What is the Scope After BSc Agriculture?: Explore Career Paths in Public and Private Sector

Eligibility criteria for admission in BSc Agriculture (Hons) require 10+2 (PCB/ PCM) completion with 55 per cent marks. The course is divided into 8 semesters. The four-year program aims to provide related knowledge, practical skills, and competencies in agriculture. This degree prepares students for a wide range of careers related to the agriculture industry and other allied industries.

BSc Agriculture Syllabus: A student pursuing a BSc Agriculture course will study a wide variety of subjects:

• Agronomy
• soil sciences,
• Horticulture (fruit science & vegetable), plant breeding and genetics
• Entomology
• Plant pathology
• Animal sciences
• Extension education
• Plant biochemistry
• Agriculture economics
• Basics of biotechnology

The syllabus is as per the guidelines of ICAR (Indian Council of Agriculture Research) and is designed to train students to understand ways of improving crop production sustainably and to provide overall knowledge related to agriculture and related disciplines.

Teaching

Good institutions give equal importance to theory and practice of Agriculture, which ensures the application of knowledge and to development of hands-on skills. The focus is on classroom teaching and practical experience through study tours and field trips.

Aim of BSc Agriculture:

• Imparting subject-related knowledge along with developing a connection between practical solutions and theory.
• Encourage personal growth among students and boost their self-confidence, which will give them opportunities to be an integral part of the agro-industry.
• Making the agriculture-related subjects interesting through scientific and experimental evidence.
• Develop problem-solving skills through practical applications and research.

The Ideal Candidate

Apart from scoring good marks for entering BSc Agriculture, an ideal candidate who wishes to do BSc in Agriculture should possess certain qualities:

• Have an interest in agro-based learning
• Possess good organisational skills
• Have the ability to plan and conduct research
• Have leadership qualities & capabilities
• Be able to work in a team
• Possess managerial and Communication skills
• Possess some numeracy skills to understand the role of economics in an agricultural role

Scope of BSc Agriculture: Public and Private Sectors

To understand the scope of B.Sc Agriculture, it is important to see the options from a bird's-eye view. Once you look at the bigger picture, making the right decision is easier. It is best for BSc graduates to know various govt. Jobs after BSc Agriculture, along with the BSc Agriculture salary.

Jobs After BSc Agriculture in Public Sector

1. BSc Agriculture Scope in Public Sector: BSc graduates who wish to get a job in the public sector must go through the following list of the best government job roles after BSc Agriculture.
2. Agricultural Officer or Rural Development Officer: In this field, BSc graduates get the opportunity to work with state and national agricultural departments to handle agriculture projects, execute policies and help farmers with useful suggestions.
3. ICAR (Indian Council of Agricultural Research) Scientist/Junior/Senior Research: In this, candidates can get the opportunity to work as Horticulture Officer, Soil Conservation Officer, Agricultural Officer, Forest Officer, and more.
4. State Agriculture Departments: In this department, candidates can get officer-level posts to manage agricultural development and extension.
5. Government Banks: The role is to provide agriculture loans to the farmers.
6. Forestry Services: In this, one gets the opportunity to work as a Forest Range Officer, Forestry Assistant, and Forest Guard.
7. UPSC (Union Public Service Commission) Exams: Students can work on the role of the Indian Forest Service (IFS).

Jobs After BSc Agriculture in Private Sector

1. Agribusiness Management: This sector consists of job roles where one needs to manage the supply chains, manage the agricultural businesses and involve product marketing.
2. Farm Management: This job role involves the management of the livestock, the production of crops, and managing the farm operations.
3. Agricultural Research: In this department to work is research-based; one needs to work in research centres, where they need to work on soil health, crop science and pest management.
4. Food Processing Industries: Candidates get the chance to work in food technology, quality control, and research and development.
5. Agrochemical Industries: This job role involves marketing and development of pesticides, fertilisers, and various other agricultural chemicals. 
6. Agricultural Machinery Industries: This job role involves the development, design and marketing of agricultural machines.
7. Consulting: This role provides advice to those who are farmers and running an agricultural business.

Academic Pursuits after BSc Agriculture: Scope & Opportunities

It's possible to pursue a postgraduate degree programme in an agriculture-related subject, which will broaden the understanding of the BSc Agriculture scope, such as specialising in agronomy, soil sciences, horticulture, plant breeding and genetics, entomology, plant pathology, animal sciences, extension education, plant biochemistry, agriculture economics, biotechnology, etc.  MSc in various agriculture programs is a 2-year course that can be taken up by a candidate who holds a BSc degree in agriculture, horticulture/ forestry from a recognised university with the required qualifying marks. 

Gaining a master's degree from an Indian university or abroad will open more job avenues in the agricultural sphere.

Govt Jobs After BSc Agriculture Salary

Here are some of the best career options to get jobs after B.Sc Agriculture. Also, we will discuss the BSc Agriculture salary range to understand the various career opportunities after a BSc Agriculture.

Career Scope & Opportunities for Agriculture Graduates

Candidates have ample job opportunities after BSc Agriculture in the government sector as well as the private sector. They can be hired as Agriculture Development Officers (ADO) and Block Development Officers (BDO). Employment opportunities are available as:

After pursuing a BSc, those who want to study further can opt for an MSc programme from various government and private universities that offer the scope of research, teaching or pursuing a PhD.

Top Market Trends in Agriculture: The Future

The agriculture sector is becoming more modern, scientific and technology-oriented. Shifting farm structures, changing demographics in the food production system, evolving biotechnology strategies, and resource management strategies are playing a major role in the food production and management systems. Specialisation in agriculture opens up a world of possibilities for students who have chosen to pursue education in this field. 

India being an agrarian nation, many of us wonder, why BSc Agriculture? It is strange because, being a primary source of livelihood for the majority of Indians, it remains the last priority among students choosing a career option. A BSc in Agriculture is a broad-based course with great potential. It deals with things like food production, horticulture, animal rearing, rural economy and rural development, environmental health, etc. Other industries may face downsizing, but agriculture can never fall prey because “food” is a basic necessity for life. Feeding the world will never face a recession or a slowdown. The development of technology, research, and innovation has multiplied the scope of agriculture in a big way.

There is an abundance of career opportunities after a BSc Agriculture. Students can manage large-scale farms to help develop new, work in crop production and farming, and can also use advanced agricultural techniques. To regulate agricultural practices, students can go for government jobs after a BSc Agriculture. Then, comes research, science and agriculture biotechnology, and pest management to work in the innovation and research field to deal with agriculture issues like crop diseases and climate-resilient crops. 

Having a degree and especially the right skill and knowledge can be a powerful weapon to play a crucial role in advancing agricultural practices, improving crop yields, and developing more efficient farming methods. The importance of agriculture does not end here; it can play a vital role in improving soil health and promoting sustainable irrigation techniques, contributing to the world's food systems to support future generations. 

About the Author:

Dr Parvani Sharma

Dr Parvani Sharma is an assistant professor in the Department of Agriculture at Shoolini University. She has earned her PhD from SKUAST-Jammu.