Sabour: Bihar Agricultural University (BAU), Sabour, successfully concluded a 21-day advanced training program under the Center of Advanced Faculty Training (CAFT) on “Agriculture 5.0: Embracing AI and ICT for Next-Generation Farming.”
The program, held from January 28 to February 17, witnessed the participation of 28 scientists from ten states across India. The objective was to familiarize participants with the latest applications of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in agriculture. The sessions covered AI-based crop disease identification, precision farming with drone technology, digital applications in agriculture, and cybersecurity in smart farming.
The training combined theoretical knowledge with practical experience. Participants engaged in hands-on exercises, software demonstrations, and field visits, including visits to IIIT Bhagalpur and Nalanda College of Horticulture. Many attendees described the training as “excellent” and “exceptional.” In the closing ceremony, BAU Vice-Chancellor D.R. Singh emphasized that AI and ICT could bring revolutionary changes to agriculture. He highlighted BAU Sabour’s commitment to promoting innovation and sustainable development in farming. Singh also introduced the concept of developing an integrated “Super App” for agriculture and encouraged participants to use social media and video content to disseminate knowledge to farmers.
All participants received certificates at the closing session, and BAU assured its continued efforts in knowledge sharing. The training was led by Course Director R.K. Sohane, Director of Extension Education at BAU, with Aditya Sinha and C.K. Panda serving as Course Coordinators. The program reflected the growing need for digital innovations in agriculture and reaffirmed BAU Sabour’s leadership in agricultural education and research.
Participants shared their experiences of spending 21 days in Sabour. Mala C. Patil, Assistant Professor at the University of Horticultural Sciences, Bagalkot, Karnataka, said that memories of Sabour would always bring a smile and that the knowledge gained would be implemented for the benefit of farmers in her state. L. Arun, Assistant Professor at Veterinary College, Tripura, Tamil Nadu, praised BAU for pioneering agricultural technology advancements that other universities are still preparing for. He highlighted the training’s focus on ICT and media applications in agricultural extension.
Anju Kapri from Galgotia University, Greater Noida, expressed that for India to reach the agricultural standards of Western countries, more universities must adopt technologies like BAU. Thungamani from the University of Horticultural Sciences, Bagalkot, Karnataka, appreciated BAU’s media center and community radio station and expressed interest in developing similar high-tech outreach initiatives at his university.
