Introduction
With the advent of technology and growing interests in the agro-industry since the
early 2000s, there has been increased chatter about farming as a career over the
last few years.
Therefore, people are drawn to take up agricultural studies as many modern farming practices are knowledge-based and require formal education. The Indian farming community, too, needs formal education to prepare farmers to face the challenges and threats of globalization.
Though many companies have brought in a wide range of agro products through foreign direct investment, the farmers see this as a threat. They do not possess the expertise to handle this opportunity to grow themselves through this synergy. As this is the case, the government and private sector need to take steps to prioritize agricultural studies for the farming community and the next generation of students. If seen as an opportunity, the prospect of growth is tremendous in the years to come, especially for a country such as ours. If seen as a threat, we stand to lose globally.
Steps taken by the Government of India to educate farmers:
Efforts are taken to increase participation of the private sector. Exim Bank Ago of
India, National Bank of Agriculture and Directorate of Economics and Statistics will
invest in the agricultural industry in this decade.
- More rural credit banks will be established to meet the credit needs of the farmers. Exim Bank of India and National Bank of Agriculture have the potential to help farmers with suitable schemes.
- More students and farmers who learn the latest agricultural techniques need to be taught effective canal management and improved irrigation techniques. Large amounts of water are used for agricultural chemicals, increased urbanization, waterlogging, and salinity. The ministry of water resources provides education on the effective use of water.
- Agro-processing techniques need to be used, and setting up more agro-processing units will reduce post-harvest wastage. If agro-processing tools are used, farmers can minimize a significant percentage of their loss.
- The Ministry of Water Resources and National Disaster Management can teach Flood and drought management and contingency agriculture. Education should be provided to farmers on how to combat calamities.
- Testing labs in different parts of India educate the farmers on scientific tools that will help them identify good water and soil. Sanity, acidity and alkalinity are tested to increase agricultural output.
- Farmers need to be aware of the various laws in agriculture. They need to be aware of rules concerning soil testing, fertilizers, storage facilities, improved seeds, pesticides and transportation. The laws related to getting grants from state governments should also be taught to farmers.
There are ample opportunities for the farmers to learn and upskill over the coming decade to help increase their yield, reduce wastage and stay on top of their game.
However, for the next generation, there are a plethora of opportunities to get formally educated before they get trained on the job. Agricultural Studies has been gaining popularity quickly as people have started understanding the opportunities to make profits via the agro-industry. What was once thought to be a dead and unskilled industry is now the talk of the colleges.
What is agricultural studies?
Students who learn agriculture studies learn both theories and practical aspects of
crop cultivation and harvesting. Agricultural studies also teach various scientific,
business and technical aspects of agriculture.
Popular undergraduate courses in agriculture
- BSc Agriculture
- BSc Agriculture economics and farm management
- BSc Horticulture
- BSc Agriculture and Food business
- BSc Genetic Plant Breeding
- BSc Crop Physiology
Popular Postgraduate courses in agriculture
- MSc Agricultural economics
- MSc Soil Science
- MSc Plant Biotechnology
- MSc Plant Physiology
- MSc Agriculture
- MSc Agronomy
- MSc Agricultural botany
- MSc Biological Sciences
Diploma courses in agriculture
- Diploma in Agriculture
- Diploma in Agriculture and Allied practices
- Diploma in Food processing
Certificate courses in agriculture
- Certificate in Agricultural science
- Certificate in Bio-fertiliser production
- Certificate in food and beverage science
Popular Agricultural jobs in India
The popular agricultural jobs in our country are agricultural engineer, agricultural
scientist, crop specialist and agronomist. The average salaries for these jobs
usually range from two lakhs to six lakhs per annum.
Moreover, the jobs in agriculture are not just confined to farming. The skillsets learned can be used in other complementary industries as well, such as,
- Agricultural educator
- Agronomy sales manager
- Agricultural manager
- Bio- chemist
- Agricultural field officer
- Agricultural research scientist
- R and D in agriculture
- Block development officer
- Indian forest service officer
The future of the agro-industry in India looks promising as long as the farming community is educated and upskilled. At the same time, the current generation shows interest in choosing agriculture as a career option. With organic farming becoming popular over the last decade and people becoming conscious about what they eat, it is only a matter of time until agriculture becomes the most popular career option. The money is moving to agriculture!