Department of Management, Kongu Arts and Science College (Autonomous), Nanjanapuram, Erode, organised a two-day National Conference on “Next-Gen Workforce Development in Agrotech and Food Processing – Bridging the Skill Gap for Sustainable Growth” on 19.08.2026 and 20.08.2026, with the financial support of the AICTE – Training and Learning (ATAL) Academy. The conference focused on emerging skill demands in agrotech and food processing, digitalisation and automation, public-private partnerships, vocational training, leadership and talent retention, sustainability, rural workforce development, reskilling and continuous learning.
The conference was inaugurated at Kongu Arts and Science College (Autonomous). Thiru. P. Sachithanandan, Correspondent, KASC, and Dr. H. Vasudevan, Principal, KASC, graced the occasion. Dr. R. Vijayapriya, Professor and Head, Department of Management, welcomed the gathering. Dr. H. Vasudevan, Principal, felicitated the dignitaries, while Thiru. P. Sachithanandan, Correspondent, delivered the Presidential Address and released the conference souvenir. Thiru. A. K. Ilango, Vice President, delivered the Special Address.
The conference brought together academicians, researchers, faculty members, professionals and paper presenters from various colleges and higher educational institutions. The resource persons shared their expertise through sessions on emerging skill demands in agrotech and food processing, digitalisation and automation in workforce development, public-private partnerships for workforce training, vocational training and apprenticeship programmes, leadership and talent retention, sustainability and climate change, bridging the urban-rural divide, and future-proofing human capital through reskilling and continuous learning.
Research paper presentations by authors from various institutions formed an important part of the conference, providing a platform for researchers and academicians to share their findings, ideas and perspectives. The conference also encouraged meaningful academic interaction and knowledge exchange among the participants.
The organising team, faculty members, technical team and students of the Department of Management extended their full cooperation and support for the successful conduct of the conference.
VALEDICTORY FUNCTION
The two-day National Conference concluded with a Valedictory Function at Kongu Arts and Science College (Autonomous). The Valedictory Address was delivered by Dr. H. Vasudevan, Principal, KASC, who highlighted the importance of continuous learning, skill development and academic–industry collaboration in preparing the workforce for the future.
The participants and paper presenters from various colleges and higher educational institutions actively participated in the conference and shared their research contributions. The sessions provided valuable insights into the changing requirements of the agrotech and food processing sectors and emphasised the importance of reskilling, upskilling, innovation and sustainable workforce development.
Dr. M. Arul Raja, Assistant Professor, Department of Management, KASC, proposed the Vote of Thanks. The conference concluded successfully with the active support and cooperation of the Management, Correspondent, Principal, resource persons, authors, participants, faculty members, technical team and students of Kongu Arts and Science College (Autonomous).