A day-long seminar on “Empowering agricultural sustainability through artificial intelligence” was organised by the Punjab School of Economics, Guru Nanak Dev University, recently. The seminar was held in collaboration with the Centre for Agricultural Research and Innovations (CARI) under RUSA 2.0.
Vice-Chancellor Karamjeet Singh delivered the presidential remarks, emphasising the growing importance of artificial intelligence (AI) in transforming the agricultural sector, and ensuring sustainable development.
He underscored the principle of ‘Sarbat da Bhala’, a teaching of Guru Nanak Dev meaning welfare of all.
“AI should be our agent rather than humans becoming agents of AI. Our collaboration with universities such as Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University, New Delhi, and the University of Poland is a step forward in promoting sustainable agricultural practices and empowering students and local farmers with knowledge,” he said.
In his keynote address, Gagandeep Sharma, Professor at Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University, New Delhi, focused on developing technologies that can help integrate the fragmented agriculture sector.
Citing the example of Zomato, a major food delivery platform, he highlighted how integration-led models could achieve scale and efficiency.
He added that Punjab’s youth possessed significant potential to generate innovative ideas in the space.
Dariusz Sala from AGH University of Science and Technology, Poland, highlighted the importance of agricultural studies in relation to AI, and lauded the collaboration between AGH University and Guru Nanak Dev University.
Dariusz Cichon, also from AGH University, used audio-visual presentations to highlight opportunities offered by the university for master’s and PhD programmes.
During the seminar, experts discussed the role of AI-based solutions in precision farming, crop monitoring, soil analysis, water conservation, and improving agricultural productivity.
Discussions also focused on the need for interdisciplinary collaboration, research, and policy support to strengthen sustainable agricultural systems. Faculty members, research scholars and students participated in the seminar, and interacted with the speakers during a question-and-answer session.
The programme aimed to provide a platform for academic exchange and to encourage young researchers to explore emerging areas at the intersection of agriculture, sustainability and AI.
