Srinagar, Oct15: 3-day International Conference (AI-CIAS) on “AgriTech Intelligence and Beyond: Cutting Edge Innovations in Agriculture and Allied Sciences” was inaugurated today at Faculty of Veterinary Sciences & Animal Husbandry, Shuhama campus of SKUAST-Kashmir.
More than 500 participants from Medical, Agriculture, Veterinary and Aquaculture sciences are taking part in this mega event held in hybrid mode. The event is being organized by the Division of Veterinary Biochemistry, FVSc & AH, SKUAST-K in collaboration with Agriculture Forum for Technical Education of Farming Society (AFTEFS).
The high point of conference is the involvement of key note speakers from different parts of world including USA, UAE, Uzbekistan and Sri Lanka. The aim of the conference is to sensitize all stakeholders on leveraging and better use of modern technologies especially Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Agriculture and allied sectors.
Prof. Nazir Ahmad Ganai, Vice Chancellor SKUAST-Kashmir was Chief Guest at the inaugural function while Dr. Bilal Mohiddin Bhat, Deputy Commissioner Srinagar and Dr Iffat Ara, Dean GMC Srinagar were the Guests of honour. They were accompanied on the dais by Prof. D.M. Makhdoomi, Director Education & Extension, Prof. Shayaib Ahmad Kamil, Dean FVSc & AH, Dr Jitender Mehta, President, AFTEFS and the Organising Secretary Dr. S Mudasir R.ashid.
In his impressive inaugural address Prof. Nazir Ahmad Ganai emphasised on embracing newer advanced technologies including AI (Artificial Intelligence) in Agriculture and other allied sectors for the overall betterment of society. Prof. Ganai voiced that the next Green Revolution would definitely 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 University in establishment of key developmental projects like HADP (Holistic Agriculture Development Program) 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.
Dr. Bilal Mohidin in his brief address spoke on the relevance of field based research work and role of inter-disciplinary collaborations for a meaningful scientific discourse. Dr. Bilal laid stress on conduct research relevant to local problems in context to limited resource at disposal. He appreciated the efforts of University in laying the roadmap for 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 endeavours of 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 latest technology in agriculture for its sustainable and long lasting impact.
He further cited many instances and examples wherein the SKUAST-Kashmir took the lead in uptake of latest technologies like drones & rovers in precision farming and set the benchmark for others. Earlier, Prof. S. A. Kamil, Dean FVSc & AH welcomed the participants of 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 course of conference.
Dr. Jitender Mehta, President AFTEFS thanked the University for giving the opportunity to host this mega event here at SKUAST-K and providing all the necessary support in organizing the same. Dr. Mehta also announced the various Society awards distributed during the inaugural function among the recipients alongside the felicitation of Key Note speakers of the event.
