Agriculturalist
Agriculturalists are specialists in all areas of cultivation and raising livestock. They are scientists who advise farmers on soil management, breeding, animals' living conditions, crop protection, environmental sustainability, disease, and harvesting. They work for government agencies, as well as independently, bringing information and advice to food producers. Agriculturalists are trained in general agricultural studies but usually specialize either on the job or in a master's program in one or more areas of agricultural science. The most common areas of specialization are as follows:
Crop specialization: These agriculturists provide information on crops, soil fertility and conservation, rotation management, weed and pest control, harvesting and developments in crop technology. Others focus on developing new pesticides and herbicides and market them to America's crop farmers.
Animal specialization: These agriculturists work with farmers in the animal production industry to improve the profitability of their operations. They provide information about nutrition, breeding, living conditions, and even financial management.
Farm management specialization: These agriculturists assist farmers in planning short- and long-term strategies to increase profits. They provide consultation and seminars on strategic business planning, family business dynamics, production economics, economic and business analysis, business management, multi-generation farm transfers, and financial planning.
Biotechnology specialization: These agriculturists develop new plant varieties to produce stronger, more reliable food sources.
There are also opportunities for agriculturists who work in organic food production, free-range animal and animal product production, and environmental assessments and policy. Some agriculturists focus on rural development and help these communities in development. These agriculturists often take their knowledge overseas to communities struggling to develop sustainable sources for food and economic growth.
How to become Agriculturalist?
Certificate Course in Agriculture Science: This is a 1-year course that any student can join after passing the 10th class exam. Some institutes in India that offer this course are Mahatma Jyoti Rao Phule University (Jaipur), Nalanda Open University (Patna), Yashwantrao Chavan Maharashtra Open University (Nasik) and Sardarkrushinagar Dantiwada Agricultural University (Gujarat).
Diploma course in Agriculture: This is a 2-year Diploma Course that you can pursue after your 10th class examination. Some of the Indian Colleges and Institutes that offer this program include Acharya NG Ranga Agricultural University (Hyderabad), Guru Kashi University (Bathinda), Sri Balakrishna Polytechnic College (Salem) and Vanavarayar Institute of Agriculture (Coimbatore).
B.Sc. in Agriculture: This is a 4-year Graduate Degree program that makes you aware of different disciplines of Agriculture, including Agricultural Sciences, Agricultural Economics, Agricultural Engineering, Agricultural Entomology, Agricultural Microbiology, Agricultural Statistics, Agronomy, etc. Any student who has passed 10+2 (Science Stream) with 55% of marks can appear for entrance tests relevant to their course of interest. Some Indian colleges that offer this course include AnandAgriculturalUniversity (Gujarat), AssamAgriculturalUniversity (Assam), BiharAgriculturalUniversity (Bihar), College of Agriculture (Pune) and AgraUniversity (Agra).
B.Sc. (Hons.) in Agriculture: This is a 3-year graduate degree program offered to students after 10+2 (Science Stream) exam. Some colleges conduct an entrance exam to offer admissions into this course. Some of the best colleges offering this course include GuruNanakDevUniversity (Punjab), MPUAT (Udaipur), PunjabAgriculturalUniversity (Punjab), RajasthanAgriculturalUniversity (Rajasthan) and SKN College of Agriculture (Jaipur).
BBA Agriculture: This is a 4-year graduate degree program offered to students after 10+2. This program is exclusively offered by the College of Agriculture Business Management, Ahmednagar, Maharashtra.
M.Sc. in Agriculture: This is a 2-year Post-graduation Degree level course offered to Graduate students with a specialization in Agriculture, Agricultural Biotechnology, Agricultural Business Management, Forestry, Horticulture or any other related discipline. Some colleges in India offering this course include Agricultural College & Research Institute (Madurai), BA College of Agriculture (Gujarat), Kerala Agricultural University (Thrissur), SKN College of Agriculture (Jaipur) and Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology (Kashmir).
MBA (International Agribusiness): This 2-year Graduate Degree program is offered to a student after completing graduation in any discipline. Anand Agricultural University is the only university in India that offers this management-level program.
M.Tech. (Dairy Technology): This is a 2-year Post-graduate degree offered to Graduate students in an Agricultural discipline. Some Colleges that offer this program include Sri Venkateswara Veterinary University (Tirupati) and Karnataka Veterinary Animal & Fisheries Sciences University (Bidar).
M.Phil. (Horticulture): This is a 2-year Pre-doctorate Degree level course offered to students who have a Master’s degree in Horticulture. MeerutUniversity, Meerut, UP is the only Indian university that offers this exclusive program.
Ph.D. in Agriculture: This is a 3-year Doctorate level program which you can pursue after Post-graduation in an Agricultural discipline. You can get admission into this program in several colleges in India, including AssamAgriculturalUniversity (Assam), University of Agricultural Sciences (Raichur), College of Veterinary Science & Animal Husbandry (Mathura) and Navinchandra Mafatlal College of Agriculture (Gujarat).
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