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Workshop on technology adoption in agriculture held in Bhubaneswar

Workshop on Technology Adoption in Agriculture Held in Bhubaneswar: Paving the Way for a Tech-Driven Farming Revolution

Bhubaneswar, the vibrant capital of Odisha, recently played host to a pivotal workshop focused on the adoption of cutting-edge technologies in agriculture. Organized by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) in collaboration with the Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology (OUAT) and supported by various state agricultural departments, the event brought together a diverse array of stakeholders including farmers, researchers, policymakers, and industry experts. Held at the OUAT campus, the workshop aimed to bridge the gap between traditional farming practices and modern technological innovations, addressing the pressing need for sustainable and efficient agricultural methods in the face of climate change, population growth, and resource scarcity.

The workshop kicked off with an inaugural address by Dr. Rajesh Kumar, Director of ICAR's regional center in Eastern India. Dr. Kumar emphasized the transformative potential of technology in revolutionizing Indian agriculture, which still largely relies on age-old methods. "Agriculture is not just about sowing seeds and harvesting crops anymore," he stated. "It's about data-driven decisions, precision tools, and sustainable practices that can double yields while minimizing environmental impact." He highlighted how technologies like artificial intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IoT), drones, and blockchain could address key challenges such as soil degradation, water scarcity, and pest management.

One of the central themes of the workshop was the integration of AI and machine learning in farming. Experts delved into how AI-powered tools can analyze vast amounts of data from satellite imagery, weather forecasts, and soil sensors to provide farmers with real-time insights. For instance, predictive analytics can forecast crop diseases or optimize irrigation schedules, potentially reducing water usage by up to 30%. A session led by Dr. Anita Patel, a leading agronomist from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kharagpur, showcased successful case studies from Punjab and Maharashtra where AI-driven apps have helped smallholder farmers increase productivity. She shared stories of farmers who, through mobile apps, received personalized advice on fertilizer application, leading to a 20-25% rise in yields without additional costs.

Drones emerged as another hot topic, with demonstrations illustrating their role in precision agriculture. Representatives from drone manufacturing companies like Garuda Aerospace presented live demos of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) equipped with multispectral cameras. These drones can map fields, detect nutrient deficiencies, and even spray pesticides with pinpoint accuracy, minimizing chemical runoff and human exposure. A farmer from Ganjam district, Odisha, shared his experience: "Before drones, scouting my paddy fields for pests was a backbreaking task. Now, with a quick flight, I get a bird's-eye view and act swiftly." The workshop included hands-on training sessions where participants learned to operate basic drone models, fostering practical skills among attendees.

The event also addressed the adoption of IoT devices, such as smart sensors embedded in soil to monitor moisture levels, pH balance, and nutrient content. These devices connect to cloud platforms, allowing farmers to access data via smartphones. A panel discussion moderated by OUAT's Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Sushant Mishra, explored the barriers to IoT adoption in rural areas, including high initial costs, lack of digital literacy, and unreliable internet connectivity. Panelists, including government officials from the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare, proposed solutions like subsidized IoT kits and community training programs. They referenced pilot projects in Odisha's tribal regions where solar-powered sensors have helped in efficient water management for rain-fed crops.

Blockchain technology was highlighted for its potential in supply chain transparency. Experts explained how blockchain can track produce from farm to fork, ensuring fair pricing and reducing fraud. A speaker from a Bengaluru-based agritech startup demonstrated a platform where farmers log their harvests on a decentralized ledger, enabling buyers to verify authenticity and quality. This is particularly relevant for Odisha's organic farming sector, where certification and traceability are crucial for export markets.

Challenges in technology adoption were not glossed over. Rural electrification issues, affordability, and the digital divide were recurrent concerns. Farmers' representatives voiced apprehensions about data privacy and the risk of over-reliance on tech, which could sideline traditional knowledge. To counter this, the workshop featured breakout sessions on hybrid models that blend indigenous practices with modern tools. For example, integrating local crop varieties with genetic engineering techniques to enhance resilience against droughts.

The role of government policies was a key focus. Officials from the Odisha State Agriculture Department outlined initiatives like the Krushak Assistance for Livelihood and Income Augmentation (KALIA) scheme, which could be expanded to include tech subsidies. They announced plans for a statewide rollout of digital farming hubs, where farmers can access training and equipment on a rental basis. International perspectives were brought in by guests from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), who shared global best practices from countries like Israel and the Netherlands, where tech adoption has led to high-efficiency farming.

Interactive elements made the workshop engaging. Attendees participated in group discussions, brainstorming sessions, and even a hackathon where young innovators developed prototypes for affordable soil-testing devices. Over 200 participants, including 50 progressive farmers from across Odisha, networked and exchanged ideas. The event concluded with a valedictory session where resolutions were adopted, calling for increased funding in agritech research, public-private partnerships, and farmer cooperatives to facilitate tech dissemination.

In his closing remarks, Chief Guest and Odisha's Agriculture Minister, Shri Pradeep Jena, pledged support for implementing workshop recommendations. "Odisha's agriculture sector is at a crossroads," he said. "By embracing technology, we can ensure food security, empower our farmers, and contribute to India's goal of becoming a $5 trillion economy." He announced a follow-up program to monitor progress, including field trials of discussed technologies in select districts.

The workshop underscored a collective vision for a tech-savvy agricultural landscape in India. It highlighted successes like the Digital Agriculture Mission, which aims to digitize farm records and provide e-advisories. Participants left with actionable insights, such as adopting mobile apps for market intelligence, which can help farmers negotiate better prices by tracking real-time commodity rates.

Broader implications were discussed, including environmental benefits. Precision farming reduces fertilizer overuse, cutting down on nitrous oxide emissions—a major greenhouse gas. Water conservation through smart irrigation aligns with India's water-stressed regions, potentially saving billions of liters annually. Economically, tech adoption could boost rural incomes, create jobs in agritech services, and attract youth back to farming, reversing urban migration trends.

Critics, however, pointed out the need for inclusive strategies. Women farmers, who form a significant workforce in Odisha, often face barriers to tech access due to gender norms. Sessions advocated for gender-sensitive training and affordable, user-friendly devices.

Looking ahead, the workshop proposed a roadmap: short-term goals like awareness campaigns and subsidies; medium-term objectives such as infrastructure development for rural broadband; and long-term visions of fully automated farms. Collaborations with institutions like the National Institute of Agricultural Extension Management (MANAGE) were suggested to scale up efforts.

Overall, the Bhubaneswar workshop served as a catalyst for change, inspiring attendees to view technology not as a disruptor but as an enabler. As India strives for agricultural self-sufficiency, events like this are crucial in fostering innovation and sustainability. Farmers who attended expressed optimism, with one saying, "This isn't just about machines; it's about securing our future harvests." The discussions and demonstrations painted a promising picture of how technology can transform agriculture from a labor-intensive endeavor into a smart, resilient industry, benefiting millions across the nation. (Word count: 1,048)

Read the Full The New Indian Express Article at:
[ https://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/bhubaneswar/2025/Jul/28/workshop-on-technology-adoption-in-agriculture-held-in-bhubaneswar ]