Agriculture

Agriculture continues to be the chief source of livelihood for the vast majority of the Indian population even today. agriculture is a highly diversified industry and hence the employment opportunities in this sector are wide and varied.

About the profession:
Agriculture studies uses the knowledge of science and mathematics to negotiate the problem of agriculture. Apart from regular farming activities of sowing, harvesting, and marketing farm products, there are other areas of specialization like aquaculture ,forestry, sericulture, dairy technology, veterinary science, soil science etc. broadly the field of agriculture studies can be mapped in to agriculture science and agriculture engineering. Agriculture science is interested in finding ways of improving the farm output by improving the quality of seeds and the efficiency of fertilizers and pesticides. Agriculture engineering is concern with the engineering aspect such as
the manufacture of equipment for increasing output.

Employment scope:
The qualified person can find the job at various level in the government and private sector in companies manufacturing machinery, marketing farm input like seeds and fertilizers and producing farm products. They can also work in estates and plantation as agriculture experts. Opportunities are available in R&D labs and in the teaching sector also farm experts can also seek self employment by setting up nurseries and greenhouses.

Educational inputs:
A number of universities offer graduate and post graduate programmes in agriculture and allied fields. The department of agriculture research and education (DARE) is a premier organization monitoring R&d activities in the field of agriculture. The Indian council of agriculture research (ICAR) promotes science and technology programmes in agriculture research
and training. The ICAR organizes the national level entrances for filling 15% of seats in a state and central agriculture universities for their four year undergraduate programme. The examination ins announced in January or February and conducted in may.

Eligibility:

Course
B.sc. (agri)

Qualification
10+2 (science) +passed in entrance test

Duration
4 years

Course
M.sc (agri)

Qualification
B.sc (agriculture)

Duration
2 years

Other specializations offered for the four year B.sc programme in agriculture include-horticulture, fisheries science, forestry, home science, sericulture, veterinary science, agriculture engineering, dairy technology, food science and technology, agriculture banking, marketing and cooperation rural management etc.