Pulse growers in Montana stand to gain from a breakthrough in crop testing technology recognized with one of Canada’s top agricultural innovation honors. Dr. Chandra Singh, RDAR Research Chair and Director of the Advanced Post-harvest Technology Centre (APHTC) at Lethbridge Polytechnic, has been awarded the prestigious John Ogilvie Research Innovation Award from the Canadian Society for Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering for his work developing AI-assisted imaging and spectroscopic techniques for crop quality assurance.
The technology, originally designed for potatoes, uses near-infrared (NIR) hyperspectral imaging to assess crop quality. It has now been adapted for pulse crops, providing a faster, more accurate, and non-destructive alternative to traditional testing methods. “Traditional methods require manual labor, are subjective, and can be slow,” Dr. Singh explained. “This technology requires a greater initial investment, but it reduces labor needs while delivering objective and efficient results once robust training models are developed.”
For Montana growers, the potential is significant. Dr. Singh noted that prediction models could be trained specifically using Montana crops to account for regional and varietal variations. “This technology can be adopted by all pulse growers and processors,” he said. “To get more accurate results, prediction models can be trained using Montana crops as there are often regional differences among grains.”
The benefits extend beyond speed and accuracy. By avoiding damage to samples, the technology can improve quality assurance protocols and reduce waste—key concerns for producers focused on maximizing returns and meeting high export standards. As Dr. Singh put it, “It can be an enabler in making informed, data-driven, and timely decisions.”
The project, titled Development of AI-Assisted Imaging and Spectroscopic Techniques for Pulse Quality Assurance Systems, was a collaboration between Lethbridge Polytechnic, the University of Guelph, and the University of Prince Edward Island. Singh credited the success to teamwork, highlighting the role of graduate students and fellow researchers. “This project is an example of how a successful collaboration can yield strong outcomes,” he said.
For Montana’s pulse sector, which is expanding in both domestic and international markets, the timing is ideal. With global demand for plant-based protein on the rise, Dr. Singh’s team is already looking ahead to innovations in protein extraction and advanced grain handling systems—developments that could further strengthen Montana’s competitive position in the pulse industry.
The Bottom Line
Dr. Singh’s award is more than a personal accolade—it’s a sign that cutting-edge technology is moving closer to commercial use. For Montana’s pulse growers, it represents an opportunity to improve efficiency, reduce losses, and maintain a reputation for high-quality crops in an increasingly competitive market.
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