Hyderabad: Future of Farming with Minimal Human Intervention
Professor Jayashankar Telangana Agricultural University (PJTAU) Vice-Chancellor, Dr. Aldas Janaiah, has predicted the rise of new agricultural practices that require minimal human involvement. Speaking at the inauguration of the 39th annual workshop on “Farm Implements and Machinery” on Tuesday, he highlighted the growing role of agricultural engineering in transforming farming methods. The three-day event is jointly organized by PJTAU, the Indian Council of Agriculture Research (ICAR), and the Central Institute of Agricultural Engineering (CIAE), Bhopal.
Dr. Janaiah reflected on the evolution of Indian agriculture since Independence, emphasizing the impact of industrialization and urbanization. He pointed out significant advancements in agricultural mechanization, including the use of drones, artificial intelligence, and digital technologies, which are reshaping the sector.
The Vice-Chancellor stressed the urgent need for more advanced tools and machinery to further enhance agricultural mechanization. He envisioned a future where farmers rely on mobile devices and drones to practice labour-free farming, making agriculture more efficient and sustainable.
Dr. Janaiah also highlighted the increasing participation of women in agricultural education and their critical role in societal progress. He urged ICAR officials to launch new projects, such as those focused on agri robotics, and to ensure Telangana becomes a key partner in these initiatives.
Government Push for Agricultural Mechanization
Dr. SN Jha, Deputy Director-General (Agricultural Engineering) of ICAR, shared that the Central government is prioritizing agricultural mechanization nationwide. He said Prime Minister Narendra Modi has set an ambitious goal of achieving 75% mechanization in agriculture by 2047.
Dr. Jha called upon state governments to fully cooperate in reaching this target. He proposed the creation of dedicated agricultural engineering departments within state Agricultural Ministries to streamline efforts. He also mentioned that the Secretary of the Union Agriculture Ministry has already written to all state Chief Secretaries to take action on this suggestion.
Need for Advanced Technology and Education
Dr. Jha emphasized the importance of adopting advanced technologies to boost productivity and make farming more appealing to younger generations. He stated that establishing more agricultural engineering colleges will be essential to achieve these goals and to prepare skilled professionals for the future of agriculture.
The workshop underscored the collaboration between academia, government, and research institutions in driving innovation in agriculture, paving the way for a more mechanized, efficient, and inclusive farming sector.
