Faculty of Agriculture, Sohag University, inaugurated the third scientific conference of the Plant Protection Department, which was entitled “Using Artificial Intelligence in the Field of Plant Protection”, in the presence of Dr. Hani Ahmed Fouad, Vice Dean for Education and Student Affairs, Dr. Abdel-Alim Saad, Head of the Department and Conference, and Dr. Ashraf Kamal, Conference Rapporteur.
A group of staff members and students from the faculty, and the research team from the Plant Protection Research Institute at the Agricultural Research Center and the Desert Research Center.
Dr. Hassan Al-Nomany, President of the University, praised the topic presented by the conference, which aimed to discuss the importance of using artificial intelligence applications in plant protection and enhancing the efficiency of agricultural researchers and specialists in using artificial intelligence to address environmental and agricultural challenges and achieve sustainability in agricultural production, stressing that the Egyptian state pays great attention to this issue, and is keen to apply modern technology in various sectors, especially the agricultural sector, to keep pace with the global developments and new technologies used in the field of agriculture, pointing out that such meetings contribute significantly to developing students’ skills and increasing their experience, in addition to building and strengthening links between research centers and students.
and graduates, to enhance their careers and prepare them for the job market in a professional manner.
From his part, Dr. Khalaf Hammam, Dean of the faculty, stated that the faculty is keen to hold and organize scientific and educational conferences and seminars that benefit university students.
He added that the third edition of the Botany Department’s Scientific Conference highlighted the importance of using artificial intelligence technologies and
digital transformation in agriculture, transforming traditional agriculture into smart agriculture, leads to improved management of agricultural resources, increased productivity, improved crop quality, and the achievement of sustainability in this vital sector.
Dr. Hani Fouad explained that the department is keen to discuss everything new in the field of plant protection, and seeks to hone the skills and abilities of students by transferring knowledge and exchanging experiences between them and researchers and specialists in the fields of agriculture in order to graduate a new generation of highly qualified, experienced, and skilled youth, this will provide the local community and the labor market with specialized personnel in managing and solving the agricultural problems, thus contributing to the advancement of this sector and improving its outcomes. Dr. Abdel-Aleem Saad noted that artificial intelligence is considered one of the most important technological developments of the twenty-first century, rather, it is a revolutionary technology that has the potential to change many aspects of life. Egypt is considered one of the leading countries that has taken a proactive step in applying modern technology to improve productivity and increase efficiency, as the use of artificial intelligence helps in managing farms and preventing pests,
reducing the use of pesticides, controlling agricultural machinery, and determining crop quality and improving operational efficiency, which enhances agricultural exports, improves farmers’ income, and achieves agricultural sustainability.
He explained that the conference recommended several points, the most important of which is developing early warning systems for diseases and pests using artificial intelligence,
developing digital platforms and mobile applications to provide farmers with real-time information about the best agricultural practices, soil, climate, and prices to improve agricultural production.
Dr. Ashraf Kamal added that the conference also recommended expanding the establishment of agricultural extension centers and appointing qualified young cadres to work in the electronic agricultural extension.
He explained that the conference included a number of important lectures, one of them entitled (Using artificial intelligence in combating the red palm weevil).
It was presented by Dr. Wael El-Hadary, Professor of the Central Laboratory for Palm Trees at the Agricultural Research Center. Dr. Mohamed Ali, Professor of the Plant Protection Research Institute at the Center, also gave a lecture about (Using Artificial Intelligence to Identify the Fall Armyworm).
Dr. Mahmoud Kilani, from the Plant Protection Department at the Desert Research Center, also gave a lecture about “Utilizing Artificial Intelligence Technologies to Protect Bee Colonies and Enhance their Survival in the Desert Environments.” Dr. Ashraf Kamal also gave a lecture titled “Using Artificial Intelligence in Honey Bees.”