Tue Sep 02 05:12:49 UTC 2025: **Here’s a summary and a news article based on the provided text:**
**Summary:**
The University of Agricultural Sciences-Bangalore (UAS-B) is making Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) programs mandatory for all undergraduate and postgraduate agriculture students starting in the 2025-26 academic year. This move is aimed at equipping students with the latest technological knowledge and integrating AI and ML into various aspects of agricultural practices. UAS-B has established new AI and ML departments, partnered with Samsung through CSR funding to provide AI and ML training, and integrated these programs into compulsory non-gradial courses. While the university recognizes a current lack of in-house AI/ML expertise, it has formed partnerships with engineering colleges to focus on the application of AI/ML technologies specifically within the agricultural context.
**News Article:**
**AI Revolution Hits Indian Agriculture: Bangalore University Mandates Tech Training for Future Farmers**
**Bengaluru, September 2, 2025** – In a groundbreaking move that signals a significant shift in agricultural education, the University of Agricultural Sciences-Bangalore (UAS-B) has announced that Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) programs will be mandatory for all undergraduate and postgraduate agriculture students beginning in the 2025-26 academic year.
The decision, spearheaded by Vice-Chancellor V.S. Suresh, aims to bridge the gap between traditional farming practices and cutting-edge technology. “AI is becoming integral to every discipline,” Suresh told *The Hindu*. “We’ve been lagging behind in agriculture, and this initiative is crucial to ensure our students are equipped for the future.”
UAS-B has established new AI and ML departments and secured a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Samsung, which will fund AI and ML training programs for M.Sc (Agri) students through its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives. Around 300 postgraduate students are enrolled in the initial 80-hour AI training, which will be extended to 300 hours for ML programs.
Undergraduate students will also benefit from “Hands-on Training” modules, including a compulsory AI component funded by Samsung, added to their final year curriculum. Furthermore, AI and ML programs will be integrated into compulsory non-gradial courses for first-year B.Sc (Agri) students, ensuring all students are exposed to these technologies.
Acknowledging a current lack of in-house expertise, UAS-B has partnered with three reputable engineering colleges to provide the technical training. However, the focus at UAS-B will be on the *application* of AI and ML within agriculture.
“Engineering students will develop the technology, but we will teach our students how to best use it for agricultural production, disease management, water management, post-harvest operations, and identifying seed-borne diseases,” explained Prof. Suresh. This includes utilizing AI-powered drones and other advanced technologies to optimize farming practices.
The initiative is poised to transform Indian agriculture, equipping future generations of farmers with the skills needed to leverage the power of AI and ML for increased efficiency, sustainability, and productivity.
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