20% of India’s GDP depends on agriculture. 62% of the population depend on it for their livelihood. And 100% of the population depend on it for their food. Agriculture is what keeps this country going. In this majorly agro-based nation, agricultural science automatically becomes very important. 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.
Agricultural Science is mainly the study of agriculture. It is a multidisciplinary field which consists of a variety of scientific, technical and business subjects that promote the efficient production of quality food on the farm and in the agricultural-food industry linked to farming. Agricultural science include research and development on production techniques; improving agricultural productivity in terms of quantity and quality; transformation of primary products into end consumer products and prevention and correction of adversities.Agricultural science professionals focus on agricultural production and livestock. Agricultural scientists conduct research to discover and advocate effective and practical ways to sustainable land use, food and fiber production and food harvesting. Even though food production is the mainstay of the agricultural industry, textiles and fibers also are an integral part of the agricultural industry.
Skills Required:
Agricultural Science requires passion for research, development and improvement. To be a successful agricultural scientist or professional, good knowledge in science and familiarity with crops, pastures, soil types, agricultural and horticultural chemicals etc is of utmost importance. A keen and analytical mind, a high level of concentration, an aptitude for research, ability to work as part of a team, abundant physical stamina to put in long hours of work and patience are all attributes that you will need. Having basic computer knowledge will come in handy when there is need to analyze data and to control biological and chemical processing.
Courses:
There are numerous courses available for those interested in agricultural science. There are Diploma Courses,Bachelors,Masters and even Phd courses. Here are list of courses available in this India:
- Certificate in Agriculture Science
- Certificate course in Bio-fertilizer Production
- Certificate course in Food & Beverage Service
- Diploma in Agriculture
- Diploma in Food Processing
- Diploma Courses in Agriculture and Allied Practices
- Bachelor of Science in Agriculture
- Bachelor of Science in Crop Physiology
- Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Agriculture
- Master of Science in Agriculture
- Master of Science in Agriculture Botany
- Master of Science in Biological Sciences
- Post Graduate Diploma in Fishery Science
- Doctor of Philosophy in Agriculture
- Doctor of Philosophy in Agricultural Entomology
- Doctor of Philosophy in Agriculture Biotechnology
Colleges:
Here are a few top colleges offering courses on Agricultural Science:
Job Prospects:
As a graduate you can work in agro-industries, food-processing unit, dairy fields and breeding centers. Self employment is also a lucrative option where you can consider opening up your own farm, plantations, fisheries, mines, cattle rearing centres, poultry farms etc. Under the government Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) and State Public Service Commission recruit post graduates to many posts including agricultural extension officer, rural development officer, field officer etc. Reserve Bank of India and State Bank of India also recruit postgraduates in agriculture and allied areas as Field Officers, Rural Development Officers and Agricultural and Probationary Officers. A career as a professor is also something that can be considered.