Career Guide for Agricultural Science Studies

Though modernization and technological advancements have been on the go for the past few decades in India, agriculture still remains the numero uno occupation, offering employment to more than two third of the labor force in the country. Agricultural sector contributes 20% GDP(gross domestic product) to the Indian economy and is widely acknowledged as the ‘backbone of our economy’. In fact, the giant leap in technology has worked in favor of this field significantly, contributing to the increase in India’s productivity and quality and thereby, proliferation of exports. As a result, there is an increasing demand for professionally qualified people in this sector . Educational institutes and universities have reacted sharply, starting several courses for improving agricultural standards in our country. Individuals with passion for research, development and improvement of agricultural products can opt for agricultural science as their career.

Courses & Eligibility:

The various courses offered in Agricultural Science are:

• B.Sc. Agriculture
• B.Sc. Agriculture (Hons.)
• M.Sc. Agricultural Biochemistry
• M.Sc. Agricultural Biotechnology
• M.Sc. Agricultural Economics
• M.Sc. Agricultural Engineering
• M.Sc. Agricultural Meteorology
• M.Sc. Agriculture
• M.Sc. Agronomy
• M.Sc. Entomology
• M.Sc. Plant Breeding and Genetics
• M.Sc. Plant Pathology
• Ph.D. Agronomy
• Ph.D. Entomology
• Ph.D. Plant Pathology
• M.Sc. Dairy Technology and Agricultural Extension
• Post Graduate Diploma in Agricultural Business Management (P.G.D.A.B.M)
• Post Graduate Diploma in Agricultural Extension Management (P.G.D.A.E.M)

The minimum eligibility criteria for B.Sc Agriculture Science are 10+2 with science as a subject having 50% marks. Admission to B.Tech courses is based on the candidate’s performance in entrance exams and the duration of the same is 4 years. For Master’s degree programmes one has to complete B.Sc or B.Tech and the duration is 2 years. For a Ph.D degree, one has to complete his Master’s degree in related fields.

Career Prospects:

The field offers employment both directly and through associated services. A graduate in this field can work in agro-industries, food-processing unit, dairy fields, breeding centers etc. Self employment is also possible in this sector as one can open his own farming, plantations, fisheries, mining, cattle rearing, poultry farming etc. Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) and State Public Service Commission recruit post graduates to the post of agricultural extension officer, rural development officer, field officer, agricultural credit officers, agricultural probationary officer, plant protection officer, soil conservation officer, seed production officers, agricultural assistants, farm superintendents or technical assistants. Reserve Bank of India, State Bank of India and the nationalized banks also recruit postgraduates in agriculture and allied areas as Field Officers, Rural Development Officers and Agricultural and Probationary Officers. One can also work as lecturers in various agricultural universities and colleges.

Remunerations:

A fresh graduate can earn a monthly salary of Rs.9000 and with increase in experience it can increase up to Rs.15000-20000. In private sectors a graduate can earn up to Rs.20000-25000. A lecturer can earn up to Rs.15000 at the beginning of his/her career.