Presidency University signed an MoU with the Indian Council of Agricultural Research – Indian Institute of Horticultural Research (ICAR-IIHR) to revolutionise agriculture through digital horticulture on May 22, 2025. This collaboration marks a new era of applied research and technology-driven agriculture.

The University delegation was led by Dr. Sameeruddin Khan, Pro Vice Chancellor, and Dr. Sameena Noor Ahmed Panali, Registrar, along with Dr. Mahalakshmi R., Associate Dean, HoDs, faculty members, and research scholars. The ICAR-IIHR delegation was led by Dr T.K. Behera (Director, ICAR-IIHR, Bengaluru) along with scientists from Crop Protection, Fruit & Vegetable Crops, Floriculture, Post-Harvest Tech, and Natural Resources.

This collaboration aims to focus on various core areas, including smart irrigation, automated cultivation, AI-based plant disease detection, UAV-based crop monitoring, digital twins & sensor networks, and AR/VR for training & simulation. The joint vision will be to drive sustainable, precise, and technologically advanced farming practices through interdisciplinary R&D, student involvement, and real-world innovation.

Dr. Khan, in a speech, emphasised that the collaboration aims to modernise Indian agriculture by introducing future-ready technologies and transforming horticulture practices for the long term.

During the event ICAR-IIHR shared national horticultural priorities, including automated pollination, AI-enabled disease detection, and sensor-based resource optimisation. Whereas Presidency University showcased advanced capabilities in AI/ML, IoT, drone systems, AR/VR modelling, and big data visualisation, aimed at addressing the pressing challenges of Indian horticulture.

This impactful partnership paves the way for student exchange & training programmes, collaborative research & prototype development, innovation-driven working groups, and nation-building through digital agriculture solutions.

Presidency University is proud to lead this transformative journey, contributing to smart, sustainable, and inclusive agricultural advancement across India.