Lucknow: CSIR-National Botanical Research Institute celebrated National Technology Day at the Lotus Auditorium of the K.N. Kaul Block with a focus on innovation-driven advancements in agriculture and plant biotechnology.
Renowned scientist and industry expert Dr. Ashwin Kashikar attended the event as the chief guest and keynote speaker.
Welcoming the guests, Dr. A.K. Shasany highlighted the growing importance of technology-based innovations in agriculture and biotechnology. He reiterated the institute’s commitment towards promoting plant science research and technology transfer for societal benefit.
Emerging Technologies Transforming Agriculture
Delivering the National Technology Day lecture on the theme “Technology: Cultivating Tomorrow’s Harvest,” Dr. Ashwin Kashikar elaborated on the transformative role of emerging technologies in agriculture and plant biotechnology.
He discussed the application of advanced technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning, robotics, automation, genomic selection, precision breeding, and gene editing in developing climate-resilient and high-yielding crop varieties.
Dr. Kashikar also spoke about modern breeding technologies including genomic selection, speed breeding, and AI-based high-throughput phenotyping, which are accelerating crop improvement programmes worldwide.
Highlighting innovations in gene-editing technologies, he explained how CRISPR-Cas systems, gene targeting, prime editing, and synthetic biology are being used to enhance nutritional quality, disease resistance, and sustainable agricultural productivity.
Focus on Automation, Robotics and Sustainable Farming
One of the major highlights of the lecture was the discussion on automation and robotics in agriculture. Dr. Kashikar emphasized that AI-assisted farming systems can improve resource efficiency, reduce wastage, and address labour shortages in the agricultural sector.
He stated that the integration of molecular farming, precision editing, and machine learning would play a key role in ensuring sustainable agriculture and global food security in the coming years.
During his address, Dr. Kashikar also shared details about the ongoing trials of pink bollworm-resistant genetically modified cotton developed by CSIR-National Botanical Research Institute. He described the research as a significant technological advancement towards developing durable and effective insect-resistant cotton varieties.
The lecture further covered innovations related to pest-resistant technologies, AI and machine learning-based seed quality analysis, crop engineering, and hybrid development.
Programme Concludes with Vote of Thanks
At the beginning of the programme, Dr. P.K. Singh presented the outline and objectives of the event, while Dr. Manish Bhoyar delivered the vote of thanks at the conclusion of the programme.
The event witnessed enthusiastic participation from scientists, researchers, scholars, and students interested in the future of agricultural and biotechnological innovation.
