The Agricultural Engineering Services Directorate (AESD) is a technical directorate of the Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MOFA)
MISSION
The mission of the Agricultural Engineering Services Directorate (AESD) is to ensure the availability and adoption of appropriate agricultural engineering technologies in the country.
FUNCTIONS
- The main functions of AESD are:
- Initiation, Formulation and Review of Agricultural Engineering Policies.
- Co-ordination, Monitoring and Evaluation of the implementation of all agricultural engineering Programmes, Policies and Projects in the country.
- Provision of technical backstopping to MOFA staff in the Regions and Districts on agricultural engineering related issues.
- Advising of the Minister and Chief Director on agricultural engineering issues in the country.
Farm Power Machinery and Transport Unit
- Identification and Selection of appropriate farm machinery, equipment and technologies for farmers, agro-processors etc
- Monitoring & evaluating after sales services support services by agricultural machinery and equipment owners.
- Field trials and monitoring of newly imported agricultural machinery and equipment.
- Introduction of appropriate and affordable agricultural engineering technologies.
- Training of operators and other users on correct application of farm machinery, and equipment consistent with sound environmental practices Demonstration and field trial of newly introduced Machinery, Equipment and Technologies (MET).
Rural Technology Information Unit
- Source, collate, process and store agricultural engineering related technologies.
- Disseminate technical information by linking information seekers to information holders for dialogue and business agreements.
- Provide Technical Advisory Services to farmers and the general public to help them make informed decisions about their choice of agricultural engineering technologies.
- Monitor and evaluate all deployed engineering technologies at field level.
Post-Harvest Management Unit
The unit is mandated to carry out the following functions to reduce postharvest losses of grains and cereals, as well as other highly perishable commodities
- Identify and select of appropriate post-harvest technologies for farmers, processors, g. primary-processing machinery and equipment, drying and storage facilities, etc
- Promotion of on/off farm post-harvest technologies including village level processing technologies
Training of farmers and agro processors on post-harvest technologies
Soil and Water Conservation Engineering Unit
- Provide technical support on water and soil moisture control/management and conservation schemes
- Promote the use of groundwater resources for agriculture purposes
- Identify and Select appropriate water conveyance systems for agricultural use
MODE OF ACQUISITION
- Apply through District/Regional Director of Agriculture to the Hon. Minister of Agriculture or his representative (Director, Agricultural Engineering Services Directorate.
- After approval has been granted by the Hon. Minister of Food & Agriculture, an allocation letter indicating the terms of payment and other information will be given.
- Machinery/Equipment is handed over after receipt of payment.