Coimbatore : Senior scientists from the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) Philippines visited Tamil Nadu Agricultural University here to explore the possibility of developing a joint research project of mutual interest, particularly in digital agriculture.

The main focus of the visit was to discuss research collaboration between TNAU and IRRI, related with Remote Sensing-Based Information and Insurance for Crops in Emerging Economies (RIICE) and other international agriculture research initiatives and to seek inputs for co-operation framework on development involving Remote Sensing & GIS technologies.

Dr. Tri D. Setiyono, Cluster Leader, Geospatial Science & Modeling, IRRI, accompanied by Dr. J.S. Prasad, Retd. IRRI Scientist from Hyderabad, held interactive meeting recently with scientists from various departments in TNAU.

TNAU Director of Research, Dr K S Subramanian presented the overview activities and achievement of TNAU and shared some of the landmark events and success stories in exploiting Remote Sensing applications in Disaster Management viz., Tsunami, Floods, Drought and Cyclone, a TNAU release said Thursday.

He flagged off certain prime areas of interest in Remote Sensing, Field sensors, Artificial intelligence and Machine learning applications in assessing varietal spread, soil and plant health and integrating nano formulations leading to digital solutions for farmers in site specific input management to promote productivity and profitability of farms without associated environmental harm.

Setiyono organised a Seminar on “Crop monitoring strategies through remote sensing and crop modeling” and interacted with scientists and students.

He held discussions separately with a team of scientists in Directorates of Natural Resource Management, Crop management and CARDS to look into the options of research co-operation between TNAU and IRRI.

The TNAU-IRRI research collaborations will include digital agricultural initiative, RIICE, developing real time crop information system and IRRI Accelerator Week, the release said.