In a notable showcase of India’s advancing agricultural technology, Lovely Professional University (LPU) students Megha Thakur and Nishikant Yadav represented the country at the Global Future Forum 2025 in Malaysia. As second-year M.Sc. Fruit Science students, they presented their innovative research on employing Smart AI Tags to prolong the shelf-life of horticultural products, addressing the critical issue of global food waste. The forum brought together leading researchers, innovators, policymakers, and industry leaders from more than 30 countries, all focused on utilizing emerging technologies like artificial intelligence and digital systems to foster a sustainable future for food systems and environmental management. Under the guidance of Dr.
Praveen Verma, their research integrates advanced AI algorithms with IoT-based sensors that monitor essential factors such as temperature, humidity, and ethylene gas levels around fresh produce. These smart tags assess the real-time freshness of fruits and vegetables, enabling stakeholders to access actionable data to mitigate spoilage. Col. Dr. Rashmi Mittal, Pro-Chancellor of LPU, remarked, “Innovation becomes truly meaningful when it serves both people and the planet. At LPU, we take pride in seeing young minds channel technology toward sustainability and social good.
Their work reflects the spirit of global collaboration and the shared pursuit of a more secure and sustainable future.” A significant aspect of their presentation highlighted the technology’s ability to tackle the alarming 25–40% loss of global horticultural produce after harvest. Utilizing machine learning models, their system forecasts optimal storage conditions for various produce types and sends alerts to minimize waste, enhance supply chain efficiency, and bolster food security. Reflecting on their experience, the students stated, “This opportunity allowed us to gain valuable insights into future trends in agricultural innovation.
The exposure has motivated us to continue developing sustainable, AI-driven solutions to address critical challenges in the horticulture sector.” LPU remains committed to nurturing the next generation of innovators, providing a platform for transformative research that tackles global challenges and positions the university at the forefront of the food security and technology revolution.