Two day workshop on Futuristic Technologies in Agriculture held in Leh

Leh, Jan 21: A two day workshop on “Futuristic Technologies in Agriculture for Sustainable Living” was organised by Science, Technology and Innovation Hub for farmers, students, entrepreneurs and self-help groups working across India on January 18 and 19. The workshop is funded by Department of Science and Technology (DST-SEED).

Director, Himalayan Institute of Alternatives Ladakh (HIAL),Sonam Wangchuk was the keynote speaker for the inaugural session. He applauded the efforts of CSIR-IMTECH in establishing the STI Hub, Ladakh in collaboration with NIELIT Leh and PGIMER Chandigarh. He highlighted the importance of clean and smart technologies for sustainable livelihood in high-altitude regions like Ladakh. He stressed on the need to revive our rich ancient past, which could pave the way for a future circular economy and help in reducing food wastage, artificial fertilizers and energy generated through fossil fuels. He added that SECMOL and HIAL are working towards cleaner technologies like solar heated low-cost buildings made of mud that can maintain comfortable temperature throughout the year.

Director CSIR-IMTECH, Dr Sanjeev Khosla highlighted the efforts of Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR) in supporting farmers in raising their quality of life through S&T interventions. He talked about various CSIR initiatives including the aroma mission and said that CSIR-IMTECH through STI Hub Ladakh is committed to serve the people of Ladakh UT.

Chief Agricultural Officer, LAHDC, Leh, Tashi Tsetan delivered a special lecture during the inaugural event.

Project Leader STI Hub and scientist from CSIR-IMTECH, Chander Shekhar updated about the infrastructure and facilities available at STI Hub which would significantly boost entrepreneurship in Internet of Things (IoT)-based devices, edutech and agritech. More than 750 candidates comprising of farmers, students, academicians, scientists, and entrepreneurs are attending this two-day workshop.

The eminent speakers for the workshop were drawn from the panel of experts in the field of agriculture, horticulture livestock, different R&D institutions like SKUAST Jammu; Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Leh; DIHAR, Leh, IIT Ropar, and G.B. Pant National Institute of Himalayan Environment & Sustainable Development, Leh and CSIR-IMTECH.