Bhagalpur: Bihar Agricultural University (BAU) in Sabour convened a two-day seminar on “Digital Agriculture: Importance and Opportunities” on January 5–6, in collaboration with the Bihar Agricultural Management and Extension Training Institute (BAMETI), Patna.
The event aimed to raise awareness and build capacity around the application of digital technologies in agriculture, with a focus on supporting farmers, extension workers, and agricultural institutions across Bihar.
Over the course of the seminar, 78 participants engaged with emerging topics in digital agriculture, including pest and disease management, ICT-based advisory systems, and the growing role of artificial intelligence and machine learning in crop management. Sessions also explored mobile applications and digital platforms for farmer-centric services, digital financial tools, and access to formal credit systems for rural communities.
Innovative communication methods such as audio-based storytelling and digital branding were highlighted as ways to promote Bihar’s Geographical Indication (GI) products. Case studies from various regions illustrated the potential of smart agriculture and digital technologies to enhance agricultural practices.
Speaking at the conclusion of the seminar, Dr S K Pathak, Director of Extension Education at BAU, emphasised the evolving landscape of Indian agriculture and the critical role of digital innovation. Dr R N Singh, Assistant Director of Extension Education, shared experiences of implementing institutional and regional initiatives, while Dr Abhay Mankar, Deputy Director Training, outlined BAU’s efforts to strengthen digital agriculture and extension services. Dr Aditya Sinha, Assistant Professor of Extension Education, served as the seminar’s organising secretary.
