Asia-Pacific summit on smart & sustainable agri concludes at PU

Chandigarh: A five-day Asia-Pacific summit on smart and sustainable agriculture concluded in Chandigarh Sunday. Organised by Panjab University-IIT Ropar Regional Accelerator for Holistic Innovations (PI-RAHI) and the Northern Region S&T Cluster, the summit aimed to empower farmer producer organisations (FPOs) and cooperatives while showcasing innovative solutions in agricultural practices.

The event was held in collaboration with the Network for the Development of Agricultural Cooperatives in Asia and the Pacific (NEDAC), Thailand.

The summit attracted 35 participants from 10 Indian states and seven countries, marking the first event of its kind in the country focused on grassroots agricultural transformation through technology. It featured multiple sessions across institutions such as IIT Ropar, CSIR-IHBT Palampur, and Unati Co-op. Marketing-cum-Processing Society Ltd.

Participants were introduced to various technological innovations, including those related to drone technology, post-harvest solutions, vertical farming, and biomanufacturing. A highlight of the event was the AgriTech Challenge, in which startups presented solutions for climate-resilient agriculture, market access, and waste-to-wealth innovations. Agro Stubble Management Pvt. Ltd., Biofield Power Pvt. Ltd., and Kanav Biosyze Pvt. Ltd. were awarded prizes for their impactful solutions.

The summit emphasised the importance of technology and collective enterprise in shaping the future of agriculture.