Prayagraj: The second day of the three-day conclave for agricultural scientists and officers from the government of Uttar Pradesh at Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences (SHUATS) saw a delegation of officials visiting various university departments to observe modern agricultural techniques and innovations.

Led by SHUATS Director of Extension Dr. Praveen Charan, the delegation included Dr. Harendra Upadhyay, Director of Agriculture, Uttar Pradesh; Dr. Rakesh, Deputy Director of Farm, Uttar Pradesh Government; Dr. Shweta Verma, Deputy Director of Agriculture, Uttar Pradesh; and Dr. Jagdish Kumar, Joint Director of Agriculture, Uttar Pradesh.

The delegation first visited the Farm Machinery Department. Department Head Dr. Sheen Moses, along with Dr. Rana Noor Alam and Prashant D’Souza, provided a detailed overview of advanced machines and technologies. These included sensor-based self-propelled planters and sprayers, the SHUATS Garlic Planter, the SHUATS Sub-Soiler, a Peltier module-based solar-powered cooling chamber, a hybrid maize shelter, a solar dryer, an amla packing machine, an Arduino-equipped greenhouse, and a briquetting machine.

Following a meeting with the Honorable Vice-Chancellor, the delegation proceeded to the Center for Geospatial Technology. There, department head Professor Dr. Deepak Lal presented an AI and geospatial technology-based predictive analysis system. Dr. Lal explained that this system overcomes the limitations of traditional farming methods by providing real-time information on crop health, water management, pest control, and nutrient optimization. This initiative not only promotes sustainable agriculture and improves overall productivity but also ensures the welfare of farmers, aligning with the state government’s multi-trillion dollar economic vision.

The officials also visited the Department of Food and Nutrition, where department head and Pro-VC (PMD) Professor Dr. Ritu Dubey shared the department’s achievements. She highlighted the inspiring stories of six successful startups developed under the ‘Center of Excellence Uttar Pradesh’ scheme. Dr. Dubey also provided information on a cancer awareness website operated by CGPGI, Lucknow, and initiatives focused on spreading nutritional awareness among adolescent girls.

To conclude the day, the delegation toured the Naini Agricultural Institute, inspecting and learning about the functioning of various departments, including Agronomy, Horticulture, Soil Science, Plant Pathology, and the Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK). The event was attended by SHUATS Pro-VC (Admin) Dr. Vishwaroop Mehra, Registrar Dr. Ranu Prasad, Director of Research Dr. SD Mecarty, and Director of PR & Development Dr. Ramakant Dubey, along with a large number of scientists and staff. The conclave serves as a testament to SHUATS’ excellence in agricultural innovation and its commitment to empowering farmers.