INGENIEUR
INGENIEUR
Post-War Era The Green Revolution ( 1940s-1960s ) introduced high-yielding crop varieties , chemical fertilisers , pesticides , and advanced irrigation techniques , transforming global agriculture . Agricultural engineering expanded to include food processing , storage , and environmental management .
Computerisation and Automation The advent of computers and digital technology in the latter half of the 20 th century brought precision agriculture , utilising GPS , GIS , and remote sensing to optimise farming practices . Automation and robotics began to be used in tasks such as planting , harvesting , and processing .
6 . 21 st Century : Modern Agricultural Engineering Sustainability and Environmental Focus The focus shifted towards sustainable agriculture , aiming to balance productivity with environmental stewardship . Renewable energy sources , such as solar and wind power , began to be integrated into agricultural practices .
Biotechnology and Genomics Advances in biotechnology led to the development of genetically modified crops with improved resistance to pests , diseases , and environmental stresses .
Genomics and precision breeding techniques enhanced the development of crop and livestock varieties .
Global Collaboration and Innovation International collaboration through organisations like the Food and Agriculture Organisation ( FAO ) and the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research ( CGIAR ) helped spread agricultural engineering innovations worldwide .
The rise of smart farming and the Internet of Things ( IoT ) enabled real-time monitoring and management of agricultural systems
INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS FOR AGRICULTURE PRODUCE AND PRODUCTS
There are several international standards for agricultural produce and agri-products that ensure quality , safety , and sustainability in the global food supply chain . These standards are developed and maintained by various international organisations and standard-setting bodies . Here ’ s a list of some notable international standards : 1 . Codex Alimentarius Developed by Food and Agriculture Organization ( FAO ) and World Health Organization ( WHO ) and focus on food safety , quality , and fair trade practices . The key standards are on General Standards for Food Additives , Pesticide Residue Limits and Contaminants and Toxins in Food and Feed .
2 . GlobalGAP ( Good Agricultural Practices ) Developed by FoodPLUS GmbH , these focus on Certification for safe and sustainable agricultural production . The standards used are Integrated Farm Assurance ( IFA ), Crops Standard , Livestock Standard and Aquaculture Standard .
3 . ISO Standards ( International Organization for Standardization ) Developed by International Organization for Standardization ( ISO ), these focus on various aspects of food safety , quality management , and environmental sustainability . The standards used are ISO 22000 : Food Safety Management Systems , Environmental Management Systems , Quality Management Systems and Social Responsibility .
4 . HACCP ( Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points ) Developed by Codex Alimentarius Commission , these focus on a preventative approach to food safety . The key elements involved are : Conduct hazard analysis ; Determine critical control points ; Establish critical limits ; Monitor procedures ; and Corrective actions .
5 . Organic Standards Developed by various national and international bodies , these focus on certification of organic agricultural products . The key standards are on EU Organic Regulation , USDA Organic
64 VOL 99 JULY - SEPTEMBER 2024