The success of using big data analytics in Karnataka and various technologies for sustainable farming will be the focus at the three-day AP AgTech Summit-2017 beginning at the APIIC Harbour Park Grounds here on Wednesday. “As agriculture is the largest employer with manufacturing sector projected to have jobless growth due to excessive use of artificial intelligence and machine learning, the government in partnership with the Confederation of Indian Industry wants to propel economic growth and ensure inclusive development by creating jobs through agriculture,” CII A.P. chairman J.S.R. K. Prasad said on Tuesday.
The CII, which is collaborating with the State government in hosting the summit, is also hopeful of signing of several MoUs with technological companies for extending their success stories to the State. “The summit assumes importance as farmers from across the State are attending it to have exposure to the presentations being made by the experts on implementation of various applications and technologies at various places in the world,” Mr. Prasad, CEO of Vijayawada-based Better Castings Private Ltd, told The Hindu . He said as robotics was becoming extremely popular in healthcare and manufacturing sectors, it had been predicted that in agriculture agbots (agricultural robots) would call the shots. “Next generation farming using agbots will also dominate the deliberations,” he said. With the State occupying sixth place in fish production and third in shrimp among all the provinces in the world, sustainable farming by ensuring water recycling in aquaculture would be highlighted apart from tapping the potential in increasing yield from horticulture.
Funding likely
Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, which is funding use of big data analytics in farming in some areas in Karnataka, is also expected to announce funding for the State. Mr. Gates will grace the valedictory on November 17. “We are expecting firm commitment from Mr. Gates as the summit is highlighting on how to benefit the small and medium farmers by extending them the benefits of technological advancement with better supply chain management,” D.T. Raju, CII Vizag zone chairman and Vijayanagar Biotech Ltd executive vice-chairman, said.
