Agricultural Engineering

Agricultural Engineers work on the application of engineering concepts and technology in resolving issues related to core fields of Agriculture, Ecology and Food Technology along with emerging spheres like wetlands conservation, sustainable agriculture, green infrastructure and natural resource management systems, amongst others. From designing farming equipment to working on fuels, a career in Agricultural Engineering involves working alongside economists, horticulturalists, geneticists, microbiologists, geneticists, bioethicists, Public Policy analysts and so forth. Read on what a career in this field entails. 

What is Agricultural Engineering?

Agricultural engineering, also referred to as agricultural and biosystems engineering, combines the various engineering disciplines of mechanical, civil, electrical, food science, environmental, software, and chemical engineering to increase the productivity of farms and agribusiness enterprises and to ensure the sustainability of natural and renewable resources.

Is Agricultural Engineering a Good Career?

In particular, the importance and recognition of Agricultural Engineering has gone up in recent years especially owing to the need to integrate sustainable technology into conventional farming methods and move onto intelligent agriculture processes. Modern infrastructures like dams, reservoirs, wind farms and biofuels and tools such as pollution control and irrigation techniques respectively are continuously being adopted. A large part of an agricultural engineer is to inspect farming areas, designing and induction of equipment, development of feasible technology and test machinery. Further, it may also involve overseeing projects on behalf of the government or research organizations. An advanced degree in Agriculture Courses equips one with the necessary knowledge and expertise required to work in the industry, some of which have been enlisted below:

• BSc Agriculture
• BSc Agriculture Economics
• BSc Horticulture
• MBA Agribusiness
• MBA in Agriculture
• MSc Plant Psychology
• Master of Bioscience Engineering
• MSc Agricultural Production
• Master in Public Health
• Master in Agri-Food Engineering
• Master of Public Administration [MPA]

Related Article: BSc Agriculture Subjects

Popular Universities

Apart from offering quality education, the universities listed below are also known for their world-class infrastructure, professional faculties, and multicultural environment. To make your job easier, here is a list of universities offering Agricultural Engineering courses: 

Name of University	Location	THE World University Rankings 2023	Agricultural Engineering [AE] Courses
University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign	USA	85	PhD in Agricultural & Biological Engineering
Pennsylvania State University	USA	38	MS Agricultural & Biological Engineering, PhD in Agricultural & Biological Engineering
Purdue University	USA	129	Bachelor of Science in AE, PhD in Agricultural & Biological Engineering
University of Arizona	USA	120-250	BSc in Agricultural Technology Management & Education
Texas A&M University	USA	164	BS Biological & AE, MSc in Biological & AE, PhD in Biological & AE
Virginia Tech	USA	363	Associate of Agricultural Technology
Queen’s University Belfast	UK	233	BSc Agricultural Technology, BSc Agricultural Technology with Professional Studies.
North Carolina State University	USA	102	Master of Biological & AE, PhD in Biological & AE
Iowa State University	USA	481	BS in AE, BS in AE/MBA, Concurrent BS/MS in AE

Agricultural Engineering: Top Job Profiles

With the increase in demand for experts adept with concepts pertaining to the field, scores of industries offer employment to Agricultural Engineering professionals. Here are a few top job profiles you must explore: 

• Agriculture Engineer

While specific job responsibilities may differ, generally, Agricultural Engineering graduate under this work profile works on planning and designing of agri-infrastructure like irrigation systems, damage control systems, sowing, harvesting and storage systems, etc. Other responsibilities may include research work, sample collection and testing, reviewing performance, amongst others.

• International Development Specialist

Transnational organisations like UNDP are always on the lookout for international development specialists. They are in charge of research and coordinating international projects, track development, maintain compliance, make budgetary formulations along with heavy travelling. Due to the vast opportunities in countries abroad, this work profile is quite popular amongst the Agricultural Engineering graduates.

• Water Resources Engineer

As a water resources engineer, you will be expected to conduct water quality modelling exercises, devise ways of water resources conversation as well as making sure that water requirements are met. Further, regulatory standards must also be followed.

• Environmental Engineer

Hired by multinational enterprises as well as research organisations and governmental agencies, an environmental engineer works on practical solutions of environmental concerns, hazardous waste disposal, pollution issues, etc. Moreover, the job also requires liaising with local agencies, economists, planners and lawyers, amongst others thus making it a popular Agricultural Engineering work profile. 

• Agricultural Engineering Consultant

A consultant’s job not only requires advanced knowledge of core Agricultural Engineering as well as a grasp of business management. Responsibilities may include project management, client advising, research and analysis, overseeing projects, resource management and so forth.

In addition to the abovementioned job profiles, you can also explore the following professions: 

• Researcher
• Professor/Lecturer
• Food Engineer
• Soil Scientist
• Irrigation Engineer
• Design Engineer
• Bio Resource Engineer

Eligibility Criteria

For undergraduate and graduate programmes in agricultural engineering, there are varying eligibility requirements. Universities or the government determine the eligibility requirements for these programmes, which may include things like grades from grades 10 and 12 as well as age restrictions and entrance exam cutoffs. Candidates who meet the requirements can apply for the courses, but the remainder are eliminated from consideration for admission.

Undergraduate Level

Students must have passed their 10+2 or equivalent level examination from a recognised education board in India to be eligible for a B. Tech in Agricultural Engineering or B.E in Agricultural Engineering. Students must have completed the Science (Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics) stream in upper secondary school in order to apply for this course. You can also apply if you have taken Physics, Chemistry, and Biology in 10+2.

The minimal marks needed to apply to this course at the 10+2 level vary from college to college. In general, the minimal score needed to pass is between 45 and 50 percent for the general category, and between 40 and 45 percent for the SC/ST category.

Students’ 10+2 results and entrance exam scores will determine if they are admitted to the course.

Postgraduate Level

A student must have completed their B. Tech/B. E. degree or its equivalent with a minimum cumulative grade point average of 55% in order to apply for admission to the PG level agricultural engineering course.

Most colleges also require admission exams. Two of the most popular entrance exams for PG level agricultural engineering programmes are GATE and the All India Entrance Examination-PG of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research.

PhD Level

A M. Tech/M. E degree in Agricultural Engineering with a minimum cumulative grade point average of 60% is the minimum qualification.

NET-style PhD entry tests should also be passed.

Top Recruiters

• ITC Limited
• Nestle
• Parle
• Amul Dairy
• Britannia
• Proagro Seeds
• AgroTech Food
• Farming Industry Consultants

Related Article: Agricultural Economics

Hence, pursuing a career in Agricultural Engineering can open to doors to innumerable opportunities. If you are aspiring top study this course abroad but are confused amongst the universities then a little bit of quality guidance goes a long way. Consult the experts and counsellors at Leverage Edu in a 30 minutes free career counselling session and take a step towards a bright career!