GeneRative AI for Nurturing Sustainable Agriculture (GRAINS) 2024
Globally, one of the most critical challenges in the 21st century is to meet the food demand. Although significant progress has been made over the past half-century in reducing hunger and poverty and improving food security and nutrition, in recent times, the world has observed severe challenges, including climate change and the degradation of natural resources. We must shift our focus to sustainable and regenerative food production systems that will feed an ever-increasing population. The agricultural science and development communities want to expand the technologies and toolbox to help create efficient, economically, socially, and environmentally sustainable agricultural systems. One of the modern technologies that might help address the complex problems facing agriculture is the innovative applications of Artificial Intelligence. Shortly, more and more farms will participate in the farm modernisation process. Policymakers and farmers will benefit from it to make better decisions. The challenge will lie in involving the resource-poor farmers in this transformative process.
Theme: Generative AI for Agriculture
Generative AI has immense agriculture potential to revolutionise practices and address critical challenges. By leveraging GenAI, farmers can benefit from precision farming techniques, which optimise resource use and enhance crop yields. For instance, GenAI can generate detailed simulations of crop growth under different environmental conditions, helping farmers make informed decisions about planting and harvesting. GenAI-powered predictive models can also forecast weather patterns and pest outbreaks, enabling proactive measures to protect crops. Moreover, GenAI can assist in breeding programs by analysing genetic data to create new, resilient crop varieties. The integration of GenAI in agriculture promises to enhance productivity, sustainability, and resilience, ultimately contributing to global food security.
Topics of Interest
We invite researchers, practitioners, and industry experts to submit original research papers, case studies, and reviews on the following topics related to Generative AI for Agriculture, including but not limited to:
- Precision Farming: Applications of GenAI in optimising resource usage, enhancing crop yields, and reducing environmental degradation.
- Crop Simulation Models: Development and application of GenAI to simulate crop growth under various environmental conditions.
- Predictive Modeling: Use of GenAI for forecasting weather patterns, pest outbreaks, and other critical agricultural events.
- Breeding Programmes: GenAI in analysing genetic data to develop new crop varieties with enhanced resilience and productivity.
- Sustainability: GenAI's role is to promote sustainable agricultural practices and reduce the carbon footprint of farming activities.
- Automation: Innovations in agricultural automation using GenAI for tasks such as planting, monitoring, and harvesting.
- Data Generation: Techniques for generating synthetic agricultural data to improve model training and validation.
- Case Studies: Real-world applications and impact of GenAI in agricultural settings.
Abstract Submission Conference Registration Link
About INSAIT
Information is just as critical a resource for people in rural areas as it is for those in urban areas. Instant access to information on the availability of inputs, financial resources, technological innovations, and changing market conditions has become critical to the viability of the rural economy. How well the rural areas can respond to this information challenge will play a significant role in determining the future well-being of the rural communities, especially in developing countries like India.
In this context, it is prudent to extend the benefit of IT to agriculture and allied industries. In the future, there is tremendous potential for growth in this sector. Efforts in this direction would help extend the benefits of technological advances to rural people. As a first step in this direction, the Indian Society of Agricultural Information Technology (INSAIT), a professional society, was launched at Dharwad in 2000. INSAIT has organised several scientific meetings, workshops, and national and international conferences, including APFITA twice in 2006 and 2018.
The key objectives of INSAIT are as follows.
- To mobilise farmers, scientists, institutions, and organisations to promote agricultural IT.
- To encourage teaching, research, and extension activities in all aspects of agricultural IT.
- To provide a forum for information exchange and dissemination of agricultural information technology.
- Organise training programs and conventions and publish scientific information through different media to benefit the farming community.
About GenAIAg
Generative AI, or GenAI, refers to a subset of artificial intelligence techniques that enable machines to generate new content, whether text, images, or even entire datasets, by learning from existing data. Often based on advanced architectures like Generative Adversarial Networks (GANs) and Transformer models, these models can create highly realistic and contextually relevant outputs. The state-of-the-art in GenAI includes applications such as GPT-4 for natural language processing, DALL-E for image generation, and advanced models in domains like protein folding and drug discovery. These innovations push the boundaries of what AI can achieve, creating new opportunities for automation, creativity, and problem-solving across various fields.
Generative AI is revolutionising the global agricultural sector. It’s instrumental in creating solutions to meet the needs of a growing population, with innovations that analyse market demand, forecast prices, optimise farming practices, and monitor weather. It drives an agri-tech market predicted to reach USD 13.8 billion by 2031. At the World Agri-Tech 2024 event, Microsoft and other global leaders shared knowledge on building sustainable agri-food supply chains. The World Economic Forum’s AI4AI initiative is strengthening collaborations to exploit opportunities and challenges of upcoming technologies in agriculture. Generative AI offers solutions that boost productivity, sustainability, and efficiency and is used in applications like crop productivity monitoring, soil fertility, predictive agricultural analytics, and supply chain efficiencies. Integrating generative AI in agriculture enhances global food security by increasing crop yields and reducing waste.
Generative AI is also transforming agriculture in India. Indian farmers are leveraging AI to increase productivity sustainably. The “Saagu Baagu” project under AI4AI has enhanced yields and incomes for 7,000 Chilli farmers from Telangana, doubling their earnings through agritech and data management. Following its success, ‘Saagu Baagu’ is expanding to potentially impact 500,000 farmers across five value chains, demonstrating AI’s vast potential in agriculture. However, smallholder farmers face challenges like erratic weather, climate change impacts, pest infestations, declining yields, and financial constraints. Post-harvest issues like crop wastage, logistics, and market access also pose problems. The adoption of generative AI in AgriTech in India is still evolving and may vary across regions and farm sizes. Factors such as infrastructure availability, data access, and affordability can influence the pace of adoption. The Indian agri-tech market, valued at USD 204 million, is expected to transform exponentially due to AI adoption and supportive government policies. In conclusion, generative AI is transforming agricultural activities globally and in the country, enhancing productivity and efficiency across the agricultural value chain.
Submission Guidelines
Prospective authors are invited to submit an approximately 300-word one or two-page abstract. The submissions will be accepted through https://easychair.org/conferences/?conf=grains2024
All submitted abstracts will be peer-reviewed by at least three program committee members. At least one author of each accepted abstract must register and present the research at the conference. Accepted and presented abstracts will be considered for chapters to be included in an edited book, “Generative AI in Agriculture,” Same as the Conference title.
Registration Fees
| INSAIT Members | INR 2900 |
| Academicians | INR 3500 |
| Students | INR 1800 |
| Industry Professionals | INR 5900 |
Important Dates
| Submission of Abstract | Tuesday, October 15, 2024 |
| Notification of Acceptance | Sunday, October 20, 2024 |
| Submission of final version of the abstract | Tuesday, October 22, 2024 |
| Conference Dates | Friday-Saturday, October 25-26, 2024 |
Committee
Patron
- Pankaj Chandra, Vice Chancellor, Ahmedabad University
Steering Committee
- Chair: Adinarayana J., Professor, Center of Studies in Resources Engineering (CSRE), Indian Institute of Technology Bombay
- Devanath Tirupati, Executive Provost, Ahmedabad University
- S. K. Chaudhari, DDG (NRM), ICAR
- R. C. Agrawal, DDG (Education), ICAR
- P L Patil, Vice Chancellor, University of Agricultural sciences, Dharwad
- V. C. Patil, Director of K.J. Somaiya Institute of Applied Agricultural Research, Sameerwadi
- Sunil Kale, Dean, School of Engineering and Applied Science, Ahmedabad University
- V K Dadhwal, Indira Gandhi Chair Professor of Environmental Science, National Institute of Advanced Studies, Bengaluru
- P. Krishna Reddy, Professor, IIIT Hyderabad
- Anil Rai, ADG (ICAT), ICAR, New Delhi
- Chandrashekhar M. Biradar, Country Director-India and Principal Scientist, CIFOR-ICRAF Asia Continental Program
General Chair
- Sanjay Chaudhary, Professor and Associate Dean, School of Engineering and Applied Science, Ahmedabad University
Organising Committee
Chair
- Mehul S Raval, Professor and Associate Dean, Experiential Learning, Ahmedabad University
Members
- R B Sahoo, Principal Research Scientist, Agrl Physics Division, ICAR-IARI
- C Viswanathan, Deputy Director (Research), ICAR-IARI
- N G Patil, Principal Scientist, ICAR-National Bureau of Soil Survey and Land Use Planning
- Vimal Mishra, IIT Gandhinagar
Programme Committee
Chair
- Obi Reddy G P, Principal Scientist and Head, Division of Remote Sensing Applications, ICAR-National Bureau of Soil Survey and Land Use Planning (ICAR-NBSS&LUP), Nagpur
Members
- Rajani Jain, Principal Scientist, ICAR-National Institute of Agricultural Economics and Policy Research (NIAP), New Delhi
- Jeganathan, C. Professor and Head, Department of Remote Sensing Birla Institute of Technology (BIT), Mesra, Ranch
- Soumik Sarkar, Professor, Director, Translational AI Center (TrAC), Iowa State, USA
- Srikrishnan Divakaran, Associate Professor of Computer Science, Krea University
- Wei Guo, Associate Professor, University of Tokyo
- Manjit Singh, Dean, College of Agricultural Engineering & Technology, Punjab Agriculture University
- D.K. Prabhuraj, Director ( KSRSAC )
- U.K. Shanwad, Scientist (Agronomy), UASD
- C.P. Chandashekhar, Professor of Agronomy, UASD
- Suresh K. Ukarande, Principal (KJSIEIT), Somaiya Vidyavihar University, Mumbai
- Mandar Chaudhary, Applied Researcher, eBay, USA
- Ayesha Chowdhury, JNU, Delhi
- Maryam Kaveshgar, Ahmedabad University
- Aftab Hussain, IIIT Hyderabad
Local Arrangements Chair
- M T Savaliya, School of Engineering and Applied Science, Ahmedabad University
- Dhaval Patel, Associate Professor, School of Engineering and Applied Science, Ahmedabad University
- Pragnesh Patel, Assistant Professor, L D College of Engineering, Ahmedabad, India
- Maitrik Shah, Assistant Professor, L D College of Engineering, Ahmedabad, India
- Deepak Hiremath, PhD Scholar, School of Engineering and Applied Science, Ahmedabad University
- Jay Chaudhari, Research Fellow, School of Engineering and Applied Science, Ahmedabad University
- Yagnik Bhavsar, PhD Scholar, School of Engineering and Applied Science, Ahmedabad University
Accommodation
Tourism in Ahmedabad
Welcome to Ahmedabad: Heart of Gujarat
Ahmedabad, often referred to as the heart of Gujarat, is a city that seamlessly blends its rich cultural heritage with modern infrastructure. As the first city in India to be inscribed in UNESCO’s World Heritage City list in 2017, Ahmedabad offers a unique experience that combines an exploration of its history with the opportunity to savour its contemporary delights.
Cultural and Historical Architecture
Ahmedabad boasts of an impressive array of heritage sites reflecting its rich cultural past. The Sidi Saiyyed Mosque, known for its exquisite and intricately carved stone latticework windows (jali), is a prime example of Islamic architecture. The famous 'tree of life' motif carved into the jali is a must-see. Another architectural marvel is the Adalaj Stepwell, built in the 15th century. This stepwell showcases a beautiful fusion of Indo-Islamic architecture with intricate carvings on its pillars and a natural cooling system that keeps the water six degrees cooler than the prevalent temperature. The city's heritage precincts of Pols and traditional clusters from the medieval period offer a glimpse into Ahmedabad’s historical narrative, making it a haven for history enthusiasts.
Mughal Architectural Influence
Several areas in Ahmedabad, such as Laal-Darwaja, Ratan-Pod, and the vicinity of Relief Road, exhibit a strong Mughal architectural influence. These neighbourhoods are perfect locations for a leisurely stroll to appreciate the historical essence of Ahmedabad and the distinct charm of Mughal-era constructions that still stand tall in the city.
Modern Infrastructure
Ahmedabad is not just about the past; it is also a city that also provides a glimpse into the future. The Sabarmati Riverfront and Atal Bridge are modern projects that not only offer scenic views but are also ideal places for enjoying a relaxing walk along the river. The Sindhu Bhavan and Satellite areas, home to numerous corporations and multinational companies, reflect the city's rapid economic growth, juxtaposed in stark contrast to its traditional roots. Ahmedabad is also known as a paradise for food lovers, offering a diverse range of cuisines. For a taste of local specialties, Manek Chowk is the place to be. This bustling night market on Sindhu Bhavan Marg offers a variety of street food and traditional dishes, ensuring a delightful culinary experience. Additionally, the city boasts of a variety of international multi-cuisine restaurants that cater to every palate, making Ahmedabad a foodie's haven.
Statue of Unity
The Statue of Unity, located 200 km from Ahmedabad, is the world's tallest statue, with a height of 182 metres. It is a memorial to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, India's first Home Minister. The statue is situated on an island near the Sardar Sarovar Dam. The area around the statue has other attractions, including an exhibition gallery, viewing gallery, the valley of flowers, a memorial, an audiovisual gallery, the Sardar Sarovar Dam, and river rafting and jungle safari options. With so many activities, a visit to the Statue is bound to be a fun-filled day trip with loads to do and see.
Polo Forest
The Polo Forest, located at a distance of 150 km from Ahmedabad, is a picturesque forested area with ancient Jain temples, a dam, and waterfalls. It is an ideal spot for trekking, cycling, riverside walks, and picnicking amidst lush green surroundings, especially during the monsoon season. The 1500-year-old Jain temple with intricate carvings is a highlight of the forest. Visitors can spend an entire day exploring the natural beauty and historical sites of Polo Forest.
Modhera Sun Temple and Rani ki Vav
The Modhera Sun Temple, located at a distance of 110 km from Ahmedabad, is an 11th century Hindu temple dedicated to the Sun God. It is known for its stunning architecture and elaborate carvings. Located nearby is Rani ki Vav, an 11th-century stepwell with intricately carved panels over seven levels of stairs. Both the temple and the stepwell are UNESCO World Heritage sites and visiting them makes for a fascinating day trip.
Nalsarovar Bird Sanctuary
Nalsarovar, located at a distance of 62 km from Ahmedabad, is Gujarat's largest wetland bird sanctuary. It is home to over 200 species of resident and migratory birds, especially during the winter months. Flamingos are a major attraction here. Visitors to the site can hire a guide for the day for exploring the sanctuary and surrounding plains to spot birds and other wildlife.
| Date | Timeline |
| Day 1: October 25, 2024 | |
| 8:30 - 10:00 AM | Registration |
| 10:00 - 10:10 AM | Welcome Address: Professor Sanjay Chaudhary Professor and Associate Dean, Ahmedabad University |
| 10:10 - 10:20 AM | About GRAINS 2024: Dr G. P. Obi Reddy Vice-President Indian Society of Agricultural Information Technology (INSAIT) |
| 10:20 - 10:35 AM | Opening Remarks: Professor Pankaj Chandra Vice Chancellor, Ahmedabad University |
| 10:35 - 10:50 AM | Address by Guest of Honour: Shri Banchha Nidhi Pani, IAS Commissioner, Commissionerate of Technical Education, Education Department Government of Gujarat |
| 10:50 - 11:30 AM | Inaugural Address: AI in Agriculture: Importance, Opportunities and Challenges Chief Guest: Dr Trilochan Mohapatra Chairperson, Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers' Rights Authority Government of India Former Director General, Indian Council of Agricultural Research |
| 11:30 AM - 12:00 PM | High Tea | 019, Ground Floor, GICT Building |
| 12:00 - 1:30 PM | Session - I: Automation in Agriculture with GenAI Session Chair: Dr Trilochan Mahapatra |
| 12:00 - 12:30 PM | Digitalisation of Indian Agriculture: Status and Challenges Dr Anil Rai Assistant Director General (ICT) Indian Council of Agricultural Research. New Delhi |
| 12:30 - 1:00 PM | Professor Pabitra Mitra Professor, Computer Science & Engineering Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur (Online) |
| 1:00 - 1:30 PM | Informed agricultural irrigation decision using GenAI and remote sensing data Dr Dipankar Mandal Assistant Professor, School of Agro and Rural Technology Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati (Online) |
| 1:30 - 2:00 PM | Cultivating Digital Farm for Smart Precision Agriculture Dr Rabi Narayan Sahoo Principal Scientist and Program Leader ICAR-NEPPA, ICAR-IARI, New Delhi |
| 2:00 - 3:00 PM | Lunch: Rooms 107 and 110, University Centre |
| 3:00 - 4:30 PM | Session II: Empowering Farmers through GenAI Session Chair: Dr Anil Rai |
| 3:00 - 3:30 PM | Crop Darpan: Exploiting Data Science to Empower a Farmer to Diagnose Farm Problems Professor P. Krishna Reddy Professor, IIIT Hyderabad |
| 3:30 - 4:00 PM | Digital Reimagination of Food Systems Shri Ravinkumar S Strategy and Business Development, Digital Food Initiatives (DFI) Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), Chennai |
| 4:00 - 4:30 PM | Towards informed decision-making for sustainable agriculture: The realm and role of Generative AI Dr Soumyashree Kar Research Scientist, Renaissance Computing Institute University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, USA (Online) |
| 4:30 - 5:00 PM | Tea/ Coffee Break: 019, Ground Floor, GICT Building |
| 5:00 - 6:30 PM | Research Paper Presentations |
| 7:00 - 7:45 PM | Cultural Programme |
| 8:00 - 9:30 PM | Networking and Dinner |
| Day 2: October 26, 2024 | |
| 9:30 - 10:15 AM | Keynote Talk: Regenerative AI for Green Economic Transition Dr C. M. Biradar CMD, Global Green Growth CoPs (GGGC) Center for International Forestry Research and World Agroforestry (CIFOR-ICRAF) |
| 10:15 - 11:30 AM | Session III: Generative AI for Precision Agriculture |
| 10:15 - 10:45 AM | Agriculture crop monitoring using Earth observation data and Machine Learning Algorithms Dr Murali Krishna Gumma Cluster Leader & Principal Scientist - Geospatial Sciences and Big Data International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT), Hyderabad |
| 11:30 AM - 12:00 PM | Tea / Coffee Break | 019, Ground Floor, GICT Building |
| Session IV: Transforming Agriculture with Generative AI Innovations | |
| 12:00 - 12:30 PM | Generating Food with Generative AI Shri Dinesh Singh Group Leader, TCS Digital Food Initiative (DFI) TCS Research and Innovation |
| 12:30 - 1:00 PM | Dhenu: Developing a Domain-Specific AI Language Model for Enhancing Indian Agriculture Dr Pratik Desai CEO, Kissan.AI, USA (Online) |
| 1:00 - 1:30 PM | Generative AI for Agriculture and Innovative Agri-AI solutions at Wadhwani AI Shri Mohammad Salman Group Product Manager Shri Chintan Donda Senior Machine Learning Engineer Wadhwani Institute of Artificial Intelligence |
| 1:30 - 2:30 PM | Lunch (107 - 110, University Centre) |
| 2:30 - 3:30 PM | Research Paper Presentations |
| 3:30 - 4:00 PM |
Valedictory Speech Vote of Thanks |
| 4:00 PM | High Tea | 019, Ground Floor, GICT Building |
