Raja Syed Rather
Ganderbal, Oct 15: A three-day International Conference (AI-CIAS) on “AgriTech Intelligence and Beyond: Cutting Edge Innovations in Agriculture and Allied Sciences” was inaugurated Tuesday 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 the conference is the involvement of keynote speakers from different parts of the world including the USA, UAE, Uzbekistan and Srilanka. 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 accompanied by Prof. D.M. Makhdoomi, Director Education & Extension, Prof Shoaib Ahmad Kamil – Dean FVSc & AH, Dr Jitender Mehta, President, AFTEFS and the Organising Secretary Dr. S Mudasir Rashid on the dais.
In his inaugural address Prof. Nazir Ahmad emphasised on embracing new 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 be technology driven with high tech innovations and other cutting edge technologies like precision farming in place. Dr. Bilal Mohidin in his brief address spoke on the relevance of field based research work and role of interdisciplinary collaborations for meaningful scientific discourse.
Dr. Bilal also shared his memories and fond experiences of study period at SKUAST during his bachelor’s degree programme. Dr. Iffat Ara threw light on the importance of active joint ventures between allied sectors for an impactful scientific endeavours of varied nature. 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. Earlier, Prof. S. A. Kamil, Dean FVSc & AH welcomed the participants of the conference and gave a brief overview of the Faculty and other contours of conferences.
The societal awards were also distributed during the inaugural function with Dr. Jitender Mehta, President giving the details of the same. Dr. S. Mudasir, the organizing secretary of the event briefed the audience about the technical sessions of the conference and presented a well prepared documentary on the theme.
The event also saw the release of many publications from the host Division along with the souvenir and book of abstracts on the occasion. The faculty art & craft club also released its digital magazine MiniVet and Ladakh travelogue during the function held at Shuhama ending by the vote of thanks by Prof. Javid Iqbal.
