National Workshop on Next-Gen Agricultural Physics Concludes

30 June 2025, New Delhi

The Division of Agricultural Physics, ICAR–Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi, successfully organized a National Brainstorming Workshop titled “Next-Gen Agricultural Physics: Innovations for Sustainable Growth” from June 28–30, 2025, commemorating its 63rd Foundation Day.

The workshop was inaugurated with the Foundation Day Lecture by Dr A.K. Nayak, Deputy Director General (Natural Resource Management) ICAR, on the theme “Smart Agriculture: Ensuring Sustainability and Resilience – Role of Agricultural Physics.”

The session was chaired by Dr A.K. Singh, Former Deputy Director General (NRM) and Vice Chancellor, Rajmata Vijayaraje Scindia Agriculture Univerisity, in the esteemed presence of Mr C. Vishwanth, IAS (Retd.), Dr R.N. Padaria (Joint Director, Extension), along with other  senior officials.

Dr Nayak emphasized the critical role of smart soil monitoring, precision irrigation, advanced field machinery, and real-time field monitoring, and underscored the importance of integrating such technologies with ongoing government schemes to enhance farmer income, productivity, and environmental sustainability.

Three expert panel sessions focused on next-generation technologies in soil physics, agrometeorology, and remote sensing. Key discussions revolved around the deployment of AI/ML, IoT, and remote sensing for soil and crop monitoring; development of scalable, cost-effective sensors; localized and automated agromet advisory services; and enhancing data resolution through UAVs and satellites. Emphasis was also placed on promoting public-private partnerships and India-specific Earth Engine platforms, along with capacity building at all levels.

The workshop also featured poster and oral presentations by students and alumni, highlighting cutting-edge research and innovations.

The event concluded with a valedictory address by Dr Ch. Srinivasa Rao, Director & Vice Chancellor, ICAR-IARI, who praised the division's efforts in advancing sustainable and climate-resilient agriculture. He emphasized accelerating micro-irrigation, strengthening soil-water synergy, developing climate analogues, and leveraging data for crop insurance and advisories.

The workshop saw enthusiastic participation from around 110 distinguished alumni and researchers, both in-person and virtually.

(Source: ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi)