Agricultural Science

Introduction:

Agriculture is the production of food and other goods by systematic and controlled growing of plants and living organisms. Agriculture industry plays a major role in the Indian economic scenario contributing around 20% of Gross Domestic product (GDP). Around 62% of the Indian population depend on it for their livelihood. The field of agriculture include farm management, horticulture, businesses and industries that manufacture agricultural machinery, industries that buy and process farm products, banking activities for financing and developing farms, research for improving quantity and quality of farm products and so on. Nowadays, the state of agriculture has improved a lot and has become highly scientific, sophisticated and mechanized. Only a small percentage in this field are engaged in traditional farming occupation. The vast majority work as either agricultural professionals/ scientists or in business related careers, such as marketing and merchandising.

Eligibility & Course Areas:

Ø  The basic eligibility criteria for B.Sc Agriculture Science is 10+2 or equivalent with science subjects with a minimum 50% marks. Duration of the course is 4 years and the admission to most of the institutions is based on merit or performance in the entrance examination conducted by the concerned institute/ university or on the basis of marks obtained in the ICAR Examination. 

Ø  B.Sc or B.Tech degree in relevant subject is needed for the 2 year Master's degree programmed. In M.Sc. Agriculture science several specialization are offered in the branches like agronomy, plant physiology, nematology, seed technology, soil science and soil conservation, sericulture, animal husbandry and dairy, horticulture, water conservation, farming system management, agricultural botany, agricultural biotechnology, agricultural chemistry, agricultural Economics, agricultural marketing management and so on.

Ø  For the 3 years Ph.D, one needs to have post graduate degree like M.Sc or M.Tech in related field. Almost all the agricultural universities provide Ph.D degree in different disciplines. Several institutes offer P.G Diploma courses in agriculture and those having a bachelors degree with an extensive knowledge base in agricultural science can opt for these courses. 

Job Prospects & Career Options:

Agricultural science professionals/ scientists are concerned with methods of converting agricultural commodities into healthy food products for consumers. They combine wide variety of scientific disciplines such as biology, chemistry, physics and mathematics to improve agricultural production methods and food quality. The tasks carried out by them depend on the type of specialization. Among the various specializations within agricultural science, the major broad areas are food science, plant science, soil science and animal science.

Ø Food Science

Ø Plant Science or Horticulture

Ø Soil Science

Ø Animal Other fields of agricultural science are agricultural economics; waste management; environmental science, ecology; agricultural engineering, biosystems engineering; biotechnology; genetic engineering; microbiology, etc. 

Remuneration:

Ø  Pay scale in the field of agriculture science depends mainly upon the academic qualification, institute or university from which the degree is attained, work experience and the skill of the employee. In the government sector, a fresh graduate can earn a monthly remuneration of Rs. 9000/-. With in a few years of service it can increase up to Rs. 20000/-. Candidates employed in private sector can get handsome salary apart from other benefits as fixed by the respective firm/company.

Ø  Agricultural scientists can receive a monthly salary ranges between Rs.18, 000 and 25, 000/- and a lecturer at the initial stage can earn an amount of Rs 15,000-18,000 per month.

Courses:

 » 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 Extension
 » M.Sc. Agricultural Meteorology

» M.Sc. Agriculture
 » M.Sc. Dairy Technology and Agricultural Extension
 » M.Sc. Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry
 » M.Tech. Agricultural Water Management
 » Ph.D. Agricultural Economics 
 » Post Graduate Diploma in Agricultural Business Management (PGDABM)
 » Post Graduate Diploma in Agricultural Extension Management (PGDAEM)
 » Post Graduate Diploma in Agricultural Marketing Management (PGDAMM)
 » Post Graduate Diploma in Agricultural Water Management
 »  Agricultural Research

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