DIMAPUR: School of Agricultural Sciences (SAS), Nagaland University (NU), Medziphema Campus, organised a one day awareness programme on “Artificial Intelligence and the Future of Agricultural Careers” on August 22 under the ICAR Tribal Sub Plan (TSP). The programme was coordinated by Prof. Akali Sema, with Dr. Mary N. Odyuo as Principal Investigator, and Dr. Debika Nongmaithem and Dr. Sentirenla as Co PIs.
According to a press release, the programme was facilitated by Damaso Digital Solutions Pvt. Ltd. and aimed to familiarise students with the growing role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in agriculture and the emerging career opportunities at the intersection of agriculture and technology.
Sessions highlighted that AI was no longer confined to computer science but increasingly relevant across the agricultural ecosystem-from crop and disease monitoring, precision farming and smart irrigation to drones, soil analysis, yield prediction, market intelligence and supply chain management.
Participants were introduced to key AI concepts in simple, practical terms, including Machine Learning, Generative AI, Computer Vision, Predictive Analytics, AI Automation and Agentic AI. Emphasis was placed on understanding these technologies not merely as tools but as integral components of modern agricultural practice.
The programme also explored new career directions such as precision agriculture, agricultural data analysis, remote sensing and GIS, drone mapping, AgriTech product development, digital agriculture services, crop health image analysis, AI enabled extension, consultancy and regional language translation.
Speakers stressed that technological skills must be complemented by human capabilities such as critical thinking, communication, empathy, adaptability, ethics and leadership. Students were encouraged to question AI outputs, recognise limitations and retain human judgement in decision making.
An interactive component allowed students to visualise the “farm of the future,” integrating AI, robotics, drones, data analytics, automated systems and smart water management. A group activity further challenged participants to conceptualise how a farm in 2035 could integrate emerging technologies.
The programme concluded with emphasis on the need for agricultural students to become AI ready rather than merely technology dependent.
