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B-TECH-AGRICULTURAL-ENGINEERING in Post Harvest Engineering at Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya
Nadia, West Bengal
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About the Specialization
What is Post Harvest Engineering at Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya Nadia?
This Post Harvest Engineering program at Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya focuses on the science and technology of preserving, processing, and adding value to agricultural produce. It is crucial in the Indian context for reducing food loss, ensuring food security, and enhancing farmers'''' income. The program emphasizes engineering principles applied to food and biological materials, preparing students for a vital role in India''''s growing food processing sector.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for fresh engineering graduates interested in the food processing industry, particularly those keen on sustainable food systems and technological innovation. It also suits working professionals from allied fields looking to specialize in post-harvest technology or career changers aiming to contribute to India''''s agricultural value chain. Strong foundations in science and mathematics are beneficial for success in this specialized engineering field.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect diverse India-specific career paths in food processing units, cold chain management, quality control, and research. Entry-level salaries range from INR 3-5 LPA, growing to INR 8-15 LPA with experience. Growth trajectories include R&D roles, plant management, and entrepreneurship in agro-processing. The skills gained align with certifications in food safety and quality management, highly valued in Indian companies.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Master Engineering Fundamentals and Food Science- (Semester 1-2)
Focus intensely on core engineering subjects like Thermodynamics, Fluid Mechanics, and Engineering Materials, alongside introductory food engineering principles. Utilize NPTEL lectures, refer to standard textbooks, and actively participate in lab sessions to build a strong theoretical and practical base. Form study groups to discuss complex concepts and problem-solving.
Tools & Resources
NPTEL (Thermodynamics, Fluid Mechanics), Standard textbooks (e.g., Cengel, Streeter), College labs
Career Connection
A solid foundation in these areas is crucial for understanding advanced post-harvest technologies and excelling in subsequent specialized courses, which directly impacts project work and entry-level job roles.
Develop Foundational Programming and Software Skills- (Semester 1-2)
Acquire proficiency in programming (e.g., C/Python) and basic engineering software (e.g., AutoCAD, MS Excel). Practice coding on platforms like HackerRank and utilize online tutorials for software. Participate in introductory coding competitions or build small utility programs related to agricultural data.
Tools & Resources
GeeksforGeeks, HackerRank, AutoCAD tutorials, Microsoft Excel
Career Connection
These skills are essential for data analysis, process modeling, and automation in modern food processing plants, making you a competitive candidate for R&D and process optimization roles.
Engage in Early Exposure to Agri-Processing Concepts- (Semester 1-2)
Attend departmental seminars, workshops, and guest lectures related to food processing and post-harvest management. Read industry magazines and news to stay updated on trends. Seek opportunities for short field visits to local agricultural processing units or food markets to observe real-world applications of learned concepts.
Tools & Resources
Industry journals, Departmental events, Local food processing units
Career Connection
Early exposure helps align academic learning with industry demands, fostering a clearer career vision and enhancing interview performance by demonstrating genuine interest and practical awareness.
Intermediate Stage
Undertake Mini-Projects and Internships in Food Processing- (Semester 3-5)
Actively seek and complete mini-projects focusing on specific unit operations in food processing, drying, or storage. Pursue summer internships at food processing companies, dairy plants, or research institutes to gain hands-on experience and industry exposure. Document learnings thoroughly and build a portfolio of work.
Tools & Resources
Departmental labs, Local food industries (e.g., rice mills, dairy plants), Internship portals
Career Connection
Practical project experience and internships are invaluable for securing placements, providing tangible evidence of skills, and building professional networks crucial for career advancement in India.
Specialize in Post Harvest Engineering through Electives- (Semester 3-5)
Choose electives like ''''Processing of Agricultural Products,'''' ''''Dairy and Food Engineering,'''' and ''''Drying and Dehydration'''' to deepen your specialization. Actively engage in discussions, solve case studies, and apply theoretical knowledge to design problems. Consider certification courses in food safety or quality management.
Tools & Resources
Elective course materials, Online certifications (e.g., FSSAI, HACCP), Case study analysis
Career Connection
Focused specialization makes you highly desirable to companies in the food and agro-processing sector, opening doors to specific roles in product development, quality assurance, and process engineering.
Participate in Technical Competitions and Workshops- (Semester 3-5)
Join agricultural engineering or food technology related competitions, hackathons, or workshops. These platforms provide opportunities to apply theoretical knowledge to practical problems, develop teamwork, and showcase innovation. Present research papers or project ideas at student conferences.
Tools & Resources
Agri-tech competitions, Professional body events (e.g., ISAE student chapter), Technical forums
Career Connection
Participation demonstrates initiative, problem-solving abilities, and practical skills, making your resume stand out to recruiters seeking dynamic and innovative engineers in the Indian market.
Advanced Stage
Undertake a Comprehensive Research Project/Thesis- (Semester 6-8)
Devote significant effort to your final year project or thesis, ideally focusing on an innovative solution in post-harvest technology or food engineering. Collaborate with faculty, industry experts, or research labs. Aim for a high-quality outcome with potential for publication or patenting.
Tools & Resources
University research facilities, Faculty mentorship, Relevant research papers and journals
Career Connection
A strong thesis demonstrates advanced research capabilities and deep understanding, critical for R&D roles, higher studies (M.Tech/Ph.D), and attracting top companies for placements in India and abroad.
Focus on Placement Preparation and Networking- (Semester 6-8)
Actively participate in campus placement drives, prepare for aptitude tests, technical interviews, and group discussions. Build a professional network by connecting with alumni, industry leaders on LinkedIn, and attending career fairs. Refine your resume and cover letter tailored to food processing roles.
Tools & Resources
Placement cell resources, LinkedIn, Mock interview platforms, Resume builders
Career Connection
Effective placement preparation is paramount for securing desired job roles in leading food and agricultural companies in India, maximizing your chances of a successful career launch.
Develop Entrepreneurial Mindset and Skills- (Semester 6-8)
Explore the possibility of starting an agro-processing venture. Attend workshops on entrepreneurship, business plan development, and startup funding. Leverage university incubation centers and government schemes like ''''Startup India'''' for mentorship and support. Focus on value-added products for local markets.
Tools & Resources
Entrepreneurship cells, Startup India portal, Business incubators, Mentors
Career Connection
This fosters leadership, innovation, and self-reliance, opening doors to becoming a job creator rather than a job seeker, aligning with India''''s push for agricultural entrepreneurship and rural development.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics (PCM) or Physics, Chemistry, Biology (PCB) with 50% marks for General/OBC and 40% for SC/ST. Admission primarily through WBJEE. Age limit 16-25 years as of 31st December of admission year.
Duration: 8 semesters / 4 years
Credits: 160 Credits
Assessment: Internal: 50%, External: 50%
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AEC-111 | Engineering Drawing | Core | 3 | Drawing instruments and their uses, Lettering and dimensioning, Geometrical constructions, Orthographic projections, Isometric projections, Introduction to CAD |
| AEC-112 | Mathematics – I | Core | 4 | Differential Calculus, Integral Calculus, Ordinary Differential Equations, Vector Calculus, Matrices |
| AEC-113 | Physics | Core | 3 | Mechanics, Optics, Electricity and Magnetism, Modern Physics, Waves and Oscillations |
| AEC-114 | Basic Electrical Engineering | Core | 3 | DC and AC circuits, Transformers, DC machines, AC machines, Electrical measurements, Basic electronics |
| AEC-115 | Computer Fundamentals | Core | 3 | Computer organization, Operating systems, Programming concepts (C language), Data representation, Networking basics |
| AEC-116 | Soil and Water Conservation Engineering | Core | 3 | Soil erosion types and causes, Runoff estimation, Terracing and contouring, Gully control structures, Water harvesting structures, Watershed management |
| AEC-117 | Workshop Technology | Core | 2 | Carpentry and fitting, Welding processes, Sheet metal work, Machining operations, Foundry practice, Safety in workshop |
| FPE-111 | Fundamentals of Food Engineering | Core | 3 | Food properties (physical, thermal, rheological), Material and energy balances, Fluid flow in food processing, Heat transfer principles, Mass transfer operations, Food processing unit operations |
| AHS-111 | English | Core | 2 | Technical communication, Grammar and composition, Report writing, Presentation skills, Reading comprehension |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AEC-121 | Mathematics – II | Core | 4 | Partial Differential Equations, Laplace Transforms, Fourier Series, Complex Analysis, Numerical methods |
| AEC-122 | Chemistry | Core | 3 | Atomic structure and bonding, Thermodynamics and kinetics, Electrochemistry, Polymers and materials, Environmental chemistry, Water quality |
| AEC-123 | Thermodynamics | Core | 3 | Laws of Thermodynamics, Properties of pure substances, Power cycles (Rankine, Otto, Diesel), Refrigeration cycles, Combustion principles |
| AEC-124 | Applied Mechanics | Core | 3 | Statics of particles and rigid bodies, Equilibrium, Friction, Dynamics of particles, Work, energy, power, Impact of bodies |
| AEC-125 | Farm Machinery and Power Engineering | Core | 3 | Farm power sources, Internal combustion engines, Tillage implements, Sowing and planting equipment, Harvesting and threshing machinery, Maintenance of farm machinery |
| AEC-126 | Fluid Mechanics | Core | 3 | Fluid properties, Fluid statics, Fluid dynamics (Bernoulli''''s equation), Flow through pipes and channels, Boundary layer theory, Dimensional analysis |
| AEC-127 | Surveying and Leveling | Core | 3 | Chain and tape surveying, Compass surveying, Plane table surveying, Leveling and contouring, Theodolite surveying, Total station and GPS |
| AHS-121 | Introduction to Agri. Human Res. Mgmt. | Core | 2 | HRM concepts and functions, Recruitment and selection, Training and development, Performance appraisal, Industrial relations, Motivation and leadership |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AEC-231 | Engineering Materials | Core | 3 | Classification of materials, Mechanical properties of materials, Ferrous and non-ferrous metals, Polymers and composites, Heat treatment, Corrosion and its control |
| AEC-232 | Machine Design | Core | 3 | Stress and strain analysis, Failure theories, Design of shafts and keys, Design of couplings and joints, Design of gears and bearings, Ergonomics in design |
| AEC-233 | Heat and Mass Transfer | Core | 3 | Conduction heat transfer, Convection heat transfer, Radiation heat transfer, Heat exchangers, Diffusion and mass transfer coefficients, Evaporation and drying |
| AEC-234 | Irrigation and Drainage Engineering | Core | 3 | Irrigation water requirements, Irrigation methods (surface, sprinkler, drip), Canal and pipeline design, Drainage principles and systems, Waterlogging and salinity control, Pumps for irrigation |
| AEC-235 | Crop Production Technology | Core | 3 | Crop classification and growth stages, Soil fertility and nutrient management, Weed and pest management, Harvesting and post-harvest operations, Precision agriculture, Climate change impact on crops |
| AEC-236 | Theory of Machines | Core | 3 | Kinematics of mechanisms, Dynamics of rigid bodies, Cams and followers, Gears and gear trains, Flywheels and governors, Balancing of rotating masses |
| AEC-237 | Soil Mechanics | Core | 3 | Soil formation and types, Index properties of soil, Soil classification, Permeability and seepage, Compaction and consolidation, Shear strength of soil |
| FPE-231 | Processing of Agricultural Products | Core | 3 | Cleaning and grading of grains, Milling of cereals and pulses, Oil extraction technologies, Spice and condiment processing, Fruit and vegetable processing, Quality control in processing |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AEC-241 | Strength of Materials | Core | 3 | Simple stresses and strains, Bending and shear stresses, Torsion of shafts, Deflection of beams, Principal stresses and strains, Thin and thick cylinders |
| AEC-242 | Renewable Energy Engineering | Core | 3 | Solar energy conversion, Wind energy systems, Biomass energy technologies, Biogas production and utilization, Hydro power (micro and mini), Geothermal energy |
| AEC-243 | Farm Power | Core | 3 | IC engine components and systems, Engine performance testing, Tractor types and systems, Tractor mechanics and stability, Power transmission systems, Electric motors in agriculture |
| AEC-244 | Post Harvest Engineering of Horticultural Crops | Core | 3 | Maturity indices and harvesting techniques, Pre-cooling and chilling injury, Storage of fruits and vegetables, Processing of fruit juices and pulps, Drying of horticultural products, Packaging of perishables |
| AEC-245 | Applied Hydrology | Core | 3 | Hydrological cycle, Precipitation analysis, Evapotranspiration measurement, Runoff estimation methods, Hydrograph analysis, Flood routing |
| AEC-246 | Instrumentation and Control | Core | 3 | Sensors and transducers, Measurement of physical parameters, Signal conditioning, Control system components, Open and closed loop control, Process control applications in agriculture |
| FPE-241 | Food Engineering | Core | 3 | Thermal processing of foods, Canning and blanching operations, Evaporation and concentration, Distillation and extraction, Membrane separation processes, Non-thermal food processing |
| AHS-241 | Entrepreneurship Development | Core | 2 | Concepts of entrepreneurship, Business plan formulation, Market survey and analysis, Financial management for startups, Legal aspects of business, Government schemes for entrepreneurs |
Semester 5
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AEC-351 | Tractor and Farm Machinery | Core | 3 | Tractor performance and testing, Agricultural prime movers, Plowing and harrowing equipment, Intercultural machinery, Plant protection equipment, Precision farming machinery |
| AEC-352 | Dairy and Food Engineering | Core | 3 | Milk processing operations (pasteurization, homogenization), Manufacture of dairy products (butter, cheese, ice cream), Design of dairy equipment, Hygienic design of food plants, Food safety and quality management systems, Packaging of dairy products |
| AEC-353 | Sprinkler and Drip Irrigation System Design | Core | 3 | Design of sprinkler systems, Design of drip irrigation systems, Components of micro-irrigation systems, Fertigation and chemigation, Evaluation and maintenance of systems, Economics of micro-irrigation |
| AEC-354 | Management of Agricultural Engineering Enterprises | Core | 3 | Principles of management, Production and operations management, Financial accounting and analysis, Project planning and management, Marketing management, Supply chain management |
| AEC-355 | Agro-Industrial Structures and Environmental Control | Core | 3 | Design of farm buildings, Storage structures for grains, Greenhouse design and environmental control, Livestock housing, Ventilation and air conditioning systems, Waste disposal systems |
| FPE-351 | Storage Engineering | Core | 3 | Principles of grain storage, Types of storage structures (bins, silos, warehouses), Aeration and drying in storage, Pest and rodent control in storage, Storage of perishable commodities, Controlled atmosphere storage |
| FPE-352 | Drying and Dehydration of Agricultural Products | Core | 3 | Theory of drying, Psychrometrics, Dryers (tray, fluidized bed, tunnel, spray), Solar drying, Dehydration of fruits and vegetables, Moisture content determination |
| AHS-351 | Rural Sociology and Extension Education | Core | 2 | Rural social structure, Social change and development, Extension education principles, Communication strategies in extension, Technology transfer models, Participatory rural appraisal |
Semester 6
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AEC-361 | Field Operation and Maintenance of Tractor and Farm Machinery | Core | 3 | Operational adjustments of implements, Performance evaluation of farm machinery, Troubleshooting and repair of tractors, Preventive maintenance schedules, Safety in farm machinery operation, Cost analysis of machinery operations |
| AEC-362 | Unit Operations in Food Processing | Core | 3 | Mixing and agitation, Size reduction and separation, Filtration and centrifugation, Crystallization and extraction, Extrusion cooking, Membrane processes in food |
| AEC-363 | Waste Management and Utilization | Core | 3 | Types of agricultural wastes, Composting and vermicomposting, Biogas production from waste, Bioremediation techniques, Waste to energy technologies, Recycling and reuse of waste |
| AEC-364 | Process Engineering of Biological Materials | Core | 3 | Properties of biological materials, Size reduction and screening, Separation processes, Extraction and purification, Fermentation technology, Bioreactor design |
| AEC-365 | Pumps and Pumping Machinery | Core | 3 | Classification of pumps, Centrifugal pump design and performance, Reciprocating pumps, Special purpose pumps, Piping system design, Pump selection and installation |
| AEC-366 | Land Development and Reclamation Engineering | Core | 3 | Land grading and leveling, Design of farm roads, Reclamation of saline and alkaline soils, Wasteland development, Soil stabilization techniques, Earthmoving machinery |
| FPE-361 | Food Packaging | Core | 3 | Functions of packaging, Packaging materials (plastics, glass, metal, paper), Design of food packages, Active and intelligent packaging, Aseptic packaging, Regulations and standards in packaging |
| AHS-361 | Agricultural Economics and Marketing | Core | 2 | Principles of agricultural economics, Demand and supply in agriculture, Farm budgeting and analysis, Agricultural marketing channels, Market intelligence, Price analysis and policy |
Semester 7
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ELP-471 | Experiential Learning Programme (Crop Production Technology) | ELP | 1 | Advanced cultivation practices, Precision nutrient management, Integrated pest and disease management, Crop diversification strategies, Harvesting and post-harvest handling, Market linkage for farm produce |
| ELP-472 | Experiential Learning Programme (Farm Machinery & Power Engineering) | ELP | 1 | Design of specialized farm machinery, Advanced tractor mechanics, Hydraulics in farm equipment, Automation in farm machinery, Performance testing and analysis, Machinery maintenance and repair |
| ELP-473 | Experiential Learning Programme (Soil & Water Conservation Engineering) | ELP | 1 | Erosion modeling and control, Design of conservation structures, Watershed planning and management, Rainwater harvesting systems, Remote sensing for land management, GIS in soil and water conservation |
| ELP-474 | Experiential Learning Programme (Processing & Food Engineering) | ELP | 1 | Pilot plant operations for food processing, Quality assessment of processed foods, Product development in food industry, Hygienic design and sanitation, Food safety standards and regulations, Waste utilization in food processing |
| ELP-475 | Experiential Learning Programme (Irrigation & Drainage Engineering) | ELP | 1 | Advanced irrigation system design, Water delivery and distribution networks, Drainage system modeling, Irrigation scheduling and automation, Water resource management tools, Canal and reservoir management |
| ELP-476 | Experiential Learning Programme (Renewable Energy Engineering) | ELP | 1 | Design of solar energy systems, Wind farm planning and operation, Biomass gasification and pyrolysis, Biofuel production technologies, Energy auditing and conservation, Hybrid renewable energy systems |
| ELP-477 | Experiential Learning Programme (Agro-Industrial Management & Entrepreneurship) | ELP | 1 | Agro-enterprise planning, Financial management for agri-business, Marketing strategies for agricultural products, Project report preparation, Incubation and startup support, Legal framework for agribusiness |
| ELP-478 | Experiential Learning Programme (Agro-Industrial Waste Management) | ELP | 1 | Characterization of agro-industrial waste, Treatment technologies for effluents, Value addition from waste, Biorefineries concept, Circular economy in agriculture, Environmental impact assessment |
| ELP-479 | Experiential Learning Programme (Design and Fabrication of Agro-machinery) | ELP | 1 | Machine design software (CAD), Material selection for agro-machinery, Manufacturing processes, Prototyping and testing, Cost analysis of machinery fabrication, Intellectual property rights in design |
| ELP-4710 | Experiential Learning Programme (Post-Harvest Management and Value Addition) | ELP | 1 | Minimizing post-harvest losses, Value chain analysis of agricultural products, Primary and secondary processing, Quality grading and certification, Packaging innovations for perishables, Market linkages for value-added products |
| ELP-4711 | Experiential Learning Programme (Dairy & Food Process Engineering) | ELP | 1 | Dairy plant design and layout, Fermented milk products technology, Specialty food product development, Clean-in-place (CIP) systems, HACCP in food processing, Thermal process calculation |
| ELP-4712 | Experiential Learning Programme (Research Project) | ELP | 1 | Research methodology, Literature review techniques, Experimental design and analysis, Data collection and interpretation, Scientific report writing, Presentation of research findings |
| AEC-471 | Project Work (Pre-Thesis) | Project | 4 | Problem identification, Literature survey, Methodology development, Preliminary experimentation, Data analysis plan, Project report preparation |
| AEC-474 | Food Plant Design and Layout | Elective | 2 | Principles of plant layout, Selection of site for food plant, Material handling systems, Utilities for food processing, Hygienic design of equipment, Cost estimation of food plant |
Semester 8
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AEC-481 | Project Work (Thesis) | Project | 8 | Advanced research design, Experimental execution, Data collection and analysis, Interpretation of results, Thesis writing and presentation, Publication of research findings |
| AEC-482 | Seminar | Core | 1 | Current topics in agricultural engineering, Literature review and synthesis, Technical presentation skills, Public speaking and communication, Question and answer session handling, Critical analysis of scientific papers |
| AEC-489 | Food Processing Plant Management | Elective | 2 | Operational planning and scheduling, Quality control and assurance, Inventory and supply chain management, Maintenance management, Human resource management in food plants, Regulatory compliance |
| AEC-4810 | Meat and Poultry Processing | Elective | 2 | Slaughtering and dressing techniques, Meat cutting and packaging, Processing of poultry products, Meat preservation methods, Quality control in meat industry, Hygiene and sanitation in processing |
| AEC-4811 | Grain Storage and Technology | Elective | 2 | Advanced grain storage structures, Aeration and fumigation, Pest and microbial control, Grain quality parameters, Warehouse management systems, Modern drying technologies |
