Do you ever come across this thought while having your meal – what if agriculture doesn’t find a proper place in the Indian economy? If so, would we be able to enjoy our lives with the same vigor? India has many components that form its economy. We can avail the services as long as the balance exists among all. If even a single pillar slips from its position, equilibrium breaks. Agriculture, being the most robust front, needs special attention in India. Agricultural education can bring needed changes in this sector.
This blog discourses many aspects of agriculture in India like the current situation, scope of education, multiple courses and specializations, professional learning and scope, job avenues and so on.
Current scenario of Agriculture in India
Agriculture is one field that failed to find an upright stance in India, even though Government has launched schemes to promote growth and development. The demand is more, and the supply is less. Everyone wants to be in IT, management, science, and engineering.
If we go technically, agriculture forms a considerable portion of the Indian economy regarding size, export, revenues, earnings, and job opportunities. India occupies the second position in the world regarding vast agricultural land. Moreover, 60% of the population resides in rural areas and earns livelihood from agriculture. The income we raise from agriculture has an 18% contribution to our GDP.
If we flip the pages of stats, about 152 million employees work in the agriculture sector of India, which is probably the highest one as of FY 2021-22. Employment in India has seen a rising graph in the past few years. Government is quite concerned about raising job opportunities in this sector, and in coming years, some new job roles will be waiting for young aspirants in this field.
Different courses and segments
Aspirants willing to pursue careers in agriculture have vast areas to explore. They have options to do BSc, MSc or PhD in various agriculture segments such as – Horticulture and Floriculture, Agronomy, Agricultural Economics and Farm Management, Agriculture Genetics, Forestry, Agriculture Entomology, Agri Chemistry, Agriculture Microbiology, Hydroponics, Animal Husbandry, Genetic Plant Breeding, Agriculture and Food Business, Plant Physiology, Fisheries, Plant Biotechnology, Soil Science, Seed Science and Technology, Sericulture, Plant Pathology and so on.
Students can enhance their skills and knowledge in any of these areas of agriculture science. After pursuing relevant courses, they can expect job offers from Agri-based industries, private firms and government projects.
Practical knowledge and scope
Agricultural courses in multiple specializations provide practical learning to students. The agricultural science curriculum is modern and involves many beneficial aspects that help the students get abreast of technical applications and scientific concepts. Under the guidance of well-certified professors, students learn about the uses of agricultural products, agricultural productivity, and efficiency in India. They also get practical training on modern techniques and methodologies of farming.
Career avenues
Agricultural and Post-graduates enjoy various career opportunities once they complete the course. Campus selections are also made at good colleges. The areas of employment include – Agriculture and Farming, Estates and Tea Gardens, Agri Industries, Services Sector, Animal Husbandry, Agricultural Engineering and Research, Agricultural Consultancies, Dairy Farming, Poultry Farming, Handicrafts, Forestry, and so on.
The job roles that are in high demand in agri-business industries, government units and private firms are mentioned below –
- Agriculturists
- Plant Geneticists
- Farm Managers
- Chartered Surveyors
- Estates Managers
- Agricultural Scientists
- Soil Surveyors and Scientists
- Agricultural Consultants
- Food Researchers
- Food Microbiologists and Researchers,
As one can see, the stream of agricultural sciences is one of the most competent and famous fields that can reap abundant job opportunities and chances to settle abroad.
As per the given stats, an agricultural graduate can get a starting salary package of 2.5 LPA to 3 LPA. Therefore, the average salary of an individual who joins the bandwagon is approximately 4.5 LPA.
Choosing the right college or university for the course
In India, an admission procedure drives eligible candidates to appear for an entrance test at the national, state, and university levels. The minimum educational qualification to pursue Graduation is 10+2. Experts suggest you rely on leading colleges in your town, city, and state. This significantly impacts your professional career as the base of education must be developed from scratch.
For instance, GLA University, one of the top-rated universities in Mathura, now expanding its wings in Greater Noida, offers some highly prolific specializations in Agriculture with industry oriented curriculum. Moreover, the university provides highly qualified faculty, creative learning procedures, modern techniques, advanced resources and practical scope of learning to the students. Inside the university, students will experience a dedicated team of subject experts, learned teaching professionals, excellent set-up, advanced library and labs, separate placement cell, industry inside the campus model, workshops, seminars, visits to rural areas and so on. Till now, thousands of students got placed in various government and private units in the agriculture sector.