Ingenieur Vol 99 final July-Sept 2024 | Page 7

PRESIDENT ’ S MESSAGE

Agricultural Engineering

PRESIDENT ’ S MESSAGE

Agricultural Engineering stands at the intersection of technology , sustainability and food security , thus playing a pivotal role in addressing some of the most pressing challenges of our time . From improving crop yields to ensuring the efficient use of water resources , agricultural engineering is essential to sustaining the growing global population and preserving the environment .
The integration of advanced technologies in agriculture is given prominence in Agricultural Engineering . The advent of precision farming , driven by GPS technology , drones , and IoT devices has revolutionised how we approach crop management . These innovations allow farmers to monitor soil health , track crop growth and optimise resource use with unprecedented accuracy . By harnessing big data analytics and machine learning , we can make informed decisions that enhance productivity while minimising environmental impact .
Sustainability is at the heart of Agricultural Engineering . The article on ‘ Keeping up with
Agriculture Technology ’ elaborates on the use of technology to generate higher yield with improved quality of crops for farmers . The article on ‘ Soil Properties Mapping System ’ outlines how a system , developed locally by UPM , serves to provide precise and real-time data on essential nutrients to accurately assess and map soil characteristics and fertility . This will enable farmers to make informed decisions to optimise crop yield and reduce environmental impact .
Looking forward , the role of Agricultural Engineering will continue to grow in importance . The challenges we face are immense but so are the opportunities . By embracing innovation , sustainability and collaboration , we can build a resilient agricultural sector that supports global food security and environmental health .
Datuk Ir . Ahmad Redza bin Ghulam Rasool President , BEM
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