- Five-day training on AI begins for professors and scientists of Agricultural University
- Experts from national institutes like IIT, IIM, NIT, NARM are providing training.
A five-day training program on the effective use of artificial intelligence techniques in teaching and research was started at Indira Gandhi Agricultural University. Organized from March 16 to 20 at the Agricultural College, Raipur, this training program is teaching the tricks of achieving excellence in these fields by effectively using various techniques and tools of artificial intelligence in agricultural education and research. Professors and scientists from 17 colleges operating under Indira Gandhi Agricultural University are participating in this training program.
The training program features experts from national institutions such as IIT Bhilai, IIIT Naya Raipur, NIT Raipur, IIM Raipur, Hidayatullah National Law University Naya Raipur, Guru Ghasidas Central University Bilaspur, ICAR-NAARM Hyderabad, and ICAR-NIBSM Baronda, guiding trainees on the effective use of various techniques and tools of artificial intelligence in agricultural education and research. The five-day training program was inaugurated by Dr. Girish Chandel, Vice Chancellor of Indira Gandhi Agricultural University.
Dr. Rajiv Prakash, Director of the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Bhilai, and Dr. P.K. Rai, Director of the ICAR-National Institute of Biotic Stress Management (NIBSM), Baronda, served as keynote speakers. On this occasion, Registrar of Indira Gandhi Agricultural University, Dr. Kapildev Deepak, Directors of Agricultural University and Deans of various colleges were present.
Inaugurating the training program, Dr. Girish Chandel, Vice Chancellor of Indira Gandhi Agricultural University, said that the use of artificial intelligence in our lives has been increasing steadily over the past few years and has now become a part of our daily routine. He noted that artificial intelligence has played a significant role, especially in higher education research and technology development. It is making teaching, research, and academic work more effective. Dr. Chandel added that artificial intelligence can also play a significant role in agricultural education and research. In professional fields like agricultural education, the use of AI has become essential for improving teaching quality, innovation, and research. He stated that during this five-day training, participants will receive detailed information from experts on teaching-related tasks such as lesson planning, content creation, evaluation, and research, as well as research-related tasks such as research writing, literature review, and reference management.
In this training, participants will learn to effectively utilize various AI techniques and tools in their classrooms, laboratories, and research, enhancing their efficiency and innovation capabilities. Dr. Rajiv Prakash, Director of IIT Bhilai, stated on this occasion that the use of artificial intelligence has been increasing since the COVID-19 pandemic. During the COVID-19 pandemic, IIT Kanpur used various AI tools to provide accurate forecasts of daily COVID-19 cases and peak periods. He added that AI technology is also being used in agriculture to provide weather forecasts and agricultural advice to farmers. He added that various AI tools can be used to select suitable crops for farmers using rainfall and available groundwater data. Furthermore, by studying past pest and disease outbreaks and current climatic conditions, crops can be protected from pest and disease outbreaks.
Similarly, AI tools can be used for crop production and marketing. Dr. P.K. Rai, Director of NIBSM, also addressed the participants. Dr. N.V. Ramanna, Director of NIT Raipur, also provided guidance.
It is noteworthy that this training program is organized in two major components. The first component is an orientation program for newly appointed faculty members, aimed at familiarizing them with the university’s vision, mission, and academic structure. The second component is training on artificial intelligence in teaching and research, through which participants will be introduced to modern AI tools and techniques so that they can effectively use them in classrooms, laboratories, extension activities, and research. During these five days, participants will be exposed to the latest trends in AI-based teaching and research through expert lectures, discussions, and practical sessions. The coordinator of the training program is Dr. Aarti Guhe, Dean of the College of Agriculture, Raipur.