MANAGE Launches ITEC Training Program on AI, GIS, and Drones in Agriculture with 29 Participants from 26 Countries
(Judicial Quest News Network)
Hyderabad, February 26, 2025 – The National Institute of Agricultural Extension Management (MANAGE) today inaugurated a two-week International Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) training program focused on the integration of Remote Sensing, GIS, Drones, and Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Agricultural Extension. The program, running from February 26 to March 11, 2025, brings together 29 delegates from 26 countries, including Mexico, Côte D’Ivoire, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, Nigeria, Rwanda, and several others.
In his inaugural address, Dr. Hanuman Sagar Singh, Director General of MANAGE, emphasized the transformative role of AI and modern technologies in addressing agricultural challenges in India. He discussed initiatives such as the National Pest Surveillance System (NPSS), which utilizes AI and machine learning for real-time pest management, as well as the role of drone technology in reducing labor costs for farmers. Dr. Singh encouraged participants to engage actively in the training, share their experiences, and bring forth their queries to make the learning process more interactive and enriching.
Dr. K. C. Gummagolmath, Director (M&E) at MANAGE, further elaborated on how AI tools are significantly reducing resource consumption, lowering transaction costs, and enhancing farmers’ profitability, creating a pathway for more efficient and sustainable agricultural practices.
The training program is designed to provide participants with an in-depth understanding of advanced agricultural technologies, bridging the gap between innovation and farming practices. Topics include AI applications in agriculture, precision farming, geospatial technologies, and digital advisory services aimed at boosting agricultural productivity. Key areas of focus include GIS/GPS applications in farming, AI-driven soil mapping, remote sensing, IoT applications in agriculture, drone technology, weather forecasting, and machine learning. The role of advanced ICT technologies in supporting farmers and watershed development will also be explored.
Participants will visit several prominent institutions, including ICRISAT, PJTAU-Drone Academy, T-Hub, ICAR-CRIDA, INCOIS, and NIPHM, to enhance their learning. They will also prepare a “Back-at-Work Plan” to apply the skills and knowledge gained during the program in their home countries.
The program is being led by Dr. M. Srikanth, Director (ABM), with coordination by Dr. G. Naveen Kumar, Academic Associate at MANAGE, along with other experts including Dr. Tanya Saklani, Dr. Gopichand B., Dr. Gayatri, Dr. Manu Nayaka, Rajendra Babu, Consultants at MANAGE, and Dr. Dimashree, MANAGE Fellow.
This ITEC training marks an important step toward strengthening global collaboration and fostering the use of cutting-edge technologies in agriculture for sustainable development.
