Agricultural Engineering | Everything you need to know about it!

Agricultural engineering | An overview

Engineering is a sought-after field of study. Engineers have the ability to transform and play an important role in introducing the world to innovations. There are different types of engineering like civil engineering, electrical engineering, aerospace engineering, and nuclear engineering. However, as an agricultural engineer, you must understand the application of engineering concepts and techniques related to agriculture, ecology, and food. 

There’s more to it!

It is an emerging field of study where it focuses on sustainable agriculture, conservation, natural resource management systems, etc. When you become an agricultural engineer, you may have to work with economists, horticulturalists, geneticists, microbiologists, and so forth. You will have to inspect farms, design and develop farming equipment, and test machinery, among other roles. You may also have to oversee projects on behalf of the government or research organizations. 

Agricultural engineering courses

1. As a part of undergraduate courses, you can do B. Tech in agricultural engineering, B.E. in agricultural engineering, and diploma in agricultural engineering; all of these are 3- or 4-year courses. You need 50% aggregate marks in your 12th board exam to be eligible for these courses. The entrance exams are JEE Main, AIEE, etc. Once you complete the course, you can become a teacher, assistant supervisor, tender manager, and junior sales manager, among others.
2. Postgraduate courses include M.Tech in agricultural and food engineering and a diploma in agriculture; all for 2 years. However, the admission criteria include a minimum of 60% aggregate marks in UG courses. For this course, the entrance exams are ICAR-AIEEA PG, GATE, etc. Also, you can opt for a career as a lecturer, professor, senior agricultural supervisor, or senior sales manager after completing the course.
3. To do Ph.D. in agricultural engineering, you must have not less than 60% aggregate marks in M.Tech/M.E. You will also need to clear entrance exams like NET. The course duration is 3-5 years, and on completion, you can become an agronomist, crop inspector, or senior supervisor.
4. Online agriculture engineering courses are also available for students such as B.Sc. (Agriculture), B.Sc. (Horticulture), and B.Sc. (Home Science).

Top universities to study agricultural engineering 

You can choose from several agricultural engineering colleges that teach the course you are seeking. In addition, you must go through the curriculum and future prospects and easily apply to the top engineering universities in the world. Some of them are:

• Purdue University
• Iowa State University
• University of Sydney
• University of Illinois
• Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur

Job profiles in agricultural engineering 

#1. Agricultural inspector

The responsibility of an agricultural inspector is to ensure that businesses must run according to laws and regulations. Moreover, this is necessary to maintain the quality and safety standards of the food we eat. They are also in charge of inspecting the food and meat processing plants.

#2. International development specialist

International development specialists are in charge of research and coordinating international projects. They are also responsible for track development and make budgetary formulations. As a matter of fact, there are vast opportunities to explore abroad.

#3. Water resource engineer

As a water resources engineer, you must carry out water quality modeling exercises, devise ways of water conversation, and make sure that water requirements are met. Further, regulatory standards must be followed.

#4. Environmental engineer

An environmental engineer has job openings in multinational companies, research organizations, and governmental agencies. In addition, they play a significant role in finding practical solutions to environmental concerns, treating pollution and waste, etc. 

#5. Survey research agricultural engineer

These professionals are responsible for evaluating the environmental impact of various agricultural production methods. They not only assess but also look after proper land drainage systems and several other relevant projects related to farming. Additionally, they provide engineering solutions after undertaking detailed surveys.

In addition to these, you can also explore the following professions:

1. Researcher
2. Food engineer
3. Soil scientist
4. Irrigation engineer
5. Design engineer

Hence, pursuing a career in agricultural engineering will ensure that many new avenues open up for you, and with a little bit of guidance, you can go a long way. 

Things to know before studying agricultural engineering

1. The academic programs in every engineering school may be slightly different. The departments may focus on different research topics.
2. It is a much broader field than you might think as there are several specialties within the field which you can explore according to your interest.
3. In agricultural engineering, there will be an overlap with many other fields. Since it is not necessary that an agricultural engineer will end up working in the agriculture sector. Moreover, the principles can be applied to other fields as well.
4. People may think agricultural engineering teaches you how to run a farm, however, it is not the case. Take the opportunity to explain to people about agricultural engineering and how it involves solving a lot of marketing problems and more.
5. Agricultural engineering is a small community compared to civil engineers or mechanical engineers. 

Skills and knowledge needed to become an agricultural engineer

1. Critical thinking is a very important skill you need to become an agricultural engineer. You will have to use your logic and reasoning to approach sudden problems, identify the strengths and weaknesses, and find out an alternative solution. Moreover, this will help you make decisions keeping in mind the costs and benefits of a plan of action. 
2. Furthermore, attention to detail can be a really helpful skill as it gives you a better understanding and eliminates the chances of making mistakes. 
3. Concentration and coordination skills play a crucial role. You must be able to work as a team, and be open to ideas and opinions. Moreover, it allows you to evaluate the quality of products by conducting tests and inspections.
4. You must have a good understanding of subjects like physics, mathematics, chemistry, biology, and geography. Also, you must have good knowledge of computers and electronics, law and government, design, economics, sales, and more.

What’s next?

India is known to be one of the top agricultural countries in the world and this particular sector contributes around 25% of the gross domestic product (GDP). Agricultural engineering is also an interesting discipline of engineering. Moreover, its importance and recognition have gone up in recent years and several students are inclined to choose this field of study. It also offers great job opportunities and you can expect an average salary of INR 5.5-8 lakh per annum. If you are planning to pursue a course in agricultural engineering, reach out to us for more details and the application process.

Liked this Blog? Read more: BSc agriculture subjects you should know about!

FAQs

Q1. Will I get scholarships for studying abroad? 

Answer: Yes, most universities abroad offer scholarship programs for international students.

Q2. Why are IELTS or TOEFL examinations necessary to study abroad? 

Answer: These examinations are necessary to determine your English proficiency. Since most courses are taught in English, it is important that you know the language, especially for non-native English-speaking students. 

Q3. Does an agricultural engineer have to travel a lot? 

Answer: Yes, agricultural engineers have to work outdoors. You may also have to visit sites and there is scope for traveling.