2-Day training workshop on use of Precision Agriculture Technologies

USAID funded U.S.-Pakistan Center for Advanced Studies in Agriculture and Food Security (USPCAS-AFS) organized a 2-Day Training workshop on Use of Precision Agriculture Technologies at DLC-2, University of Agriculture Faisalabad(UAF) on October 25,2016. Participants from all around the country attended the training workshop. Prof. Dr. Bashir Ahmad COP/Director USPCAS-AFS was the Chief Guest of Inaugural and closing sessions other speakers were Prof. Dr. Allah Bakhsh Dean Faculty of Agri Engineering and Technology UAF, Dr. Jehanzeb Masud Cheema Chair Precision Agriculture, Dr. M Ahsan Latif, Dr. Syed Hamid Hussain Shah, Dr. Rizwan Maqbool, Engr. Sikandar Ali, Engr. Kashif Mehmood and Engr. Muhammad Usman.Speakers said that Agriculture sector of Pakistan can only flourish by appropriate application of balanced agricultural inputs for sustainable food availability. The technique of Precision agriculture, high efficiency irrigation system, resource conservation technologies, timely harvesting and minimizing post-harvest losses is key in attaining the goal. They were of the view that advent of new tools/technologies like satellite imagery/UAVs and real time ground truthing based on sensors, DGPS, IT, GIS, and computer modeling, all add to precise application of inputs. Training of professionals on these technologies will make them up to date on state of art technologies which will ultimately help farmers to make site specific management plans. The aim of this training was to provide practical knowledge of various technologies that are in use to identify vegetation health, nutrients availability, weed detection and digital image processing. Various tools used for digital image acquisition and processing will be discussed. It is worth mentioning here that various technologies available for carrying out Precision Agriculture like Differential Global Positioning Systems (DGPS), Precision Land Leveling, Vegetation monitoring system, Weed detection system, special sensors onboard Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) are being used to acquire information, analyze and made decisions accordingly. Field training on the use of GPS and DGPS for location and topographic mapping to delineate management zones will help participants to develop management zones. Knowhow of GreenSeeker and WeedSeeker Systems can be attractive for the participants to learn about the vegetative growth of the crops and weed detection to make more efficient use of fertilizers and pesticides. Image acquisition from digital sensors and its interpretation is always an attractive field for researchers as it provides crop health status and yield estimates. Digital Image Processing will be carried out using MATLAB and R-Software. Training of Solid works for reverse engineering of agricultural equipment was a unique feature of this workshop. SolidWorks is a comprehensive 3D design solution that enables trainees to create, validate, communicate, and manage their product designs. By integrating powerful design tools, including industry-leading part, assembly, and drawing capabilities, with built-in simulation, cost estimation, rendering, animation, and product data management, SolidWorks Premium makes the development and sharing of design ideas faster and simpler, resulting in a more productive 3D design experience.