National Seminar on “Smart Technologies for Sustainable Agriculture and Environment” organized by the Indian Society of Agrophysics, Division of Agril. Physics, ICAR-IARI, New Delhi was inaugurated on 22nd February 2024 at ICAR-CRIDA, Hyderabad. About 350 stakeholders including scientists, research workers, farmers and students participated in the National Seminar. The event was initiated by lighting the lamp by the dignitaries as a symbol of bestowing knowledge eternally. Dr. Himanshu Pathak, Secretary, DARE and DG, ICAR was the Chief Guest of the program.   Dr V.K. Singh, Director, ICAR-CRIDA welcomed the dignitaries and participants and emphasized the importance of seminar. He further explained how new technologies can help in providing the solutions for agricultural and environmental challenges.

President of ISAP Dr.Y.S.Shivay explained the vital role played by the Indian Society of Agrophysics (ISAP) for sustainable agriculture and environment. He informed the gathering about the brief history of the ISAP. Dr. Pragati Parmanik Maity, Secretary, ISAP explained the purpose of the seminar. She highlighted the importance of Agrophysics research in agriculture, and the use of GIS, Remote Sensing, VRT, sensors, and crop modeling, AI, ML, robotics research. She also briefed the detailed program of two day’s event.

Guest of Honor, Dr. Ch.Srinivasa Rao, Director NAARM mentioned various innovations benefiting farmers, which included the use of drones for spraying and Variable Rate Technology (VRT) for precise nutrient management. He further emphasized the need for technological advancements and innovative approaches to enhance agricultural productivity while maintaining environmental sustainability.

Guest of Honor, Dr. S K Chaudhari, DDG (NRM), ICAR. highlighted the latest advancements in agriculture, including natural resource management, animal husbandry, poultry, fisheries, and other related sectors. He also mentioned the presentation of durable technologies beneficial for farmers, underlining ISAP's commitment to facilitating the knowledge exchange and practical solutions for agricultural development. Guest of Honor Dr. Jacqueline Hughes DG, ICRISAT opined the importance of dryland agriculture, and use of climate-smart technologies benefiting dryland farmers and elaborated