In a significant push for modernizing India's agricultural sector, experts have pinpointed Artificial Intelligence (AI) and robotics as the twin engines that will drive the future of farming. The consensus emerged at a major international gathering in Lucknow focused on harnessing technology for a developed India.
Congress Aims for Tech-Led Agricultural Revolution
The two-day international congress, titled ‘Unlocking AI & Robotics Driven Smart Agriculture for Viksit Bharat’, kicked off on Monday. The event is being hosted by the Integral Institute of Agricultural Science and Technology (IIAST) at Integral University. It is organized in collaboration with the Uttar Pradesh Council of Agricultural Research (UPCAR).
The core mission of the program is to champion technology-led methods that can strengthen the backbone of Indian agriculture, aligning with the national Viksit Bharat vision. The congress has successfully convened a diverse group of stakeholders, including academicians, scientists, policymakers, industry leaders, agri-entrepreneurs, and farmers from across India and overseas. Their collective goal is to deliberate on practical applications of AI and robotics for building farming systems that are both sustainable and resilient.
Key Voices Highlight Technology's Critical Role
Dinesh Pratap Singh, the Minister of State for Horticulture, Agricultural Marketing, and Agricultural Foreign Trade, attended the event as the chief guest. He emphasized that the integration of advanced technology with horticulture will be fundamental to securing the nation's food security and ensuring consistent growth in the agricultural domain.
Echoing the urgency for innovation, Prof Panjab Singh, Chancellor of Rani Lakshmi Bai Central Agricultural University in Jhansi, outlined the severe challenges posed by climate change, water scarcity, and land degradation. He firmly stated that AI-based farming solutions offer a viable pathway to mitigate these pressing concerns and safeguard agricultural output.
The Path Forward for Smart Agriculture
The discussions at the congress underscored a transformative potential. The adoption of AI and robotics is not merely about automation; it is envisioned as a comprehensive strategy to enhance productivity while simultaneously reducing the carbon footprint of farming activities. This dual benefit aligns with global sustainability goals and India's domestic development agenda.
By bringing together minds from research, policy, and on-ground implementation, the event in Lucknow aims to bridge the gap between technological potential and practical, scalable solutions for farmers. The focus remains on creating a robust, future-ready agricultural ecosystem that can thrive in the face of environmental and economic challenges.
