IIT Ropar’s AWaDH Marks 4th Foundation Day with Groundbreaking Farmer Engagement to Revolutionize Agriculture through Technology in Punjab
The IIT Ropar Technology and Innovation Foundation (iHub – AWaDH) is celebrating its 4th Foundation Day with a special Farmer Engagement Session. Established by the Department of Science & Technology (DST), Government of India, under the National Mission on Interdisciplinary Cyber-Physical Systems (NM-ICPS), AWaDH aims to drive innovation in agriculture, water, IoT, and ICPS through deep-tech research, startups, and incubation.
AWaDH developed more than 70 technologies
With ₹110 crores from DST and ₹5 crores from Startup India, AWaDH has developed over 70 technologies, supported 100+ agri-tech and water-tech startups, and trained 5,000 youth in cyber-physical systems, AI, and IoT. AWaDH is also establishing CPS Labs nationwide to advance agri and water tech solutions.
The Farmer Engagement Session, supported by the Department of Horticulture, Punjab Government, and attended by over 50 farmers, marks a key step in AWaDH’s mission to connect IIT Ropar’s academic expertise with farmers’ practical knowledge. The event fosters open dialogue between farmers and innovators, addressing agricultural challenges and ensuring that technological advancements meet community needs.
IIT Ropar : agricultural technology with key innovations
Farmers will share their problems and express readiness to adapt AWaDH’s technology at the ground level, empowering marginalized groups and strengthening the link between technology and traditional farming. AWaDH has made significant progress in agricultural technology with key innovations.
The Mooh Sense (Cow Health Monitoring System), an AI-powered livestock management system, monitors animal behavior, movement, and temperature, providing farmers with real-time insights on their mobile phones. Deployed across Punjab, including at GADVASU in Ludhiana, it was developed with the support of NABARD. Additionally, AWaDH’s Nano Bubble Technology employs electrochemically active nano bubbles to treat water. By degrading organic matter, eliminating pathogens, and oxidizing harmful chemicals, this technology significantly improves water quality and contributes to agricultural sustainability.
helping farmers optimize crop management.
This technology is already in use in ponds and reservoirs across Punjab. Additionally, AWaDH’s Soil Health Monitoring System evaluates soil quality using sensors and lab analysis, helping farmers optimize crop management.
The event will feature a series of activities specifically designed to encourage collaboration and foster knowledge exchange. To kick off, Dr. Radhika Trikha, CEO of IIT Ropar TIF AWaDH, will deliver a welcome note. Following this, the Horticulture Department Officer of Rupnagar will provide introductory remarks, setting the stage for the discussions ahead.
farmers will share their experiences and challenges
The session will then transition into an open round of discussions, moderated by Mr. Mandeep Singh Badwal, where farmers will share their experiences and challenges. Following this, Dr. Prabir Sarkar, Domain Coordinator at AWaDH, and Mr. Desh Raj, Project Manager at AWaDH, will present on the foundation’s innovative technologies, including the Weather Monitoring System and Bee Sense Technology. They will also demonstrate these technologies at the AWaDH CPS Labs, showcasing their practical applications.
the session concluded with a felicitation ceremony
the session concluded with a felicitation ceremony to honor the participants.”The Farmer Engagement Session will gather over 50 farmers practicing natural farming, vermin composting, poultry farming, and medicinal agriculture, along with representatives from NGOs, FPOs, FPCs, and agricultural organizations. AWaDH is committed to addressing farmers’ unique needs by ensuring its innovations are practical, sustainable, and impactful.”
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