Bhubaneswar, Jan 22: In the age of drones, sensors, and artificial intelligence, farming is no longer confined to the soil alone. It is increasingly becoming a science of data, networks, and innovation. This transformation was at the heart of a three-day national seminar on “Innovations in Agrophysics for Green Agriculture” that opened at the ICAR–Indian Institute of Water Management (IIWM) campus in Bhubaneswar on Thursday.

Organised jointly by the Indian Agrophysics Society, New Delhi, and ICAR-IIWM, the seminar brought together more than 200 participants from across the country – scientists, young researchers, farmers, and professionals from universities, NGOs, and private companies. The gathering reflected a growing consensus that India’s agricultural future lies in blending traditional practices with cutting-edge digital technologies.

The Indian Agrophysics Society, founded in 1985, has long championed research and training in agricultural physics. Its current leadership – Dr. N. Subhash as president and Dr. Pragati Pramanik Maiti as secretary – has steered the society towards addressing contemporary challenges such as climate resilience and sustainable resource management.

The seminar was inaugurated by Dr. S.K. Chaudhuri, Director General of the Fertiliser Association of India (FAI), New Delhi. Dr. Arjmadatta Sarangi, Director of ICAR-IIWM, served as chairman of the event, while Dr. Kali Kinkar Bandopadhyay was secretary. The inaugural session was followed by the 12th Dr. B.P. Ghildyal Memorial Lecture, where Dr. C. Srinivas Rao, Director of ICAR-IARI, New Delhi, spoke on “Innovations for Green Farming.” His address highlighted the role of agrophysics in preparing Indian agriculture for climate uncertainties.

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Over the course of the seminar, five plenary lectures, numerous oral and poster presentations, and two special sessions sponsored by FAI and the International Water Management Institute, Colombo, explored themes ranging from future fertiliser management to climate-smart water strategies. Eminent scientists including Dr. A.K. Patra, Dr. Pradeep De, Dr. Manoranjan Mahanty, and Dr. Y.S. Shivay contributed their perspectives.

The deliberations highlighted how artificial intelligence, big data analytics, drones, and remote sensing can be integrated into farming systems to improve productivity and sustainability. Participants expressed optimism that such innovations would help usher in an “evergreen revolution,” ensuring food security while safeguarding natural resources.

As discussions continue through the weekend, the seminar stands as a reminder that the future of farming is not only about growing crops but also about cultivating knowledge, technology, and resilience.