The application of engineering principles in areas related to agriculture is called as agricultural engineering. The engineers of this discipline apply the engineering priciples and procedures to production, processing, preservation and handling of food products. This has effected considerable positive changes in farming methods and food production. Technological advancements and ongoing research have contributed to the development of farm equipments, irrigation systems, design, construction and installation of agricultural tube wells and pumps, better and efficient food processing systems and work on land reclamation projects. Owing to the increase in work in these areas; the demand for agricultural enginners has raised to a significant extnent.

Nature of work

Agricultural engineers during the course of their work will implement the principles of engineering to work in areas of agricultural equipment industry, agricultural product processing industry and food industry. Their principle aim of work is to create new desings with satisfy the requirements of these industries. They also have the responsibility of supervising the production of agricultural equipmens, machinery, and machine parts. They are very much required on irrigation projects, for planning agriculture based industries, projects, drainage systems, land reclamation projects, and for flood control and soil erosion projects. Agricultural engineers will be well trained in designing food processing systems required by food processing and packaging industries.

They are also required in research and development as well in sales and marketing.

Work environment:

Working conditions will differ according to the type of field they choose. They may have to work indoors or outdoors depending on the season. They will be principally working on farming methods and facilities works in the field for assessing the requirements of agriculture. Agricultural equipment research, development, designs and production will be done in preset factory conditions, labs and shop floor. Engineers will be engaged in sales and marketing activities with agencies and clients.

Employment Avenues:

Agricultural engineers will be offered employment in deparments of agricultural engineering, water management, area development projects, minor irrigation projects, agricultural machinery manufacturing organizations, tea garden, Food Corporation of India, National Seeds Corporations, dairy and food industries, agro industries, National Dairy Development Board, NABARD and other banks. Agricultural finance corporations, Indian Council of Agricultural Research, Council of Scientific and Industrial Research, Agricultural universities and non government organizations.

They can also self employ themselves as agricultural engineering consultants or own their production units for manufacturing agricultural implements or processing agricultural products.