When we think of a career in agriculture, we imagine a farmer working in the field or operating a tractor. In today’s age of technology, it’s not always like that. Agriculture is a big industry and most careers are related to science and business. The focus has now shifted from traditional roles to various other dimensions like agricultural engineering, horticulture, dairy engineering and agricultural biotechnology.
If you are passionate about studying agricultural processes and conditions, consider a career in agriculture.
FUTURE SCOPES FOR A CAREER IN AGRICULTURAL SCIENCE
- The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) says that around 10.9% of total U.S. employment is related to the agricultural and food sectors.
- According to data, the employment rate for agricultural degree graduates who are seeking employment is 100%.
- The demand for agricultural graduates in agribusiness, agricultural science and food science has increased due to the rise in demand and shortage in labour,
- International bodies like Food & Agricultural Organization (FAO), SAARC Agriculture Centre, and Centre for International Forestry Research hire agricultural graduates in various roles.
- Agricultural graduates can also have job opportunities in institutions like the Indian Forest Service (IFS), Food Corporation of India (FCI), National Dairy Development Board, National Bank for Agriculture & Rural Development, Indian Agriculture Research Institute etc.
- There are several other job roles like Agriculture Officer and Scientific Assistant under the Staff Selection Commission (SSC) and the Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS).
- Agricultural graduates also have a chance to work with Agri-banks like NABARD (National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development) as Assistant Officers and Managers.
- There is a huge need for the agricultural sector to keep up and advance in science and engineering discoveries. With more and more technology becoming available, if you’re trained in this area, demand for your skills will only grow.
SKILLS REQUIRED TO STUDY AGRICULTURAL SCIENCE
- Project management
- Planning
- research skills
- Communication skills
- Language skills
- Organizing or leading skills
- Problem Solving skill
- Concern for developing countries that are struggling with poverty and malnutrition.
- Attention to detail.
- Critical reading/thinking.
- Persuading/influencing skill
- Quantitative analysis
CAREERS IN AGRICULTURAL SCIENCE
- Agriculture Field Officer
- Agriculture Development Officer
- Agriculture Graduate Trainee
- Agriculture Forest Officer
- Forest Officer
- Researcher
- Lab Assistants
- Technologist
- Crop Specialist
- Sales Representative
- Food Microbiologist
- Food Researcher
- Plant Geneticist
- Soil Surveyor
- Farm Manager
- Junior Agriculture Associate
- Rural Development Officer
- Specialist Officer
- Agriculture Officer
- Probationary Officer
- Field Officer
ELIGIBILITY TO DO A DEGREE IN AGRICULTURAL SCIENCE
Candidates have to qualify for the 10+2 or equivalent exam with biology, mathematics and physics subjects
ENTRANCE EXAMINATIONS
All India Entrance Examination for admission to 15% seats in Bachelor Degree Programme in Agriculture and Allied Sciences
TOP COLLEGES IN INDIA AND ABROAD TO STUDY AGRICULTURAL SCIENCE
- Northwest Missouri State University, US
- University of Hawaii, US
- McNeese State University College of Science and Agriculture, US
- Govind Ballabh Pant University of Agriculture & Technology, India
- Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, India
- Rajmata Vijayaraje Scientia Krishi Vishwa Vidyalaya, India
- Chaudhary Charan Singh Haryana Agricultural University, India
- Chandra Shekhar Azad University of Agriculture & Technology, India
- Rajendra Agricultural University, India
FAMOUS PEOPLE CONNECTED WITH AGRICULTURAL SCIENCE
Norman Ernest Borlaug
He is an American agronomist who led worldwide initiatives that contributed to the extensive increase in agricultural production termed the ‘Green Revolution.
M S Swaminathan
Indian geneticist and administrator, known for his role in India’s Green Revolution. He is called the ‘ Father of Green Revolution in India’ for his role in introducing and further developing high-yielding varieties of wheat.
TOP INSTITUTIONS THAT EMPLOY PEOPLE IN AGRICULTURAL SCIENCE
- Agro-industry Sector
- Estates and tea gardens
- Services Sector
- Agriculture Management
- NABARD (National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development)
- Farm Management
- Extension Service
- Agriculture Economics
- Agriculture Banks
- Commercial Framing
- Quality Assurance
- Seed Technology Firms
- Food Technology
- Indian Agriculture Research Institute
- Agribusiness & Agripreneurship
- Food Processing Units
- National Dairy Development Board
- Pesticides and Fertilizer Companies
- Department of Agriculture
- Agriculture Finance corporations
- National Seeds Corporation Limited
- Delhi Development Authority
- Northeast Region Agriculture Marketing Corporation
