BSc Agriculture – Scope and Career Opportunities

If you are someone who wants to make a career in one of the most demanding jobs in future, agriculture is one of those fields. It is high time to understand that making a career in agriculture is not an easy career option, and many opportunities are waiting for you. In this Shiksha article, we will discuss career opportunities in the agriculture field. 

Agriculture is the backbone of any nation especially for human civilisation. As the world population is growing the demand for food supply and skilled professionals in various fields has also increased. Getting a degree in Bachelor of Science in Agriculture (BSc Agriculture) can help students to learn about the in-depth knowledge of agricultural sciences along with the practical skills to face various challenges in the agriculture industry. Candidates who wish to pursue a BSc in Agriculture should know that this degree comes with various career pathways to choose from various job profiles like agribusiness, environmental sustainability, and farming and crop production and management research. Globally it wind is blowing towards sustainable practices and candidates with a BSc in Agriculture degree are at the forefront of this crucial transformation.

As we all know there are some serious global concerns related to the Agriculture industry such as food security, climate change, environmental degradation and improper cultivation. 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 importance does not end here, they can play a vital role in improving soil health and promoting sustainable irrigation techniques, to contribute to the world's food systems to support future generations.

There is an abundance of career opportunities for BSc Agriculture graduates. Candidates can work in crop production, and farming and they can also manage large-scale farms to help develop new useful agriculture techniques. To regulate agriculture practices BSc students can pursue this profession to work with government agencies. 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. 

India being an agrarian nation many of us wonder, why BSc Agriculture? It’s strange because, being a primary source of livelihood for the majority of Indians, it remains the last priority among students choosing a career option. 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 the 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.

Also Read: Top 10 Agricultural Universities in India 2023 

A student pursuing a BSc Agriculture course will study a wide variety of subjects, including 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, etc. 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.

Agriculture Course Overview

Eligibility criteria for admission in BSc Agriculture (Hons) require 10+2 (PCB/ PCM) completion with 55% 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.

Teaching

Good institutions give equal importance to theory and practice of Agriculture, which ensures the application of knowledge and to develop 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 organizational 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

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 scope, such as specializing 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 recognized university with the required qualifying marks. 

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

Career Scope & Opportunities for Agriculture Graduates

BSc Agriculture graduates have ample job opportunities in the government 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 BSc, those who want to study further can opt for an MSc programme from various government and private universities that offer 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, resource management strategies, are playing a major role in the food production and management systems. Specialization in agriculture opens up a world of possibilities for students who have chosen to pursue education in this field.

About the Author:

Dr Parvani Sharma

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