Monday, November 4, 2024

Organization of ISAE Convention & International Symposium at VNMKV, Parbhani


Vasantrao Naik Marathwada Krishi Vidyapeeth, Parbhani, in collaboration with the Indian Society of Agricultural Engineers (ISAE), New Delhi, are being jointly organized the 58th Annual Convention of ISAE on “Engineering Innovations for Next-gen Digital Agriculture” along with an International Symposium on “Agricultural Engineering Education for Aspiring Youth in Transforming Agriculture,” during November 12-14, 2024, at Parbhani (Maharashtra).

This prestigious event will gather leading experts, researchers, and practitioners from around the world to discuss innovative solutions and advancements in agricultural & food process engineering. It will serve as a platform for deliberations on farm mechanization, energy-efficient machinery, automated irrigation systems, smart agriculture practices, precision farm management, post-harvest crop management, renewable energy technologies, food processing solutions and the future of agricultural engineering education. Esteemed representatives from ICAR, SAUs, national and international organizations, industries, policymakers, and scientists will participate. The event will also feature an agricultural exhibition, themed sessions, farm visits, and interactions among farmers, scientists, and agricultural personnel. Recommendations from the convention will be submitted to the government for sustainable agriculture policies, which is crucial for supporting small and marginal farmers who make up 90% of India’s farm holdings.

The event aims to explore pioneering solutions and advancements in agricultural engineering, drawing over 500 participants including ICAR officials, scientists, university Vice Chancellors, representatives from national and international organizations, policymakers, entrepreneurs, researchers, and students.

Renowned dignitaries will grace the symposium, including Padma Bhushan Dr. R.S. Paroda, former Director General of ICAR; Dr. Himanshu Pathak, Director General of ICAR; Dr. S.N. Jha, DDG (Agri. Engg.), ICAR & President of ISAE, Dr. Manindra Agrawal, Director of IIT Kanpur; Dr. V.K. Tiwari, Director of IIT Kharagpur; and several esteemed experts from countries like the USA, Germany, Japan, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Malaysia. Padma Bhushan Dr. Paroda will be honored with the ISAE Honorary Fellowship 2024 for his contributions to the field of agricultural engineering.

On November 12, experts including Dr. Tiwari, Dr. Kingsley from Purdue University (USA), and Dr. Bhim Prasad Shrestha from Nepal will address topics in agricultural engineering education to inspire young minds. November 13 will feature 20 sessions, covering oral and poster presentations, followed by a discussion on November 14 on “Engineering Innovations for Next-Gen Digital Agriculture,” led by experts such as Dr. Madan Jha from IIT Kharagpur.

The symposium will consist of four key sessions:

  1. Farm Mechanization and Automation: Exploring seed-to-seed mechanization, tillage & traction machinery, mechatronics, solar-powered equipment, drones, AI, and robotics, ergonomics & human safety.
  2. Food Processing Engineering and Technologies: Focusing on post-harvest engineering, dairy and poultry, and value-added food products, functional and nutraceutical foods.
  3. Land and Water Management Technologies: Addressing soil and water engineering, drainage system, innovation in conversation agriculture, irrigation management, AI, IoT, ML in land and water management.
  4. Green and Alternative Energy Technologies: Highlighting Agri-PV, renewable energy applications, and clean energy technologies, animal energy, waste / energy conservation.

The technical session includes separate sessions dedicated to industry, farmers, and students. During the industry session, senior executives from prominent organizations will join discussions, including Mr. Hemant Sikka, President of the Farm Equipment Sector at Mahindra and Mahindra; Mr. Jatin Patel (ASPEE); Mr. Kesavan (TAFE); Mr. Kumar Bimal (Sonalika International Tractors Ltd) Mr. Randhir Chavan (NETAFIM Irrigation); Ms. Sangeeta Laddha (Revulis Irrigation); Mr. Rajendra Barwale (Mahyco). In the farmer session, progressive farmers will share their experiences, while the student session including school going students will focus on the importance of agriculture, agricultural education, and the orientation of NEP 2020.

The symposium organised under the patronage of VNMKV Vice-Chancellor Dr. Indra Mani. He said that the symposium aims to bring forth recommendations to both state and central governments for the implementation of sustainable agricultural policies. Convenor of the symposium Dean Dr. Uday Khodke, Organizing Secretary Dr. Harish Awari and ISAE leaders contributing to the event include National President Dr. Shyam Narayan Zha, DDG (Agricultural Engineering) ICAR, New Delhi; Secretary General Dr. Pramod Sahu, IARI, New Delhi; Vice President of the Technical Council Dr. Ambrish Kumar, Principal Scientist, Dehradun; and Vice President of the Activity Council Dr. D. M. Kadam, CIRCOT, Mumbai. The event will also be streamed live on VNMKV’s official YouTube channel, accessible at https://www.youtube.com/@VNMKV, enabling a wider audience to benefit from the insights shared at this international gathering.

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