International conference on AgriTech Intelligence begins at SKUAST-K

Srinagar, Oct 15: A 3-day International Conference (AI-CIAS) on ‘AgriTech Intelligence and Beyond: Cutting Edge Innovations in Agriculture and Allied Sciences’ was inaugurated at the Faculty of Veterinary Sciences and Animal Husbandry, Shuhama campus of Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology, Kashmir (SKUAST-K).

A statement of SKUAST-K issued here said that over 500 participants from medical, agriculture, veterinary, and aquaculture sciences are taking part in this mega event held in a hybrid mode.

The event is being organised by the Division of Veterinary Biochemistry, FVSc and AH, SKUAST-K in collaboration with the Agriculture Forum for Technical Education of Farming Society (AFTEFS).

The high point of the conference is the involvement of keynote speakers from different parts of the world including the USA, UAE, Uzbekistan, and Sri Lanka.

The conference aims to sensitise all stakeholders on leveraging and better use of modern technologies especially Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Agriculture and allied sectors.

Vice Chancellor SKUAST-K Prof Nazir Ahmad Ganai was the chief guest at the inaugural function while Deputy Commissioner Srinagar, Bilal Mohiddin Bhat and Dean GMC Srinagar Dr Iffat Ara were the guests of honour.

They were accompanied on the dais by Director of Education and Extension Prof D M Makhdoomi; Dean FVSc and AH, Prof Shayaib Ahmad Kamil; President AFTEFS Jitender Mehta, and Organising Secretary S Mudasir Rashid.

In his inaugural address, Prof Ganai emphasised embracing newer advanced technologies including Artificial Intelligence (AI) in agriculture and other allied sectors for the overall betterment of society. Prof Ganai voiced that the next green revolution would be technology driven with High-tech innovations and other cutting-edge technologies in place to fully utilize the vast untapped potential of agriculture in this part of the world.

Prof Nazir also pointed out the role of the university in the establishment of key developmental projects like the Holistic Agriculture Development Programme (HADP) and other future initiatives on cards of well thought futuristic roadmap ahead of SKUAST-Kashmir.

Prof Ganai congratulated the organizers for hosting the event on an important theme with concerned stakeholders on board.

Bilal Mohiuddin in his brief address spoke on the relevance of field-based research work and the role of inter-disciplinary collaborations for a meaningful scientific discourse.

He laid stress on conducting research relevant to local problems in the context of limited resources at the disposal. He appreciated the efforts of the university in laying the roadmap for the HADP project that can go a long way in societal development.

Dr Iffat Ara threw light on the importance of active joint ventures between allied sectors for an impactful scientific endeavour of a varied nature.

She shared her experiences of working with SKUAST-K and believed that more quality good work can come up through future research collaborations of need.

Prof D M Makdoomi in his address highlighted the need for timely incorporation of the latest technology in agriculture for its sustainable and long-lasting impact.

He cited many instances and examples wherein SKUAST-Kashmir took the lead in the uptake of the latest technologies like drones and rovers in precision farming and set the benchmark for others.

Earlier, Dean FVSc & AH Prof S A Kamil welcomed the participants of the conference and gave a brief overview of the Faculty and other contours of conferences.

Prof Kamil encouraged all the participants to engage deeply, share freely, and collaborate meaningfully during the conference.

President AFTEFS Jitender Mehta thanked the university for allowing hosting this mega event here at SKUAST-K and providing all the necessary support in organising the same.

Mehta also announced the various society awards distributed during the inaugural function among the recipients alongside the felicitation of keynote speakers of the event.

The Organising Secretary of the event, S Mudasir briefed the audience about the various technical sessions of the conference and presented a well-prepared documentary on the theme of the conference.

The event also saw the release of several books from the host Division of Veterinary Biochemistry along with other publications in the form of a conference souvenir - a book of abstracts on the occasion.

The Faculty Art and Craft Club also released its first-ever Digital Art Magazine Minivet and its Ladakh Travelogue, an in-house production of SKUAST-K prepared by Henna Hamadani, mentor of the club during the function held at Shuhama.

The inaugural function ended with a vote of thanks presented by the Head Division of Basic Sciences and Humanities, SKUAST-K, Prof Javid Iqbal.