HYDERABAD, FEBRUARY 26.M 2025: MANAGE inaugurated a two-week International Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) training programme on the Integration of Remote Sensing, GIS, Drones, and AI in Agricultural Extension, scheduled from February 26 to March 11, 2025. A total of 29 delegates from 26 countries, including Mexico, Côte D’Ivoire, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, Nigeria, Rwanda, Benin, Tanzania, Mauritius, South Sudan, Iran, Niger, Fiji, Zambia, Ethiopia, Bangladesh, Malaysia, Mongolia, Armenia, Lesotho, Ghana, Malawi, Thailand, Türkiye, Eritrea, and Syria, are attending the training.
In his inaugural address, Dr. Hanuman Sagar Singh, Director General, MANAGE emphasized the role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and modern technology in helping Indian farmers to overcome farming challenges. He highlighted initiatives like the National Pest Surveillance System (NPSS), which leverages AI/ML technologies for real-time pest management, and drone technology, which aids in reducing labour costs. Additionally, he encouraged participants to actively engage in the training, share their queries, and contribute their experiences.
Dr. K. C. Gummagolmath, Director (M&E), MANAGE, highlighted how AI tools are reducing resource consumption, lowering transaction costs, and increasing farmers’ profits.
Training focuses on providing participants with a comprehensive understanding of advanced technologies in agriculture to bridge the gap between innovation and farming practices. The program covers key themes such as AI applications, precision farming, geospatial technologies, and digital advisory services to enhance agricultural productivity. Key topics include GIS/GPS in agriculture, AI-driven digital soil mapping, remote sensing, IoT in agriculture, drones, weather forecasting, and machine learning applications. The role of advanced ICT technologies in supporting farmers and watershed development will also be explored. Participants will visit ICRISAT, PJTAU-Drone Academy, T-Hub, ICAR-CRIDA, INCOIS, and NIPHM to further enrich their experience. Additionally, participants will prepare a Back-at-Work Plan to apply their learnings in their respective countries.
Dr. M. Srikanth, Director (ABM), is leading the program with coordination by Dr. G. Naveen Kumar, Academic Associate, MANAGE, along with Dr. Tanya Saklani, Dr. Gopichand B, Dr. Gayatri, Dr. Manu Nayaka, Rajendra Babu, Consultants, MANAGE and Dr. Dimashree, MANAGE Fellow.
