ICAR-Agricultural Technology Application Research Institute (ATARI), Kolkata organized a symposium on From Data to Decisions: Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning for Effective Agricultural Advisory Tools in hybrid mode today as part of the symposium series initiated to catalyze change in the KVK system. Scientists from ATARI Kolkata as well as from KVKs of Odisha, West Bengal and Andaman & Nicobar Islands participated.
Dr. Pradeep Dey, Director of the Institute and Convener of the symposium series, in his presidential address said that artificial intelligence and machine learning can revolutionize the agriculture sector. He informed that by taking advantage of this technological advancement, our farmers can adopt better measures for water conservation, fertilizer management, and disease and pest management. The Director said that let us all pledge to adopt this innovation and KVKs should take Indian agriculture to new heights by providing accurate and customized information to the farmers through e-agro advisory services.
The keynote speaker, Dr. Jajati Mandal, School of Science Engineering and Environment, University of Salford, Manchester, United Kingdom, presented his lecture on the possibilities of farmers moving towards a bright future through these technologies, while portraying the global scenario of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning in agriculture. He said that these modern technologies are helpful in making accurate and timely decisions, so that farmers can adopt more profitable and sustainable agricultural practices. He also emphasized on increasing knowledge and awareness on these technologies.
Doubts of the participants were also resolved during the Q&A session. The meeting was attended by all the scientists of the Institute and heads of Krishi Vigyan Kendras and scientists of the region.
Dr. P.P. Pal, Principal Scientist conducted the program.
(Source: ICAR-Agricultural Technology Application Research Institute, Kolkata)
