The word "Engineer" originates from the Latin word "Ingenium" which means "a good idea". Other words like "genius" and "ingenuity"
originates from this word. A good idea together with science makes an Engineer.

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Research Programmes

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  Agricultural Infrastructure Engineering


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  Agro-Processing


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  Irrigation and Drainage Engineering

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  Mechanization and Precision Agriculture


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  Renewable Energy
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Erecting fences on the farm.pdfErecting fences on the farm
Basic principles of wind energy.pdfBasic principles of wind energy
Pickling Chili Peppers.pdfPickling Chili Peppers

THE ROLE OF AGRICULTURAL ENGINEERING

The core purpose of this division is to develop and apply agricultural engineering technology that will contribute to higher yields, higher income and lower input costs for agriculture and related industries in a sustainable way. The objectives are thus:

  • To create wealth and to eliminate poverty in agriculture by increasing profits through the reduction of input costs, increased production, improved product quality, and value adding.

  • To develop and apply engineering technology for the sustainable utilisation and development of resources used in agriculture.

  • To promote and increase the efficient and sustainable utilisation of natural resources.

  • To protect, reclaim and restore deteriorated natural resources.

  • To develop human resources in the field of agricultural engineering technology.

HISTORY OF AGRICULTURAL ENGINEERING

In October 1995, the research component of the Chief Directorate was transferred to the Agricultural Research Council (ARC) and became the ARC-Institute for Agricultural Engineering [ARC-IAE] with the aim to promote agricultural engineering technology in support of the agricultural sector as well as to provide technical support to the National and Provincial Departments of Agriculture [Read more...]

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ENGINEERING FOCUS

Focus is placed on all needs of our modern day farmers in South Africa due to the need for poverty alleviation and the role agriculture can play in this regard. Emphasis is also placed on the needs of small-scale farmers.

The development of small-scale farmer projects are thus addressed within the Sustainable Rural Livelihoods projects. In these projects all the necessary disciplines are integrated in specific projects to enhance meaningful and sustainable development. An important aspect of this programme is human capacity building.

INFRASTRUCTURE

The Institute comprises a substantial capacity in terms of laboratories, instruments, support workshops, library and computer infrastructure to be able to undertake a wide range of agricultural engineering projects. The Institute is regarded as the guardian of the science of Agricultural Engineering in South Africa. The tractor and engine testing facility complies with other world class facilities and is the only facility in the world which is not on sea level but at an altitude of 1350 m, resembling the same conditions at which most of the South African tractors function. The irrigation test laboratory consists of facilities to evaluate and test sprinklers, micro-sprayers, drippers, filters, valves, flow meters and fittings. These facilities are in many instances unique and can be regarded as the best in the world. A field evaluation unit further supports these laboratory facilities for localized tests.

POSTAL ADDRESS
Agricultural Engineering
Private Bag X519
Pretoria
0127​

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GENERAL ENQUIRIES
Tel: +27 (0)12 842 4017
Fax: +27 (0)12 804 0753
E-Mail: stoltze@arc.agric.za

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PHYSICAL ADDRESS
141 Cresswell Road
Weavindpark