Bengaluru: The University of Agricultural Sciences (UAS), Bengaluru, has announced that from this academic year, Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) will be taught as mandatory subjects across its undergraduate and postgraduate programmes. The move aims to equip agriculture students with modern technological skills increasingly relevant in the sector.
Partnership with Samsung under CSR initiative
To facilitate the teaching of AI and ML, UAS has signed an agreement with Samsung under the company’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programme. Through this collaboration, Samsung will provide training support, while UAS will integrate AI and ML into its agricultural curriculum.
“AI and ML have already been incorporated in most professional courses, including engineering and medicine. To teach them as part of agriculture programmes, we are setting up a department to frame a suitable curriculum,” said V. S. Suresh, Vice-Chancellor of UAS Bengaluru.
Preparing students for future opportunities
The Vice-Chancellor warned that students without exposure to AI may lose out on future employment opportunities. “In the first batch, around 300 students will be trained through an 80-hour programme. They will also receive hands-on training,” he said. The initiative is expected to enhance employability by aligning agricultural education with the digital transformation underway in multiple industries.
Support from engineering colleges
In addition to Samsung’s involvement, UAS has partnered with select engineering colleges to provide faculty assistance. Lecturers from these institutions will help teach AI and ML concepts, ensuring agriculture students receive high-quality instruction from experienced professionals.
Bridging technology and agriculture
The introduction of AI and ML in agricultural sciences is being seen as a landmark step towards bridging the gap between traditional farming practices and modern technological innovation. Experts believe that AI-driven tools can aid in crop monitoring, soil analysis, pest detection, yield prediction, and climate adaptation, helping farmers make data-driven decisions.
Conclusion
By making AI and ML mandatory, UAS Bengaluru is positioning itself at the forefront of agricultural education reform. The initiative not only modernises the curriculum but also prepares the next generation of agriculture graduates to apply advanced technologies for solving pressing challenges in food security, sustainability, and rural livelihoods.