Srinagar: Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology, Kashmir held a seven-day workshop on “Applied Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning for Smart Agriculture” for the students of various faculties of the university to improvise their skill and creativity.
With an aim to create ‘awareness and motivation’ among the students to use Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning in agriculture and allied sectors, the event was organised under ICAR-World Bank funded National Agricultural Higher Education Project for institutional development of SKUAST-K. Around 91 students, scholars, faculty members and scientists participated in the workshop.
Dr CS Murthy, Group Director, Agricultural Sciences and Applications, NRSC- ISRO, Hyderabad, spoke about the Geospatial technology for assessing the effect of natural calamities on agriculture. He interacted with the students and scientific staff on the impact of natural calamities on Indian agriculture and how AI & ML can be used to combat such situations.
Dr Muheet Ahmed Butt, Scientist-D, Department of Computer Sciences, University of Kashmir gave a lecture on Role of Data Sciences in Modern Agriculture. He discussed the application of AI & ML in agriculture and its benefits, while interacting with the students and research scholars he explained the emerging Next Generation Technology trends and opportunities in AI & ML for better Research and innovation in the agriculture field.
Dr. Joydeep Mukherjee, Principal Scientist, Division of Agricultural Physics, ICAR- IARI, discussed Field based high throughput Phenotyping using Machine Learning. During his lecture he emphasized the usage of Machine learning algorithms for Field based high throughput Phenotyping and encouraged students to use new innovative and AI techniques for smart agriculture. Dr Latief Ahmad, Scientist, Dry land Agriculture Research Station, Rangreth, SKUAST-Kashmir, gave an edifying lecture on Intelligent Precision Farming. In his lecture he briefed about the use intelligent machine learning techniques for Precision Framing. He discussed how new technologies like AI can help to solve the challenges that mostly farmers face such as climate variation, an infestation of pests and weeds that reduces yields.
Also other national eminent experts threw light on the various technical aspects of AI & ML (Crop Yield Prediction, Precision Weed Management, Weather Forecasting, Crop Yield Estimation based on remote sensing data). The valedictory session was chaired by Prof. Nazir Ahmad Ganai, Director Planning & Monitoring and PI NAHEP, SKUAST-K. He briefed the audience about the application and need of AI & ML based technology in present fourth industrial revolution scenario.
The workshop was followed by an online mock test organized & coordinated by IDP- NAHEP, SKUAST- Kashmir in which majority of the students participated and e-certificates were issued to participants securing above 50% marks.

KR Desk