Two-Day Workshop on Artificial Intelligence kicks off at PU

Chandigarh, June 13, 2024: A Two-Day Workshop on "Transforming Tomorrow: Artificial Intelligence for Sustainable Agriculture, Health, and Ecosystem Resilience” from 13-14 June 2024 was launched at Panjab University, Chandigarh by the PU-IIT Ropar Regional Accelerator for Holistic Innovations Foundation (PI-RAHI), the Northern Region S&T Cluster. 

The event explores the transformative potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in addressing critical challenges in agriculture, healthcare, and environmental sustainability. The workshop was inaugurated by Dr. Akhilesh Gupta, Former Secretary, Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB). He emphasized on how agriculture, water and health are connected and transformative potential of AI. According to him data acquisition in different fields is crucial to realize the benefits of AI”. Prof. Gupta unveiled SHINE (SKILL, HARVEST, INNOVATE, NETWORK AND EARN) initiative of the S&T cluster meant to engage student interns at the S&T cluster with objective of earn while one learns. Prof. Dr. Harsh Nayyar, Director, R&D cell at PU was the Guest of Honour. The Workshop had paricipants from drawn from various institutions in the region.

The workshop included talk by Dr. Poonam Saini from Punjab Engineering College, Chandigarh on ‘Evolution of AI and Data Science and Engineering’. She talked about Machine Consciousness along with history of AI development and responsive AI.

Dr Amit Kumar, from Indian Institute of Himalayan Bioresource Technology (CSIR-IHBT), presented his work on ‘AI Based High Resolution Remote Sensing for Commercially Important Medicinal and Aromatic Crops of Himalayas’. Dr. Kumar talked about the role of AI in remote sensing through satellites for precision agriculture. He briefed on the satellite structure, various components and their functions. He discussed how AI and remote sensing are being used in the area to monitor different aspects of medicinal and aromatic plants.

A session on AI and Agriculture was conducted by IIT Ropar-Agriculture and Water Technology Development Hub (AWADH) wherein the work being carried in the area was discussed A panel discussion was conducted with representatives form Plaksha University, IIT Ropar, STPI Mohali Neuron, CSIR-CSIO and Agrimatrix Private Ltd provide insightful discussion on impact of AI on farming practices and challenges therein. The workshop also had founder talks from Agrimatrix Pvt Ltd and Ekak Innovations.

Prof. Renu Vig, Vice Chancellor, PU said that the event is expected to be a catalyst for driving transformative change through the responsible and ethical deployment of AI technologies, fostering sustainable development, and improving the well-being of communities.