Robotics & AI in agriculture: Palampur agri varsity experts discuss future of farming

Chaudhary Sarwan Kumar Himachal Pradesh Krishi Vishvavidyalaya celebrated Engineers’ Day at the Department of Agricultural Engineering, College of Agriculture, to commemorate the birth anniversary of the legendary engineer Sir Mokshagundam Visvesvaraya.

The event was organised with great enthusiasm and was graced by eminent dignitaries, including chief guest Dr DK Vatsa (former Vice-Chancellor and former Dean), Dr MC Rana (Dean, College of Agriculture) and special guest Er Ajay Sharma (retired Executive Engineer, PWD and national vice-president, 2nd Engineering Federation). Former Head of Department Dr RK Gupta, Dr Radhna Gupta, Dr Sushant Bhardwaj, Dr Rajender Kumar, staff from the Estate Office, faculty from the Departments of Agricultural Engineering and Food Technology and students also participated in the celebration.

Welcoming the guests, Dr MC Rana underlined the crucial role of engineers in transforming agriculture and ensuring food security. Dr Radhna Gupta formally presented the welcome address.

Delivering the keynote, chief guest Dr DK Vatsa spoke on the future of agricultural engineering, stressing the integration of robotics and artificial intelligence in agriculture to enhance productivity and sustainability. Expressing concern over the declining number of agricultural engineers in Himachal Pradesh, he strongly advocated for the establishment of an Agricultural Engineering College and Directorate. As Honorary Secretary of the Institution of Engineers (India), he also highlighted this year’s national theme, “Deep Tech & Engineering Excellence.”

In his special message, Vice-Chancellor Prof Naveen Kumar congratulated the department for organising the programme and lauded the contributions of engineers in agriculture and allied sectors. He emphasised that deep tech, robotics and AI-driven innovations are essential for sustainable farming, climate resilience and rural prosperity, and encouraged students to pursue excellence in these fields.

Dr Sushant Bhardwaj reflected on the life and remarkable achievements of Sir Mokshagundam Visvesvaraya, portraying him as a visionary who shaped India’s engineering landscape. Er Ajay Sharma elaborated on the pivotal role of engineers in nation-building and invited participants to join the Engineering Federation to strengthen the profession’s welfare and recognition.

The celebration paid rich tribute to Sir Mokshagundam Visvesvaraya’s legacy and reaffirmed the vital role of engineers in building a progressive, self-reliant India.