All you need to know about B.Sc Agriculture

The agriculture sector remains among the top contributors to the economy and a career in the field is now an attractive option for young aspirants looking for steady growth and bright prospects.

The agricultural sector in India has been a consistent and one of the largest contributors to the Indian economy. Today, with innovation and technology making way into this sector, has turned agriculture a choice of subject for the young minds. The adoption of modern techniques of farming including use of chemicals and fertilizers have played a crucial role in changing the way the sector is growing, creating a wider scope of career opportunities in this field.

If you are also planning to venture into this sector and grow using modern techniques, you must begin with studying the nuances of the subject through a Bachelor in Science (B.Sc) degree with a specialisation in agriculture. Here is all you need to know about B.Sc in Agriculture.

Eligibility Criteria for B.Sc Agriculture 

If you want to study B.Sc Agriculture, you should enrol yourself for a four-year course offered by many colleges across India to students, who have completed XIIth class in the Science stream. You need to pass the XIIth examination obtaining at least 50 per cent marks to be eligible for the course. 

Top Universities Offering B.Sc. Agriculture course

Here are some of the leading universities that offer courses in Agriculture:

College	City, State
University of Agricultural Sciences	Bengaluru, Karnataka
Shivaji University	Kohlapur, Maharashtra
Indira Gandhi Krishi Vishwavidyalaya Science	Raipur, Chhattisgarh
G B Pant University of Agriculture and Technology	Pantnagar, Uttarakhand
Orissa University of Agriculture and Technology	Bhubaneswar, Odisha

Here is a list of colleges offering B.Sc Agriculture course

Admission Process

Students take admission to the course after passing an entrance exam such as Kerala Engineering Architecture Medical (KEAM) and Engineering Agricultural and Medical Common Entrance Test (AP EAMCET). They can also take admission by writing and clearing an exam conducted by the university/institution that offers the degree.

With one Central Agricultural University (CAU), 42 State Agricultural Universities (SAUs), five deemed universities and four general Central Universities with Agriculture faculty in India, there is no dearth of seats for the course. About 15,000 students get enrolled every year, at the undergraduate level across 11 disciplines.

To ensure that you become a professional in the field, the curriculum includes the study and practice of techniques of modern scientific agriculture including machinery and equipment. You will also study land surveying, along with soil science, water resource management, animal, and poultry management. In addition, you will study subjects like Agronomy, Plant Biochemistry, Water Management Engineering, and techniques to protect crops from pests, etc.

Course fees

The course fee ranges from Rs10,000 to Rs 50,000 per year.

Job Opportunities & Salary Offered

Graduates with B.Sc. Agriculture can find job opportunities in different government and private projects with a starting salary of up to Rs 20,000 per month. Job opportunities are available in agricultural departments, research organisations, commercial farming. Read more about career scope of B.Sc Agriculture.

One of the highest posts one could acquire is that of an Agricultural Officer (Agronomist) in the field. Other positions include: 

• Agriculture Officer
• Assistant Plantation Manager
• Agricultural Research Scientist
• Business Development Executive
• Marketing Executive

 

Position	Responsibilities
Agriculture Field Officer	You will work with farmers and companies in the field and help them increase productivity.
Agricultural Research Scientist	You will be involved in research which will involve work in both the lab and the field. You will study biological processes and find ways to improve animal or soil health, nutrition, etc.
Farm Associate- Agronomy	Interacting with farmers through direct visits, other media, collecting data of crop growth, suggest agronomy practices, develop packages and practices for crops in consultation with senior professionals, etc
Farm Manager	Management of farm activities, improving techniques for better yields, productivity planning, supervising crop protection, etc