Potato farmers and pulse growers reap the benefits
Dr. Chandra Singh, a researcher at Lethbridge Polytechnic, has been honored with the prestigious John Ogilvie Research Innovation Award. This award, presented by the Canadian Society for Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering, recognizes Singh’s significant contributions to agricultural innovation.
Dr Singh’s work focuses on the development of a new, AI-assisted technology for crop quality testing, which aims to reduce costs and waste in the process.
Singh, the Results Driven Agriculture Research (RDAR) Chair and director of the Advanced Post-harvest Technology Centre, worked alongside a team from the University of Guelph and the University of Prince Edward Island on the project.
Their project, titled Development of AI-Assisted Imaging and Spectroscopic Techniques for Pulse Quality Assurance Systems, creates a system that uses near-infrared light for assessing pulse crop quality. This method is more accurate and non-invasive compared to traditional physical tests that can damage the crops.
“I’m honoured to be recognized for my contributions in pioneering this new technology, which represents a meaningful step forward in improving crop export processes,” said Singh. “Working alongside colleagues from the University of Guelph and the University of Prince Edward Island, we’re excited to see the project transition from research to real-world application.”
The technology was initially developed for potatoes but was adapted for pulse crops. Singh emphasized the importance of collaboration in the project’s success, noting the contribution of his colleagues and student researchers.
“Congratulations to Dr. Singh on being recognized for his contribution to this advancement that allows growers to test their crops without damaging them,” said Shane Strydhorst chair of Alberta Pulse Growers Commission. “His work will benefit pulse farmers in Alberta and beyond.”
The project exemplifies the power of multi-institutional collaboration and the potential for adopting this technology across small- and medium-sized enterprises in the pulse supply chain, both within Canada and internationally.
Lethbridge Polytechnic’s Centre for Applied Research, Innovation and Entrepreneurship (CARIE) continues to tackle practical challenges through its applied research initiatives, enhancing agriculture, food, health, and more.
Photo Credit: Dr-singh