NIRJULI, 30 Sep: The department of Agricultural Engineering, North Eastern Regional Institute of Science and Technology (NERIST), organized an international conference on "Emerging AI, Robotics, and IoT Technologies in Agriculture to Innovate, Sustain, and Elevate: Driving Sustainable Rural Transformation" here on Wednesday. The conference aims to provide an opportunity and platform for researchers and practitioners in the field to present their findings and views to build a smart and sustainable system in the world of agriculture.

Addressing the inaugural session, health and family welfare minister Biyuram Wahge encouraged the continued use of smart technologies in agriculture to address the difficulties and challenges being faced in the field. He also shared an example of the challenges being faced by healthcare institutions to highlight the importance of technology in addressing real-world problems.

In his address, NERIST director prof. Narendranath S. highlighted India's contribution to the global agricultural sector and called for the adoption of advanced tools and technologies. He also stressed the importance of farmers' rights.

President of the Indian Society of Agricultural Engineers (ISAE), Dr. S.N. Jha, encouraged engineers, experts, and all individuals to work towards improved structural changes at both the state and central levels.

He stressed the need to come together to build a robust, reliable, and food-secure agricultural system, explore alternative ways of food production, and strive towards the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.

Academic dean prof. S. Gao commended the department of Agricultural Engineering for its outstanding performance and contribution to the institute.

Faculty members, research scholars, academicians, scientists, and B.Tech and M.Tech students of the department, among others, attended the programme.