CSIR-Institute of Microbial Technology (IMTECH), Chandigarh, organised a two-day workshop on “Futuristic Technologies in Agriculture for Sustainable Living” for farmers, students, entrepreneurs and self-help groups working across India. The workshop was funded by the Department of Science and Technology (DST-SEED) for the setting up of the Science, Technology and Innovation Hub (STI), Ladakh.
Ramon Magsaysay Awardee Mr Sonam Wangchuk, Director, Himalayan Institute of Alternatives Ladakh (HIAL), was the keynote speaker for the inaugural session. He applauded the efforts of CSIR-IMTECH in establishing the STI Hub, Ladakh. During his address, Mr Wangchuk highlighted the importance of clean and smart technologies for sustainable livelihood in high-altitude regions like Ladakh. He stressed the need to revive our rich ancient past, which could pave the way for a future circular economy and help in reducing food wastage, artificial fertilizers and energy generated through fossil fuels. He gave examples of his initiatives in Ladakh through his Institutes SECMOL and HIAL that are working towards cleaner technologies like solar-heated low-cost buildings made of mud that can maintain a comfortable temperature throughout the year.
Dr Sanjeev Khosla, Director CSIR-IMTECH, welcomed the dignitaries and highlighted the efforts of the Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR) in supporting farmers in raising their quality of life through S&T interventions. Speaking on the sidelines of the workshop, Dr Khosla talked about various CSIR initiatives including the aroma mission and said that CSIR-IMTECH through STI Hub Ladakh is committed to serving the tribal population of Ladakh UT. Speaking on the occasion, he also said that the STI hub is a collaboration that strives to promote innovation, skill development, digital healthcare with tele-diagnostics, and awareness in agriculture, horticulture, and animal husbandry for the tribal population of Ladakh.
Mr Tashi Tsetan, Chief Agricultural Officer, LAHDC, Leh delivered a special lecture during the inaugural event. Mr Chander Shekhar, Project Leader STI Hub and scientist from CSIR-IMTECH, updated about the infrastructure and facilities available at STI Hub which shall significantly boost entrepreneurship in the Internet of Things (IoT)-based devices, edutech and agritech. More than 750 candidates comprising farmers, students, academicians, scientists, and entrepreneurs attended the two-day workshop.
The eminent speakers for the workshop were drawn from the panel of experts in the field of agriculture, horticulture livestock, different R&D institutions like SKUAST Jammu; Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Leh; DIHAR, Leh, IIT Ropar, and G.B. Pant National Institute of Himalayan Environment & Sustainable Development, Leh and CSIR-IMTECH.
