The 97^th ICAR Foundation Day was celebrated at ICAR-CPCRI, Regional Station, Kayamkulam in collaboration with Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Alappuzha on 16^th July 2025 by organizing a thematic seminar on 'Connecting Frontier Technologies to Gen-Next' for college students. Registrations were conducted through an online portal, with more than 100 students from 23 colleges participating in the event. Dr. Alex P. James, Dean of the Digital University Kerala, was the Chief Guest, and Mr. Unni Sankar, General Manager of the Technology Excellence Group, QUEST Global, Trivandrum, was the Guest of Honour

The celebrations commenced with a stakeholders’ meeting involving technocrats from the Digital University Kerala, QUEST Global, and Scientists from the Regional Station, Kayamkulam. Dr. Regi Jacob Thomas, Head of the Station, presented an overview of its activities, with a special focus on the application of Artificial Intelligence. The discussion highlighted the scope of AI in the coconut sector, including QR code-based seedling quality assurance, modified ground pollination technology, Red Palm Weevil detection systems, and Entomopathogenic Nematode (EPN) capsule delivery mechanisms. The meeting was followed by the inaugural session of the seminar. Dr. P. Anithakumari, Pr. Scientist welcomed the gathering. Dr. Regi Jacob Thomas, Head delivered the presidential address which was followed by lighting of lamp by the dignitaries. Dr. Alex P. James delivered the keynote address on 'Revolutionising the Agricultural Sector: Drones, Sensors, and Robotics.' The technological revolution in agriculture was well explained, with a special emphasis on future research directions in an interdisciplinary context. Mr. Unni Sankar delivered a talk on 'Deep Tech Disruption: Are You Ready?' highlighting technological advancements, their applications, and the need for continuous upskilling and adaptation. Dr. A. Joseph Rajkumar, Pr. Scientist presented the technology snippets highlighting the latest technologies developed from ICAR-CPCRI Regional Station, Kayamkulam. The Kalpa Anastatus egg card for the management of coreid bugs and the ICAR-KVK, Alappuzha newsletter were released during the function. Felicitations on the occasion were offered by Dr. S. Jyothilekshmi, Asst. Professor, ORARS-Kayamkulam (under KAU) and Dr. P. Muralidharan, Head, ICAR-KVK, Alappuzha. They emphasised the importance of appropriate use of digital technologies among younger generation and pitfalls in its over dependence. Dr. A. Abdul Haris, Pr. Scientist proposed vote of thanks for the inaugural session. During the afternoon session, a quiz contest on the topic ‘ICAR & Indian Agriculture’ and an elocution competition on the theme ‘Digital Revolution in Agriculture’ were conducted for the student participants. Ms. Angela Anna Jossy from MIT-Manipal, secured the first prize in the elocution competition. In a tightly contested quiz competition anchored by Dr. T. Sivakumar, SMS, KVK-Alappuzha, Mr. Navneeth and Mr. Ayush from Fathima Matha National College-Kollam, emerged as the winners. The programme came to a close with the valedictory session where the chief guest distributed the prizes and certificates to the participants. The programme was coordinated by Drs. K. Nihad, A. Abdul Haris, S. Neenu and S. Indhuja.