Punjab News: Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) is set to make history by establishing India’s first dedicated AI school for agriculture on its campus. This pioneering initiative, in collaboration with the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) and its South Asia Regional Centre (ISARC), aims to revolutionize agricultural education and practices through the integration of advanced artificial intelligence technologies.
Focus on AI Applications in Agriculture
The AI school will offer students the opportunity to learn about cutting-edge AI applications in the agricultural sector. The curriculum will cover a range of technologies, including satellite imaging, mapping of crops and agricultural fields, sensor-based agriculture, grading of crops and irrigation, remote sensing, disease forecasting, data analysis, and weather predictions. These technologies are expected to enhance productivity, efficiency, and sustainability in agriculture.
Financial and Structural Details
The establishment of the AI school will require an investment of approximately Rs 15-18 crore. The university has already secured Rs 1 crore from the Punjab state government and plans to utilize an additional Rs 2 crore from a special grant announced in the state budget. PAU has also submitted a proposal for further funding to the state government.
The AI school will be housed in the College of Agriculture building, and the university plans to launch a B.Tech program in AI starting from the next academic session. Postgraduate courses will be introduced later, depending on student interest and demand. Dr. Satbir Singh Gosal, Vice-Chancellor of PAU, emphasized the university’s readiness, stating, “We already have a building and staff for the School of AI in Agriculture. Besides, we will also hire more staff.”
Enhancing Agricultural Education
Dr. Gosal highlighted that a significant portion of the funds would be allocated for the procurement of tools, equipment, and applications necessary for the AI school. The initiative represents a major step forward in integrating technology with traditional agricultural practices, preparing the next generation of agricultural professionals to address the challenges of modern farming.
With this groundbreaking project, PAU aims to position itself as a leader in agricultural education, ensuring that students are equipped with the skills and knowledge to harness the power of AI for the future of farming.
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