by Agriculture Jobs in India
Careers in agriculture and not only restricted to riding tractors or plowing the farms. In today’s technological world, the opportunities in the sector extend to business and science as well. Also, the contribution of the agriculture industry to India’s economy is significant and thus, there is a lot of scope for growth in the field.
Agricultural science or agricultural technology are the terms used for agriculture studies. Under this stream, the students have disciplines such as economics, management of biological practices, engineering, and forestry. Also, agriculture science is associated with Food Science and Technology. Under the science subjects, the fundamentals of physics, biology, mathematics, statistics, and chemistry are applied to resolve the issues of the industry. Though, as part of their undergraduate studies, the students have to study business management, economics for building a career in the sector as well.
The aspirants can build a career in the agricultural sector after attaining degrees in agricultural sciences. The main domains under the agricultural field are public as well as private centers, private consulting, R & D firms, agribusiness, and government offices.
Under agriculture science, learning is imparted on the varied processing methods, R & D of production processes, crop productivity, and final products. Professionals in this field are responsible for maintaining the supply, quality of food in the society. Additionally, they are responsible for farming methods, crop yield pest control, soil conservation, and reducing labor.
Main Areas Within Agricultural Science
In the category of agricultural sciences, there are 4 primary areas including animal science, soil science, plant science, and food science.
Food Science
In general, under food science, the professionals have to be well-versed with the basics of food processing. Also, they must implement measures to improve the quality of food. The nature of food items is studied by applying the principles of chemical engineering, physical sciences, and biochemistry.
Plant Science
As part of plant science studies, the pupils are imparted learning on the development as well as the preservation of plants. These are related to plant biotechnology and soil science as well. Plant scientists or biotechnologists are concerned with enhancing the nutritional value of crops; improving the quality of seeds that are used for growing the plants; creation of sustainable food items for the public; and increasing the resistance of crops to diseases, droughts, and other problems.
Soil Science
Soil science and plant science are co-related, A multidisciplinary field, soil science is applied to earth sciences, environmental science, and agricultural science. The subject deals with soil mapping, soil formation, soil properties, soil erosion, soil fertility and soil management. As a soil scientist, the aspirants can work in ecology-linked roles and also, with landscape architects for finding solutions to soil-related problems.
Animal science deals with the study of animals that are managed by mankind. These include livestock species of poultry, sheep, cattle, cow, horses, and pigs – to list a few. Also, the food items that are derived from animals such as dairy products, fish, and meats come under the purview of animal science.
Animal scientists apply physical biological, and social sciences for addressing the livestock-related problems. These professionals are responsible for the well-being of the animals as well. Using biotechnology, they study the growth, reproduction, and genetics of the livestock animals. They aim to improve the processing of the animal-based foods, without causing any harm to the animals.
Animal scientists apply physical biological, and social sciences for addressing the livestock-related problems. These professionals are responsible for the well-being of the animals as well. Using biotechnology, they study the growth, reproduction, and genetics of the livestock animals. They aim to improve the processing of the animal-based foods, without causing any harm to the animals.
Business & Management Positions in the Agricultural Field
People having a business background can apply for non-scientific roles in the agriculture sector. These include accountants, technical sales, commodity traders, communication, marketing, economists, and merchandising.
Scope of Agricultural Science in India
Careers in agriculture are deemed to be lucrative primarily because food is required for survival by the society members. Moreover, a significant percentage of rural households are dependent on agriculture for their livelihood.
In fact, this sector is the major driver of India’s economy. Also, India is hailed as one of the global leaders in agricultural products such as flowers, fruits, and vegetables. Additionally, India is counted amongst the major exporters of agricultural commodities like rice, mushrooms, flowers, spices, oilseeds, milk, and food grains.
Furthermore, the Government of India is introducing several initiatives to boost the agricultural industry. Also, foreign and private investors are heavily investing in the field. The sector has attracted a considerable amount of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), too. Thus, be assured that there are aplenty career opportunities in this industry.
Scope for Social Enterprise within India’s Agricultural Industry
The Indian agricultural industry is facing several challenges, too. But, problems signify that there are adequate opportunities. Therefore, if the aspirants are looking for entrepreneurial start-ups and have a background in business or science, then investing in this sector is advisable.
Also, the scope in the agricultural sector in foreign countries such as Norway, Ireland, Belgium, Sweden, Netherlands, Switzerland, Australia, New Zealand is huge.
Monetary Compensation for Agricultural Science Professionals
Where jobs in India’s agricultural industry are concerned, freshers having a Bachelor degree (Bachelor in Technology or Bachelor in Science) are given a starting salary can be around 2.4 lakhs per annum. But, the salary could be lower in government jobs. However, they can avail other benefits from government-based jobs. Moreover, after gaining a few years of experience, they can expect to earn a handsome amount.
Applicants having completed their higher education in Biological Sciences such as Masters degree or Ph.D. can expect to earn a salary of 3.6 lakhs. Moreover, after 5 years or so, their salary increases considerably.
Career Options in the Agricultural Field in India
There are several career options in India’s agricultural industry. These are Agricultural Consulting & Data Science, Agricultural Engineering, Plant Biology, Agricultural Science, Plant Biotechnology, Dairy Farming, Food Science, Horticulture, Agricultural Entomology, Dairy Science, Soil Science, Forestry, Ecological Science, Pesticide Research, Environmental Toxicology, Greenhouse Management, Veterinary Science, Animal Nutrition, Rural Management, Animal Husbandry, Agricultural Business Management, Agricultural Economics, Agricultural Inspection, Agricultural Sales, Agricultural Finance, Real Estate, Exports & Imports, Supply Chain Management, Credit Analysis, Human Resources, Banking systems, Social Sciences, Insurance, Journalism, and Academics.
Required Educational Qualifications for a Career in the Agriculture Industry
As part of the educational qualifications for a career in the agricultural field, the applicants must have a combination of Biology, Chemistry, and Biology during their 10+2. Also, having Mathematics as one of their subjects during Class 12 is beneficial.
Where their Bachelor’s degree is concerned, they must be in Food Science, Agricultural Engineering, Agriculture Technology, and Agriculture Science. Alternatively, they can hold Bachelor degrees in Biochemistry, Biotechnology, Food Science, Microbiology, Botany, and Environmental Science.
To build a career in R&D in the sector, higher degrees such as Ph.D. and Master ones are the requisites.
There is tremendous scope in the agricultural sector in the fields of business and management as well. Though, the applicants must have Masters degrees in Data Analytics, Business Analytics, Masters in Business Administration, Marketing, and Finance for availing these options.
There are umpteen agricultural MBA programs, too. These include courses in Agricultural Trading & Merchandising, Farm Management, Agricultural Data Analytics, Agricultural Law, Agricultural Economics, Agricultural Pricing, and Agricultural Markets.
Indian Educational Institutions Offering Courses in Agricultural Sciences
Some of the topmost educational institutions that have courses in agriculture studies in India are Pondicherry University, Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology, National Research Centre on Plant Biotechnology, Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI), University of Mysore, Central Institute of Agricultural Engineering, Acharya N. G. Ranga Agricultural University, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Indian Agricultural Statistics Research Institute (IASRI), National Dairy Research Institute, Govind Ballabh Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Punjab Agricultural University, Jawaharlal Nehru University, Central Institute of Fisheries Education, K K Wagh College of Agricultural Engineering and Technology, Vaugh School of Agricultural Engineering and Technology, Cochin University of Science and Technology, Jamia Millia Islamia University, University of Mumbai, University of Calcutta, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research in Bhopal, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research in Mohali, Banaras Hindu University, Indian Institute of Technology in Roorkee, National Institute of Technology in Silchar, National Institute of Technology in Hamirpur.
