international workshop on “Emerging Techniques in Agriculture & Allied Sciences: Use of Artificial Intelligence & Sensor Based Technologies” from 22 to 26 February 2021. Prof. Arun K. Pandey, Hon’ble Vice Chancellor, MGU; Prof. Madhu Parhar, Director, CEMCA; Prof. Sandip Banerjee, Dean, Faculty of Agricultural Science and Technology, (MGU); Dr. Monoranjan Mohanty, Principal Scientist, Indian Institute of Soil Science, ICAR Bhopal; and Dr. Shiffon Chatterjee, Senior Programme Officer, CEMCA were present during the inaugural session.

Technical sessions were conducted by domain experts from multiple institutions. Dr. Monoranjan Mohanty, Principal Scientist, ICAR-Indian Institute of Soil Science, Bhopal discussed about how the use of sensors create more efficient methods of farming by reducing the stress on environment and the over-exploitation of resources. Prof. Sandip Banerjee, Dean, Faculty of Agricultural Science and Technology, (MGU) spoke about the use of wearable sensors in small ruminants and the use of internet of things for cloud computing as a future tool for small ruminant and poultry research and production. Dr. Pragya Saurabh, Department of Life Sciences, MGU presented an overview of artificial intelligence and biomodelling. Dr. Mestawet Taye, School of Animal and Range Sciences, Hawassa University, Ethiopia presented the use of artificial intelligence and bionic sensors in dairy farming and processing. The presentation by Dr. Aditya Parmar, Scientist (Crop Post Harvest), Natural Resource Institute, University of Greenwich, United Kingdom focused on how sensor-based digital technologies are emerging as a valuable instrument to monitor and manage various parameters which are responsible for postharvest losses in a cost-effective, efficient, and sustainable way.

This workshop was attended by students and faculty of agriculture and allied sciences. Participants interacted with the experts though sharing of queries and comments. In the closing session, Prof. Banerjee appreciated this initiative and spoke of how more such programmes in future would benefit agriculture students and educators.