Information Technology (IT) Applications in Agricultural Machinery for Smart Farming
Organizers |
Faculty of Agriculture, Allied Sciences and Technology |
Email Address |
dds02@ganpatuniversity.ac.in |
Participants |
55 |
Contact No. |
(M): +91 - 9898788039 |
Start Date |
24/06/2024 11:30 AM |
End Date |
24/07/2024 12:30 PM |
Venue |
Ganpat University |
Social Media Share |
Description
Dr. Deepak Sharma warmly welcomed all the participants to the expert talk. He extended a special welcome to Dr. Maurvi Vasavada, Associate Executive Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture, Allied Sciences, and Technology at Ganpat University. Dr. Maurvi Vasavada provided an insightful overview of Ganpat University and the Faculty of Agriculture, Allied Sciences, and Technology, emphasizing its objectives and notable achievements. She highlighted the institute’s commitment to advancing agricultural education and research, and its role in innovation and excellence. Following this, Dr. Viral Joshi introduced the expert speaker, Dr. Ramesh Sahni, detailing his extensive expertise and contributions to the field. With the introductions complete, the expert talk commenced, setting the stage for a highly informative and engaging session.
Dr. Ramesh Kumar Sahni, a distinguished expert in Agricultural Engineering and Precision Agriculture, delivered an enlightening talk on the advancements in autonomous and precision farming technologies. With a wealth of experience and knowledge in the field, Dr. Sahni's insights were invaluable to the audience. Dr. Sahni began by providing an overview of the current challenges in agriculture and the necessity for technological advancements to meet the growing demands for food production. He highlighted the role of automation and precision technologies in transforming traditional farming practices, making them more efficient and sustainable.
One of the key topics discussed was the development and application of driverless tractors. Dr. Sahni explained how these autonomous machines can significantly reduce labor costs while increasing operational efficiency. He also discussed the utilization of unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs) in various agricultural tasks, including monitoring and managing crops and soil conditions. The talk then moved on to autonomous sprayers, where Dr. Sahni detailed the innovations in spraying technologies that allow for precise application of chemicals, thus reducing wastage and environmental impact. He introduced the concept of robots for weeding, which can autonomously identify and remove weeds, thereby minimizing the need for manual labor and chemical herbicides.
Dr. Sahni also discussed intelligent sprayer systems designed for precision spraying. These systems use advanced sensors and algorithms to ensure that pesticides and fertilizers are applied accurately, enhancing their effectiveness while minimizing environmental harm. He emphasized the importance of field validation of spray rates to ensure that these systems operate at their optimal capacity. A novel technology presented was the Solid Set Canopy Delivery System, which ensures uniform pesticide application across crop canopies, reducing drift and improving efficiency. Dr. Sahni also touched on crop physiology sensing technologies used for managing issues such as apple sunburn, highlighting the role of sensors in monitoring crop health and environmental conditions.
Further, he discussed the application of hyperspectral imaging for blueberry frost management. This technology allows for the detection of cold damage through optimal band selection, enabling timely intervention to protect crops. The use of various sensors with UAVs (Unmanned Aerial Vehicles) was also covered, showcasing how these sensors enhance data collection and analysis for better crop management. Dr. Sahni illustrated the benefits of surveying crops using drones, which provide real-time data on crop health, growth, and stress conditions. He shared insights on optimizing droplet characteristics for drone spraying in cotton crops, ensuring effective pesticide application and coverage.
The talk also included a discussion on the application of Response Surface Methodology (RSM) for optimizing agricultural processes. Dr. Sahni provided examples of how RSM can be used to fine-tune farming practices for improved outcomes. Another innovative topic was UAV planting, where he explained how drones are being used for precision planting, offering advantages in terms of accuracy and efficiency. Dr. Sahni also highlighted automatic irrigation systems for rice, which help in conserving water and improving crop yields.
Concluding his talk, Dr. Sahni envisioned the future of information-based agriculture. He emphasized that the integration of data and technology in farming practices would play a crucial role in ensuring global food security and sustainability.
The interactive session following the talk was highly engaging. Participants posed insightful questions about the practical implementation of the technologies discussed. Dr. Sahni's responses provided deeper insights and clarified various technical aspects, enriching the overall experience for the audience.
Dr. Ramesh Kumar Sahni concluded the talk by reiterating the significance of embracing modern technologies in agriculture. He encouraged the audience to stay informed and adaptable to these technological advancements to ensure sustainable and efficient farming practices. The participants appreciated the comprehensive coverage of advanced agricultural technologies. They provided positive feedback on the practical insights and applicability of the innovations discussed by Dr. Sahni.
Outcomes of the Expert Talk Session
- Participants gained knowledge about cutting-edge autonomous and precision farming technologies, enabling them to understand their potential impact on modern agriculture.
- Attendees were informed about the practical benefits of automation, leading to increased interest in adopting these technologies for improved agricultural efficiency and sustainability.
- The audience learned about real-world applications of innovative agricultural technologies, equipping them with insights to enhance productivity in their farming practices.
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