Ziraat Times Team Report
SRINAGAR: In a move aimed at revolutionizing agriculture in the Himalayan region, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), Government of India, has approved an ambitious Agri-Excellence Program on the “Application of Electronics and ICT in Himalayan Region Crop Management.” The prestigious project, valued at Rs 42 crore over four years, will be spearheaded by the Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology, Kashmir (SKUAST-K), with several of India’s leading research institutions as partners.
The project represents a first for MeitY—working directly with an agricultural university—underscoring the government’s commitment to integrating cutting-edge technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IoT), robotics, and precision farming into India’s agricultural sector.
The Agri-Excellence Program will be carried out by a consortium of some of India’s top research organizations. Alongside SKUAST-K as the nodal institution, the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC) at Kolkata and Mohali, the Central Mechanical Engineering Research Institute (CMERI) at Durgapur and Ludhiana, and the Central Manufacturing Technology Institute (CMTI) in Bengaluru are integral partners in this ambitious initiative.
These institutions are well-known for their contributions to high-performance computing, robotics, AI, and advanced manufacturing technologies. Their involvement ensures that the program is grounded in innovation, research excellence, and practical applications aimed at uplifting the agricultural sector in J&K.
Pioneering Agricultural Technologies for J&K
Speaking about the project, Prof. Nazir Ahmad Ganie, Vice Chancellor of SKUAST-K, described it as a “groundbreaking mega project” poised to revolutionize agriculture in the Himalayan region. He highlighted that the project will integrate advanced electronics, artificial intelligence, and precision agriculture technologies, which will enhance productivity and sustainability.
“The program will focus on three key crops that are vital to the region’s bioeconomy: saffron, walnuts, and apples,” Prof. Ganie said. “For saffron, we will develop robotic solutions for weed management, harvesting, and stigma separation. A viable model for soilless cultivation of saffron is also in the works.”
In the case of walnuts, the project aims to develop smart harvesting tools, AI-guided systems for grading based on shell thickness and wholesomeness, and rapid aflatoxin detection solutions to ensure food safety. For apples, non-invasive techniques for detecting internal quality defects will be developed, boosting the market competitiveness and export potential of J&K’s renowned apple produce.
Prof. Ganie emphasized that this program is not only a technological leap forward but also a platform for student innovation. “Hackathons and Grand Challenges will be organized to encourage students to explore new applications of electronics and ICT in crop management,” he noted. These initiatives will foster a vibrant R&D ecosystem and give students access to advanced facilities and expert mentorship across the five partner institutes.
Under Prof. Ganie’s leadership, SKUAST-K has already set up the Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (CAIML) and launched a B.Tech. program in AI in Agriculture in collaboration with IIT Mandi. Within a year, CAIML has secured five R&D projects and established partnerships with premier institutes like IIT Mandi, IIT Ropar, IIT Bombay, and IIT Kanpur.
The Vice Chancellor acknowledged the support and vision of key officials at MeitY, especially Secretary S. Krishnan, for approving the mega project and placing their trust in SKUAST-K. He also credited Dr. R.C. Agrawal, Deputy Director General (Agri Education), Abhishek Singh, Additional Secretary MeitY, Sunita Verma, Group Coordinator R&D Electronics and Information Technology MeitY, and Dr. Om Krishan, Joint Director MeitY, for their role in shaping the project.
Prof. Ganie extended his gratitude to the directors and coordinators of the collaborating institutions, including Dr. Ch A S Murty and Dr. Hena Ray from C-DAC Kolkata, Shri Prakash Vinod, Joint Director, CMTI Bangalore, and Dr. Pradeep Rajan and Dr. Dip Narayan Ray from CMERI Durgapur and Ludhiana, for their contributions to the consortium.
Core Objectives of the Agri-Excellence Program
- Precision Agriculture Solutions: Implement sensor-based fertigation systems and high-end protected cultivation technologies to optimize resource use.
- Robotics in Crop Management: Develop autonomous robotic systems for tasks like harvesting, weed management, and post-harvest processing.
- AI-Based Quality Assurance: Deploy artificial intelligence for grading and quality assessment of key crops, ensuring higher market value and better exports.
- ICT-Driven Decision Support: Use IoT and machine learning to provide farmers with real-time data for informed decision-making in crop management.
- Capacity Building and Skill Development: Train students, scientists, and farmers on the use of emerging technologies in agriculture through hands-on programs, hackathons, and collaborative R&D projects.
Key Collaborating Institutions and Their Roles
C-DAC (Kolkata and Mohali): Known for pioneering India’s first supercomputer, PARAM, C-DAC will contribute its expertise in AI, blockchain, IoT, and robotics to the program. The focus will be on data analytics, decision support systems, and developing scalable ICT platforms for agriculture.
CMERI (Durgapur and Ludhiana): A premier institute under CSIR, CMERI specializes in mechanical engineering and smart agricultural systems. It will lead the development of advanced machinery, including robotic harvesters and grading systems for horticultural crops.
CMTI (Bengaluru): Operating under the Ministry of Heavy Industries, CMTI is at the forefront of Industry 4.0, smart manufacturing, and machine tool design. It will support the project through the development of precision tools and equipment tailored for J&K’s agricultural needs.
The Vice Chancellor expressed confidence that the Agri-Excellence Program will significantly boost horticulture in J&K, which has been a backbone of the region’s economy. By focusing on saffron, walnut, and apple—three crops with high market demand—the project aims to enhance production efficiency, quality control, and market competitiveness.
“With advancements in robotics, AI, and precision farming, farmers will witness increased productivity, reduced post-harvest losses, and improved export opportunities,” Prof. Ganie asserted. “This project will place J&K at the forefront of smart agriculture in India.”
Prof. Ganie congratulated Prof. Syed Zameer Hussain, Principal Investigator of the project, and co-principal investigators Dr. Showkat Rasool and Dr. Shabir Bhangroo, along with associated scientists Prof. Junaid Nazir Khan and Prof. Sajad Baba. Their collaborative efforts have been pivotal in securing this prestigious project for SKUAST-K.
