Almaty, Kazakhstan, 27 September 2024 – The Islamic Organization for Food Security (IOFS), in collaboration with the Islamic World Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), successfully concluded the “Smarter Agriculture, Brighter Futures: Implementing Intelligent Agriculture” project with an interactive, hands-on training session at the Kazakh National Agrarian Research University (KazNARU). The event, marking the second day of the conference, focused on practical applications of IoT technologies for precision agriculture.
The training brought together researchers, university faculty, private sector representatives, and students, who were guided through the setup and management of IoT sensor networks for agricultural applications. Prof. Dr. Muazzam Ali Khan Khattak, Director of Science and Technology at Quaid-i-Azam University, Pakistan, led the session. He emphasized how IoT sensors can optimize farming practices, from real-time soil monitoring to precision irrigation, showcasing how data-driven agriculture can improve resource management and crop yields.
Adding to the session, Mr. Beksultan Aiten, an industry expert from Alash Electronics LTD, demonstrated the AI-enabled IoT equipment supplied to KazNARU. His practical insights into deploying and monitoring these systems enriched the participants' understanding of the technology’s potential in data collection and analysis for more efficient farm management.
The training session covered critical aspects of smart agriculture, including the operation of IoT sensors and the role of AI in enhancing agricultural decision-making. Participants were guided through the process of data collection, analysis, and its application in improving farm outcomes. The practical use of AI equipment provided valuable real-time insights into how technology can monitor agricultural performance, allowing participants to gain both theoretical knowledge and hands-on experience.
To support ongoing research, participants received comprehensive manuals on the operation of IoT sensors and networks. Additionally, experts provided guidance on developing custom coding scripts for KazNARU researchers, enabling them to conduct applied research in precision farming.
Under the leadership of Dr. Maira Kussainova, Head of the Sustainable Agriculture Center at AgriTech Hub KazNARU, the university will continue applied research using IoT technologies through autumn 2024 and spring 2025. Results of this research will be presented at KazNARU’s Summer School in May 2025, offering valuable insights into the potential of smart technologies in transforming agriculture across the region.
Mr. Bakytzhan Arystanbek, IOFS Program Manager, expressed his gratitude for the partnership with ICESCO and the hosting by KazNARU. He reaffirmed IOFS’s commitment to continuing support for the initiative. Dr. Adel Smeda, ICESCO Expert from the Science and Environment Section, also commended the collaboration and expressed eagerness to facilitate partnerships between KazNARU and universities in the Islamic world. Both IOFS and ICESCO emphasized that they would review the project’s results and explore opportunities to promote smart agriculture in other member countries.
The event concluded with a certificate ceremony, where participants were recognized for their active contributions to advancing smart agriculture. KazNARU and other institutions expressed gratitude to IOFS and ICESCO for spearheading this initiative, which promises to promote sustainable agricultural practices in Central Asia.
By establishing a live laboratory at KazNARU, this initiative empowers researchers, agronomists, and students to integrate IoT technologies into agriculture, paving the way for smarter, more sustainable farming practices across Kazakhstan and beyond.
