Introductory speech by Dr. R. Vasudeva
To create awareness among students on cutting edge technology of Artificial Intelligence tools and augments technical knowledge and its use in forestry. The online training, on Artificial Intelligence Tools: Butterfly Experience was organised on 19 September 2020 by Dr. R. Vasudeva and Dr. H. Shivanna,. Inaugurating the online training, former Director of Research UASD, Dr. S. Lingappa urged that there is an urgent need for the improved use of AI-based app for the identification of insect pests in agriculture. The Team Leader and Hon’ble Vice Chancellor Dr M.B. Chetti, opined that AI based butterfly identification apps have to be expanded to identify all insects that are found in the agricultural ecosystems. Prof. K N Ganeshaiah, who is a well-known data scientist and author, stated that AI-based technology is going to be used in agriculture in a very big way in this decade. Demonstrating the AI based App called “Patanga Suchaka”, Dr. Sachin Rozario introduced about the very novel A.I. based Website to recognise over 1000 butterflies and 1100 moths of India to all the participants. Dr. R. Vasudeva and Dr. H. Shivanna, Nodal officer, IDP, COF, Sirsi. The Principal Investigator of IDP- UASD, Dr. Krishnaraj and associate co-ordinator Dr. K.V. Ashalatha participated in the training. A total of 421 participants attended the training programme.