BSc in Agriculture: Course, Career Scope and Salary Prospects

Want to pursue a course in Agriculture? Find out what is taught in a course in the field of Agriculture and the job opportunities available on completing the course. Read this Shiksha article to learn about the various opportunities available in India related to the Agriculture fields. 

By Harish Sharma

What do you aspire to be? A software engineer, investment banker, event manager, politician, artist, doctor, lawyer, teacher, policymaker, entrepreneur, actor … the list is endless.  But a farmer doesn’t figure in the list. When considering career choices, young people in India generally shy away from agriculture, which is sad considering that we are primarily an agricultural country. For the youth today, agriculture is not a cool option. It means an archaic lifestyle and a future with limited opportunities- that’s the perception. 

But this is not true. Agriculture matters to the future of development. Economists point out that agriculture is four times more effective than other sectors in reducing poverty. It can even be a gold mine for young entrepreneurs. Besides, agricultural research needs young minds to initiate innovation. A very small percentage of our students opt for an agricultural major, only because they don’t realise its potential. Somebody needs to point out to them one basic advantage that agriculture has over other sectors: other industries might need down-sizing, but feeding the world is a job that isn’t ever going to face recession!

The demand for trained professionals in the field of agriculture is high. The course fee is negligible, barely Rs. 5,000 per year. Scholarships are also available. A student who has completed a BSc in Agriculture will get a well-paying job right after graduation. 

In the mid-1960s, Dr. DS Kothari, the chairman of the UGC, came up with the idea that every state should have at least one agricultural university. His vision was later turned into action, his idea led to the establishment of 49 Agriculture universities across India by both state and central governments. Today, agriculture has expanded beyond its traditional scope. Agriculture is a diverse and dynamic field with various career opportunities and rapid advancements in agri-tech; new roles are constantly emerging. Students must know that salaries are on the rise, which makes agriculture a rewarding career. 

Who should pursue a BSc in agriculture?

Class 12 Science students with a basic interest in the agriculture sector should opt for BSc Agriculture.

Agriculture Course content and duration

It is a 4-year undergraduate bachelors degree program, which generally includes agriculture science, use of modern scientific equipment and techniques in agriculture, land surveying, soil science, water resource management, animal and poultry management, basics of biotechnology, etc. The program focuses on training students to enhance agriculture productivity, manage products and contribute to the future development of the sector through research activities.

What do you study in BSc Agriculture?

A BSc in Agriculture equips students with all-around knowledge of the sector and normally includes the following:

• Agronomy: Basics of Agronomy, Kharif and Rabi Crop, Crop Protection, Weed Management, Irrigation Techniques, Water Resource Management, Organic Farming, Sustainable Agriculture.
• Plant Genetics: Botany, Basics of Genetics, Plant Breeding, Seed Technology, Basics of Biotechnology.
• Soil Science: Introduction to Soil Science, Soil Fertility, Soil Chemistry, Fertilisers, Agricultural Chemistry.
• Entomology: Pest Management, Beneficial Insects, Grain Storage and Management.
• Agricultural Economics: Market prices, Trade prices, Marketing, Finance, Agribusiness Management, and Farm Management.
• Agriculture Engineering: Agriculture Machinery, Power and Tools, Harvest Technology, Environment Science and Engineering, Renewable Energy.
• Agricultural Meteorology: Climate patterns, Climatic hazards on Agriculture, Climatic Zones, Weather forecasting.
• Plant Pathology: Crop Diseases, Nematology.
• Horticulture: Fruit Crops, Medicinal Plants, Aromatic Plants, Flower Production, Spices, Plantation Crops.
• Agricultural Extension: Dimensions of Agricultural Extension, Extension Methodologies, Entrepreneurship Development program.

In all the above areas of study, practical sessions related to theoretical knowledge are also built into the course. There are some elective courses, study tours, and field trips in some semesters. These vary from university to university.

What are the job opportunities and salary after graduation in Agriculture course?

BSc Agriculture students have the scope to get various job opportunities in both government and private sectors. BSc graduates can get jobs and roles like Research Officer, Quality Assurance Officer, Agriculture Officer, Agriculture Loan Officer (in banks), Production Manager, Operations Manager, or Farm Manager, especially within state agriculture departments.

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In the private sector, agriculture science graduates may find jobs as managers at plantations, as officers at fertiliser manufacturing firms, agriculture machinery industries, agricultural products marketing firms, food processing units, etc. The average starting salary of these officers is generally between Rs 5 to 6 lakh per annum (including incentive). And as you gain years and experience, the scope for better remuneration is immense.

After doing a BSc in Agriculture, one may also go for an MSc in Agriculture and take up a teaching job, or even go for a PhD and build a career in Agricultural Research.

About the Author:

Harish Sharma is the CHRO (Chief Human Resource Officer), Crystal Crop Protection.

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