A highly informative webinar on “AI Technology for Crop Improvement in Agriculture” was successfully conducted on March 18, 2025, from 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM via Microsoft Teams. The event was efficiently coordinated and hosted by Dr. G. Kiruba and Mr. D. Anandan, Assistant Professors (Agricultural Engineering). Attended by over 140 students, the session featured Dr. P. Mathankumar, Project Manager (Research) at the Indian Institute of Rice Research, Hyderabad, as the invited guest speaker.
The webinar commenced with a warm welcome by Dr. B. Kailashkumar, Head of the Department (HoD), Agricultural Engineering, followed by a detailed introduction of the resource person by the Student Secretary.
Dr. P. Mathankumar began his lecture by emphasizing the transformative role of AI in modern agriculture, particularly in crop improvement. He explained how AI tools such as machine learning algorithms, image recognition, and predictive analytics are reshaping traditional agricultural practices. He elaborated on how AI-driven models are used to predict crop yields, identify plant diseases, optimize irrigation practices, and enhance breeding techniques by analyzing vast amounts of data from sensor data, satellite imagery, and weather patterns.
He also discussed precision agriculture, where AI systems enable farmers to make data-driven decisions, leading to better resource management, reduced waste, and increased crop productivity. Additionally, he highlighted AI’s role in genetic research, aiding in the development of disease-resistant, high-yielding crop varieties, which could significantly contribute to food security and sustainability.
The discussion also touched on the rising demand for AI professionals in agriculture, outlining emerging career paths in AI model development, data analysis, agricultural robotics, and precision farming.
The webinar concluded with an engaging Q&A session, providing attendees with a deeper understanding of AI’s potential applications in agriculture. The event ended with a vote of thanks delivered by the Student Secretary, expressing gratitude to the resource person, HoD, coordinators, faculty members, and participants for their active engagement.
