On January 4, 2024, the College of Agricultural Engineering and Technology (COAE&T) at Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) hosted Dr. Dharmendra Saraswat, an Associate Professor from the Agricultural and Biological Division of Purdue University, USA. Dr. Saraswat, a visiting Fullbright Scholar under USIEF, participated in a talk-cum-interaction meet organized by the Punjab Chapter of the Indian Society of Agricultural Engineers. The event aimed to enlighten post-graduate students about the ongoing initiatives in digital agriculture at Purdue University.
During the meeting, Dr. Saraswat shared his expertise on the advancements in digital agriculture, focusing on transformative technologies and methodologies employed in his Digital Discovery (DAD) Lab at Purdue University. He emphasized the potential for agricultural transformation by converting data into actionable information for decision-making. Noting the infusion of drone technology and sensors in India, Dr. Saraswat highlighted how the generated data could significantly impact the farming practices of small and marginal farmers.
The discussion covered various topics, including precision agriculture, data-driven decision-making, open-source decision support systems, and the integration of smart technologies to enhance productivity and sustainability in agriculture. Dr. Saraswat expressed Purdue University’s openness to collaboration with PAU in research and education.
Dr. Manjeet Singh, Dean of COAE&T, praised Dr. Saraswat’s informative talk, highlighting its significance in providing faculty and students with insights into global advancements in digital agriculture. He emphasized the importance of digital technologies in shaping the future of agriculture and shared the college’s efforts to integrate advanced technological education into its curriculum.
Dr. JP Singh, Head of the Department of Soil and Water Engineering, welcomed the dignitaries and students, underscoring the importance of partnerships with international institutions like Purdue University. He emphasized the value of exchanging ideas, research findings, and practical experiences to foster growth and innovation in agricultural engineering in the region. The event served as a platform for interaction, discussions, and potential collaborations between the two institutions.