Sunday, September 25, 2011

Agroinformatics

Another field that is emerging of which AEs can go to as a career specialization is the area on Agro-informatics. We shall be using the word "Agroinformatics" to distinguish the use of information technology in the field of agriculture and fisheries. This is relatively a new field and may compete with information and electronics professionals. However, our extensive knowledge of the agricultural systems makes us advantageous

Here are some agroinformatics tracks, an AE can follow:


GIS

The Geographic Information System (GIS) is a powerful tool used in natural resource management including agriculture and fisheries. A good number of GIS professionals in the Philippines have AE background. Our extensive knowledge in land and water management makes us versatile GIS professionals. Through GIS, one can visualize land degradation, water resources, land cover, soil fertility maps, pest spread, etc. It is a dynamic mapping approach that can help in decision making. In addition, GIS can be utilized as a tool in Precision Agriculture particularly if one AE would like to venture in plantation environment. 

Automation, Instrumentation and Control

A lot of our gadgets in the field needs to be automated as well. Through basic electronics, we can transform our rain gauges, hygrothermographs, etc. to gather real time data for a better weather forecasting and hydrological analysis. We can improve our sensors for microclimate control inside greenhouses, aquaculture systems, biosecured animal housing, etc. We can greatly improve our postharvest and production equipment. In this case, mechanization will be implemented in "lighter and intelligent approach".In this case, mechanization will be more of electronics-based and little of ICE-based.


Agro-Modelling

Those who maybe interested in research. A software approach can also be implemented by AEs. We refer to hydrological modelling, climate modelling, crop modelling, etc. An AE have better stance than the mere computer science professional. As I have said, we understand the system better.

Reinforce curriculum

However, in order for our future professionals to be able to be proficient on this areas, we need to review our curriculum. We shall not look at CAD and GIS as a stand alone program but rather let us start integrating these in the every professional subjects as much as possible. We also have the edge if we start using microcontrollers and robotics in the design of postharvest and machineries. With a fast changing IT industry, these technologies will be more cost-efficient in the near future and hopefully more affordable for our farmers.

And we need to be ready before computer and electronics professionals will snatch this away from us.

1 comment:

  1. all ur visionsare true bayaw but pnu b tlga tau (AE)n mging known din s field ng engineering...e in terms of job opportunities nga s government e wla png ktibayan n ung sinasabi nlang creation of positions s government PLGUs/MLGU/s e matu2pad...i'm already 4 yrs in service in our municipality & yt i'm still casual....kng bga nghi2nty lng ng wala...

    ReplyDelete