Objectives, scope and career opportunities in agricultural engineering
Objectives of agricultural engineering
The overall objectives of Agricultural Engineering is to provide a conducive working environment for the farmer and assure him that there is dignity in farming, improve his economic situation and make food available in adequate quantity and quality at the right time of need and at a reasonable cost to consumers. These objectives are pursued but not limited to one or more of the following:
1. Reduction in farm hazards: The causes of these hazards are identified, and solutions given. This ensures that the farmers labour is not in vain.
2. Reduction of drudgery in agricultural operations: Agricultural engineering intervention is to develop machines and equipment that can be used in performing agricultural operations to reduce stress on farmers.
3. Ensuring the availability of agricultural products all year-round: To meet all year-round demand of seasonal crops, they must be processed and stored. Structures for long – term storage must be built.
4. Enhancement of the quality of life for the farmer: Agricultural engineering provides conveniences on the farm, such conveniences include farm houses, good farm roads etc.
Scopes of agricultural engineering
In the course of the career of an agricultural engineer, he received training in mechanics of machine heat transfer and thermodynamics of engine, fluid mechanics and dynamics, theory and design of machine and machine elements, engineering drawing design of structures, thermal environment, energy utilization, hydrology, soil and water conservation, surveying, systems control and analysis, principles of crop.