Patna, March 19, 2026: The National Conference on Agriculture Technology and Management (NCATM 2026) was successfully held today at Chandragupt Institute of Management Patna (CIMP) in a hybrid format, bringing together academicians, policymakers, researchers, and industry experts to explore the transformative role of technology and management in agriculture.
The conference commenced with an inaugural session at the CIMP Auditorium, graced by eminent academicians including Prof. (Dr.) Rana Singh, Director of CIMP, Prof. (Dr.) Ankit Sharma and other distinguished faculty members. In his welcome address, Prof. (Dr.) Rana Singh emphasized the need for collaborative platforms to address emerging agricultural challenges. A conference overview was presented by Prof. (Dr.) Vijaya, who underlined its interdisciplinary relevance in the current agricultural landscape.
The Chief Guest, Dr. Birendra Prasad Yadav, I.A.S., Special Secretary, Agriculture Department, Government of Bihar, delivered a keynote address highlighting the transformative impact of technology across sectors such as agriculture, healthcare, and the broader economy. He stressed that technological advancements are critical to enhancing productivity, ensuring food security, and achieving sustainable development. He also emphasized the importance of green technologies and effective management practices in driving agricultural growth. The inaugural session concluded with a vote of thanks by Ranjani Ram.
NCATM 2026 featured five technical sessions covering a wide range of themes. Key discussions focused on agri-business challenges, green recruitment practices, and the role of foreign direct investment (FDI) in Bihar’s agricultural transformation. Experts also deliberated on emerging areas such as artificial intelligence, digitalization, Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs), agri-fintech, and circular economy practices.
The sessions showcased innovations in smart farming and precision agriculture, alongside new agri-based industrial models promoting rural entrepreneurship and sustainability. Mechanization advancements, including efficient harvesting systems, and strategic management approaches for agri-business SMEs were also highlighted. Notably, research presentations on deep learning applications—such as automated soybean seed grading—demonstrated the growing potential of advanced technologies in improving agricultural productivity and accuracy.
The valedictory session marked the conclusion of the conference, with Dr. Nitish Nigam presenting a comprehensive summary of the technical deliberations. He highlighted key themes including IoT, AI-driven analytics, agri-fintech, and evolving policy frameworks. The session also recognized academic excellence through the presentation of Best Paper Awards to outstanding contributors.
Dr. Nitish Nigam delivered the vote of thanks, expressing gratitude to the Director, faculty members including Prof. (Dr.) Ankit Sharma and Prof. (Dr.) Vijaya, the organizing team, participants, and volunteers for their contributions in making the conference a success.
Overall, NCATM 2026 emerged as a significant academic platform, reinforcing the importance of innovation, collaboration, and sustainable practices in shaping the future of agriculture.
