B Sc Agriculture Scope | B Sc Agriculture Job Opportunities

A career in agriculture!

If this idea had been proposed a few years ago, you might meet it with a raised eyebrow. But it’s one of the most lucrative career options you can pursue in the present. 

India has been an agricultural-based economy since independence, and farming is the primary source of income for the majority of the population. Earlier it was rare to find someone who chose agriculture as a profession, and most importantly, to get an education in agriculture.

Agriculture has evolved into an occupation with tremendous potential. Other industries might change; however, the magnitude and demand for agricultural products will never disappear. One thing is for certain – the requirement to provide food to the world will never decrease. 

In reality, the growth of research, technology, and innovations in agriculture has led to new employment opportunities. It is expected to open up various possibilities in the agriculture sector. Indeed, technology, research, and innovation have dramatically increased the agricultural scope. The four-year professional undergraduate course of B.Sc. (Hons.) Agriculture can help students to have a successful career. Let’s examine the possibilities for agricultural graduates.

BSc Agriculture is a broad course that has a lot of potential. It addresses issues such as the production of food, horticulture, animal raising, rural economics, the development of rural areas as well as environmental health. The world’s food supply will not be a problem in the event of any recession or slowdown. Other industries might be in the process of reducing their workforces. Still, agriculture will never be victim to the whims of other industries since “food” is the basic need for existence.  

Also Read – What are Subjects in B.Sc Agriculture?

B Sc Agriculture Salary 

B Sc Agriculture Scope

The B Sc in Agriculture is a four-year undergraduate course in professional education offered by a variety of private and public universities in India. The demand for students with an agriculture degree is growing every day in India as well as abroad. The costs for courses are lower than other professional degrees and provide good work and higher pay.

Students enrolled in the B Sc Agriculture program will be able to study a broad array of topics. The syllabus follows those guidelines set by ICAR (Indian Council for Agriculture Research). It is designed to help students improve the crop yield sustainably and impart general knowledge about agriculture and related disciplines.

B Sc Agriculture degree provides students with the knowledge and skills to help students manage their agri-business and do research, work in fields of agriculture conducting field surveys, and manage various aspects of agricultural practices.

The Ideal Candidate for B Sc Agriculture

Alongside achieving good marks in the entrance exam conducted to enter B Sc Agriculture, a perfect candidate for a B Sc in Agriculture must possess the following qualities:

• Have an interest in agro-based education.
• Can organize and conduct research.
• Skills in business management.
• Possess leadership qualities and abilities.
• Have a basic understanding of numeracy to comprehend the importance of economics in the agricultural context.

B Sc Agriculture Subjects

The B Sc in Agriculture provides students with an all-encompassing understanding of the agriculture industry and usually comprises the following subjects:

• Agronomy: Kharif and Rabi Crops, Crop Protection, Water Resource Management, Weed Management, Irrigation Techniques, Organic Farming, Sustainable Agriculture.
• Horticulture: Flowers and Fruit Crops and production, Medicinal and Aromatic Plants, Spices, Plantation Crops.
• Plant Breeding and Genetics: Botany, Plant Breeding, Seed Technology, Genetics, Biotechnology.
• Plant Pathology: Crop Diseases, Disease Management, Nematology.
• Soil Science: Soil Science, Soil Fertility, Fertilizers, Soil Chemistry, Agricultural Chemistry.
• Entomology: Crop Pest Management, Beneficial Insects, Grain Storage and Management.
• Agriculture Extension: Extension Methodologies in Agriculture, Entrepreneurship Development Program.
• Agriculture Economics: Prices for trade, market prices, Agricultural marketing, Agri-finance, Agribusiness Management, Farm Management.
• Agri-related Meteorology: Climate patterns and Weather Forecasting hazards to Climatic Agriculture and Climatic Zones.
• Agriculture Engineering: Agriculture Machinery, Power and Agri-Tools, Harvest Technology, Agricultural Science and Engineering, Renewable Energy.

In all these agricultural areas of study, hands-on sessions related to theoretical knowledge are also incorporated. There are optional classes and study tours, as well as excursions and field trips that are also offered.

Also Read – Why Agricultural Income is Not Taxable?

B Sc Agriculture Scope  

Academic Pursuits –

It is possible to complete a postgraduate program in the field of agriculture, which can broaden the field, including specializing in the fields of soil science, agronomy gardening, plant breeding, genetics as well as entomology, pathology of plants as well as extension education, animal science as well as agricultural economics, biotechnology, etc. M Sc in various agriculture programs is a two-year course that is able to be taken by someone who has a B Sc degree in agriculture, horticulture, or forestry from a well-known institution with the necessary minimum marks.

A master’s degree earned at an Indian university or an international one can open up more opportunities in the field of agriculture.

B Sc Agriculture  Scope  

Career – 

B Sc Agriculture graduates can find career opportunities in the government as well as the private sector. The employment opportunities available are:

• Agriculture Research Scientist
• Field Officer
• Agriculture Officer in Banks
• Extension Officer
• Farm Manager
• Subject Matter Specialist in different Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs)
• Plantation Manager
• Research Officer
• Officer in Quality Assurance in Related Fields
• Seed Technologies Firm
• Agriculture Officer
• Production Manager
• Operations Manager in Fertilizer Units
• Agribusiness Development Manager
• Food Processing Units in Government

Competitive Exams After B Sc Agriculture

To compete for the job opportunities provided to BSc Agriculture applicants by the Government of India, it is essential to pass the necessary competitive examinations. Whether you want to work for either the Central or State Government, there are different exams for each. 

The following are the top competitive exams that you need to pass to be able to get a job after completing your BSc Agriculture:

Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR)

ICAR is a part of the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare (GoI). It is a great organization for those who want to build a career in Agriculture development and research. The kinds of jobs you can get at ICAR include Technologists, SRF (Senior Research Fellows), JRF (Junior Research Fellows), and so on.

IBPS Specialist Officer (Agriculture Field Officer)

An annual entrance test for screening candidates for the position of Field Officer in Agriculture is performed by taking an IBPS Specialist Officer Exam. Candidates with an agricultural degree can apply for the position of Agriculture Field Officer (Scale I). In addition to agricultural students, the exam is also open for students from related areas like Veterinary Science, Horticulture, Animal Husbandry, etc.

The typical recruitment process is conducted for IBPS Specialist Officers for different banks that are part of the consortium. You can also apply and settle into bank jobs. 

National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) 

NABARD plays a vital role in promoting the growth of India’s agricultural and rural sectors. It provides sustainable innovation technologies as well as security, financial and non-financial intervention. It is a renowned financial institution with various vacant positions every year for agricultural experts to contribute to their goal of Rural and Agricultural Development of India. A variety of jobs are announced by NABARD, including assistant managers, office assistants, agricultural officers as well as office assistants. Selection for these positions is conducted through an entrance examination followed by an interview.

Staff Selection Commission (SSC)

Staff Selection Commission offers an array of career options to recent Agriculture graduates. The candidates who pass the SSC exam are offered highly coveted positions in the agriculture departments and agriculture ministry that are part of the Government of India. 

Food Corporation of India (FCI)

The Food Corporation of India (FCI) is managed under the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, Government of India. It is involved in establishing a reliable security system designed to manage food production in India. It offers a variety of top jobs for B Sc Agriculture candidates. It is possible to take the test online administered by FCI for non-technical or technical posts. The most common profiles provided are Technical officers and managers, Warehouse managers, assistant officers, etc.

UPSC – Indian Forest Services (IFS)

It is among the most critical exams to qualify for jobs offered by the Indian government. It is provided for students who have completed a degree in agriculture or other related fields. If you pass the UPSC exam, you will be appointed a Deputy Forest Inspector or Assistant Inspector, Officer, etc.

National Dairy Development Board (NDDB)

National Dairy Development Board offers various job opportunities for agriculture graduates. NDDB is committed to the development of farmer cooperatives as well as encouraging policies to support the development of these institutions. With its headquarters at Anand, Gujarat, the affiliates under this umbrella include Mother Dairy, NDDB Dairy Services, and IDMC Limited-Anand. 

BSc Agriculture Scope & Opportunities

Jobs Abroad –

There is a huge possibility of finding a job after B Sc Agriculture in other countries. Whether you are looking to pursue an academic career or explore possibilities for employment at top MNCs, there are tremendous opportunities available. Here are the most sought-after abroad job opportunities following BSc Agriculture:

• Farm Manager
• Agricultural Scientist
• Agricultural Engineer
• Landscape Manager
• Agribusiness Development Executive
• Agriculture Development Officers (ADO)

You can also pursue an agricultural master’s degree or related specializations in international universities and look into a variety of promising career opportunities that come through an international diploma.

The Bottom Line

Today, there is an urgent need to devise efficient ways to utilize these agricultural areas, which has increased the demand for trained and educated agriculture experts. A specialization in agriculture can open up an array of opportunities for those who choose to pursue a degree in agriculture.