Agri Summit 2022

SIIB Auditorium | November 26, 2022 | 10:30 AM – 4:30 PM |

Batch 2021-23, Batch 2022-24, Faculty and Staff | Participants – 400+

Agri Summit, the annual flagship event of the Agribusiness Department at SIIB, was initiated in 2014. Each year, the event is graced by eminent stalwarts from different walks of life and large audience participation from across the nation. The ninth edition of this event this year aims to nurture thoughts and efforts of ignited and young intellectual minds that could guide stakeholders involved in Agri domain enhancing their learnings and innovation perspectives.

The inauguration of Agri Summit 2022 was graced by our Chief Guest, Dr. Yash Goyal–Managing Director, MSD Animal Health, and other dignitaries, commencing with the lighting of the auspicious lamp and screening of an introductory video highlighting the theme – “Adopting Technologies: Expanding the Possibilities.”

Post felicitation of the guests by Dr. Asmita Chitnis, “Agrozine” the annual magazine of Agri-Business department was launched. Further addressing the audience, Dr. Chitnis discussed the importance and emerging trends in agriculture and its allied sectors, as well as what India’s role should be in order to expand our national interests in Science and Technology.

Dr. Yash Goyal, discussed how MSD Animal Health was changing the sectoral requirements through an intensive focus on innovation and technological developments, tracking the behaviour and health of animals to increase their productivity, and how customers derive maximum benefits from it. Dr. Goel promptly responded to questions posed by the audience on different aspects of animal health and the industry.

Next, the event was followed by a panel discussion on the theme, moderated by Prof. V. Padmanand (Partner, Grant Thornton LLP, India), comprising panelists: Mr. Sachin Kamra (Head of e-commerce – Digital and FAAS, Syngenta), Mr. Sharad Tiwari (Deputy General Manager – Precision Farming, Mahindra Rise), and Mr. Swanand Gudhate (General Manager of Agri Solutions, Asteria Aerospace Limited). Elaborate discussions focused upon ‘how technology is an enabler for farmers and why it is necessary to train them to access the same?’ The panelists highlighted the importance of essential concepts like formal price discovery, developing an auction system in India, flexible calendars for farmers, and advancements in drone technology for farming. The panel also enthusiastically addressed several questions posed by the audience. At the end of this session, Mr. Sushant Malik delivered the vote of thanks and appreciation.

The second session of the Agri Summit focused on sharing of the success stories by a couple of Agri industry experts gracing the event. The session began with Dr. Asmita Chitnis felicitating Mr. Sanjay Gahilot(Marketing Director, East West Seeds (I) Pvt. Ltd.) and Ms. Padmashri Naik (Brand Communications and Product Manager, East West Seeds (I) Pvt. Ltd.). Moving ahead, Ms. Padmashri Naik introduced the students to their company through a presentation and a corporate video. Followed by this, the esteemed dignitaries awarded the winners and runners-up of the competitions. Next, Dr. Asmita Chitnis felicitated the speakers, Mr. Avijit Majumdar (CEO, Siddhivinayak Agri Processing Pvt Ltd) and Mr. Ravindra Dolare (President, Ecozen Solutions Pvt Ltd), who spoke about their individual success stories. Mr. Avijit Majumdar explained to the audience the process of seed production in aeroponics and its challenges. Following this, Mr. Ravindra Dolare discussed the issue of global food loss and waste – the cause and the solutions to deal with it and how his company focuses on the same.

An intriguing round of question-and-answer followed each success story presentation. Bringing the Agri Summit 2022 to a close, Mr. Sushant Malik presented a heartfelt vote of thanks to each of our speakers.

 

Key takeaways: