Celebrating Innovation in Agriculture: IIT Ropar’s Foundation Day
The IIT Ropar Technology and Innovation Foundation (iHub – AWaDH) is marking its 4th Foundation Day with a significant event aimed at bridging the gap between technology and traditional farming. This celebration includes a special Farmer Engagement Session, bringing together over 50 farmers and representatives from the Punjab Government’s Department of Horticulture. Established by the Department of Science & Technology (DST) under the National Mission on Interdisciplinary Cyber-Physical Systems (NM-ICPS), AWaDH focuses on advancing innovation in agriculture, water management, and Internet of Things (IoT) technologies. With substantial funding of ₹110 crores from DST and ₹5 crores from Startup India, AWaDH has made remarkable strides in developing sustainable solutions for agriculture and environmental challenges.
Bridging the Gap Between Technology and Farmers
The Farmer Engagement Session represents a vital step in AWaDH’s mission to connect IIT Ropar’s academic resources with the practical knowledge of farmers. This event fosters an open dialogue where farmers can share their challenges and experiences. By doing so, AWaDH aims to ensure that technological advancements are tailored to meet the specific needs of the farming community. The session encourages farmers to express their readiness to adopt AWaDH’s technologies, thereby empowering marginalized groups and strengthening the relationship between modern technology and traditional farming practices.
During the session, farmers will discuss various agricultural challenges they face. This exchange of ideas is crucial for developing solutions that are not only innovative but also practical. By engaging directly with farmers, AWaDH can better understand the real-world implications of its technologies. This collaborative approach is essential for creating sustainable agricultural practices that benefit both the environment and the farming community.
Innovative Technologies for Sustainable Agriculture
AWaDH has made significant progress in agricultural technology, developing over 70 innovative solutions. Among these is the Mooh Sense, an AI-powered livestock management system. This technology monitors animal behavior, movement, and temperature, providing farmers with real-time insights directly on their mobile devices. Deployed in Punjab, including at GADVASU in Ludhiana, Mooh Sense was developed with support from NABARD. This system empowers farmers to make informed decisions regarding their livestock, ultimately enhancing productivity and animal welfare.
Another groundbreaking technology is AWaDH’s Nano Bubble Technology. This method uses electrochemically active nano bubbles to treat water by degrading organic matter, eliminating pathogens, and oxidizing harmful chemicals. Currently in use in ponds and reservoirs across Punjab, this technology significantly improves water quality, which is crucial for both agriculture and public health. Additionally, AWaDH’s Soil Health Monitoring System evaluates soil quality through sensors and lab analysis, helping farmers optimize crop management practices. These innovations exemplify AWaDH’s commitment to creating sustainable solutions that address the pressing challenges faced by farmers today.
Engaging Activities and Knowledge Exchange
The Farmer Engagement Session will feature a series of activities designed to promote collaboration and knowledge exchange. Dr. Radhika Trikha, CEO of IIT Ropar TIF AWaDH, will open the event with a welcome note. This will be followed by introductory remarks from an officer of the Horticulture Department of Rupnagar. The session will then transition into an open discussion, moderated by Mr. Mandeep Singh Badwal, where farmers will share their experiences and challenges.
Dr. Prabir Sarkar, Domain Coordinator at AWaDH, and Mr. Desh Raj, Project Manager at AWaDH, will present on the foundation’s innovative technologies, including the Weather Monitoring System and Bee Sense Technology. They will also demonstrate these technologies at the AWaDH CPS Labs. The session will conclude with a felicitation ceremony to honor the participating farmers. This event will bring together farmers engaged in various practices, such as natural farming, vermin composting, poultry farming, and medicinal agriculture. By addressing the unique needs of these farmers, AWaDH is committed to ensuring that its innovations are not only practical but also impactful in the field of agriculture.
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