Lethbridge Polytechnic researcher Dr. Chandra Singh has won a group award for AI-powered, non-destructive crop testing technology. Courtesy/Lethbridge Polytechnic

By Jesse Gill

AGRICULTURE

Lethbridge Polytechnic researcher recognized for developing crop testing method

Jul 31, 2025 | 10:02 AM

A researcher from Lethbridge Polytechnic has been recognized nationally for his contributions in developing a lower cost, less wasteful crop testing method.

Results Driven Agriculture Research chair Dr. Chandra Singh is also the director of the Advanced Post-harvest Technology Centre in Lethbridge Polytechnic’s Centre for Applied Research, Innovation and Entrepreneurship.

He was part of a team of three from across Canada who received the prestigious John Ogilvie Research Innovation Award.

The award presented by the Canadian Society for Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering recognizes innovative research projects by individuals or teams, including student researchers, in agricultural fields.

“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,” says Singh in a news release from Lethbridge Polytechnic.

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“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 project is named, Development of AI-Assisted Imaging and Spectroscopic Techniques for Pulse Quality Assurance Systems.

It focused on the creation of AI-driven, spectroscopic and optical imaging technology for pulse crop quality assessment.

By using spectral imaging tools, which use near-infrared light to examine and identify what’s in a sample, instead of traditional physical testing which damages the crop, assessments are more accurate, reliable and non-invasive.

Dr. Singh received recognition from the Albert Pulse Growers Commission (APGC).

“Congratulations to Dr. Singh on being recognized for his contribution to this advancement that allows growers to test their crops without damaging them,” said APGC chair Shane Strydhorst in a news release from Lethbridge Polytechnic.

“His work will benefit pulse farmers in Alberta and beyond.”

Previously developed at Lethbridge Polytechnic was a type of spectral imaging crop analysis to support research on potato quality.

“RDAR and Alberta Innovates funded this technology for use on potatoes, and the pivot to pulse crops required the development of new prediction models that make the system easily transferrable and cost-effective,” says Singh.

“These methods are faster, more sustainable and require no chemical reagents or specialized training, making them highly accessible.”

Collaboration was key to the success of the project, said a news release from Lethbridge Polytechnic.

Former Lethbridge Polytechnic post-doctoral fellow and adjunct research scientist Dr. Senthilkumar Thiruppathi, now an assistant professor and research chair at the University of Prince Edward Island, continued working with Singh and other polytechnic researchers, alongside student researchers from the University of Guelph under the supervision of Professor Manickavasagan Annamalai.

Lethbridge Poyltechnic said the result is a model of effective, multi-institutional research and a new technology with potential for quick adoption by small- and medium-sized enterprises across the pulse supply chain in Canada and abroad.

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