Students explored the Transformative Role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in an awareness program at CSIR-CDRI, Lucknow

R L Pandey

Lucknow. A group of enthusiastic students from Chandrabhanu Gupt Agriculture Post Graduate College pursuing BSc in Agriculture were invited to the CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute (CDRI) in Lucknow as part of the Artificial Intelligence (AI) awareness program under the aegis of CSIR Jigyasa program. The event was marked by an enlightening discourse on the burgeoning influence of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in various aspects of daily life, particularly its transformative role in the realm of agriculture.

Dr. Sanjeev Yadav, Senior Scientist, warmly welcomed the students, providing them with a comprehensive introduction to the institute and its groundbreaking work. He highlighted how AI has seamlessly integrated into different facets of our daily lives, enhancing convenience and efficiency.  

Later, Er. Santosh Shukla, took center stage to elucidate the immense potential of AI in revolutionizing agriculture. Er. Shukla delved into the applications of AI, demonstrating “how it can be harnessed to optimize various aspects of agriculture, ranging from crop monitoring and disease detection to yield prediction and precision farming”. Er. Santosh Shukla, drew attention to AI's capabilities in transforming industries, from healthcare to finance, and from manufacturing to agriculture. The students were captivated by the prospects of AI-driven solutions and the transformative impact they could have on the future of agriculture.

The students were then treated to an insightful laboratory visit, offering them a glimpse into the practical implementation of bioinformatics techniques. They were exposed to the inner workings of advanced technologies and their pivotal role in deciphering complex biological data. The visit to the Bioinformatics lab left the students with a profound understanding of how data-driven insights can be harnessed for agricultural advancements.

A trip to the Botany Unit of the SAIF&R Division followed, providing the students with an opportunity to meet with Scientist Dr. Vinita Tripathi. She unraveled the intricate connection between agriculture, medicine, and the role of plants in shaping the pharmaceutical landscape. Dr. D K Mishra took the students through the world of herbarium – a collection of preserved plant specimens. In his engaging interaction, he not only elaborated on the types of herbarium but also unveiled the pivotal role they play in scientific research, plant identification, and preservation of botanical heritage. 

Later, in Medicinal Process Chemistry Division, Er. Ranvir Singh, shared the steps involved in extracting valuable molecules from plants, shedding light on the synergy between agriculture, chemistry, and pharmacology.

The entire event was an eye-opening experience for the College students, broadening their horizons by showcasing the dynamic interplay between science, technology, and agriculture. The visit to CSIR-CDRI not only enriched their knowledge but also ignited their curiosity to explore the potential of Artificial Intelligence -driven solutions in addressing critical challenges in the agricultural sector.