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. With funding support of ₹110 crores from DST and ₹5 crores from Startup India, AWaDH has been working to develop cutting-edge solutions for agricultural and environmental sustainability. AWaDH has developed more than 70 technologies, nurturing more than 100+ agri tech and water tech startups and skilled upto 5000 youth in cyber-physical systems with a focus on artificial intelligence and the Internet of Things. AWaDH is also creating strides with setting up CPS Labs across the country to bring emerging technologies platforms to devolve for agri and water-related technologies.

 

The Farmer Engagement Session with over 50 farmers and support from the Department of Horticulture, Punjab Government marks a key step in AWaDH’s mission to connect IIT Ropar’s academic expertise with the practical knowledge of farmers. The event fosters open dialogue between farmers and innovators to address agricultural challenges, ensuring that technological advancements are tailored to community needs. 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) AI-powered livestock management system monitors animal behavior, movement, and temperature, providing farmers with real-time insights on their mobile phones. Deployed in Punjab, including at GADVASU in Ludhiana, it was developed with NABARD support. AWaDH’s Nano bubble Technology uses electrochemically active nano bubbles to treat water by degrading organic matter, eliminating pathogens, and oxidizing harmful chemicals. 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 designed to encourage collaboration and knowledge exchange. Dr. Radhika Trikha, CEO of IIT Ropar TIF AWaDH, will begin with a welcome note, followed by introductory remarks from the Horticulture Department Officer of Rupnagar. The session will then move into an open round of discussions, moderated by Mr. Mandeep Singh Badwal, where farmers will share their experiences and challenges. Dr Prabir Sarkar, Domain Coordinator, 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, and demonstrate these technologies at the AWaDH CPS Labs. The session concluded with a felicitation ceremony to honor the participants. The Farmer Engagement Session will bring together over 50 farmers involved in practices such as natural farming, vermin composting, poultry farming, and medicinal agriculture, as well as representatives from NGOs, FPOs, FPC and agricultural organizations. By addressing the unique needs of these farmers, AWaDH is committed to ensuring that its innovations are practical, sustainable, and impactful.

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NKR/KS

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