Career in Agriculture
September 18, 2024 2025-01-19 16:11Career in Agriculture
CAREER IN AGRICULTURE
Introduction: Career in Agriculture
AGRICULTURAL RELATED CAREERS
ICAR’s entrance test
Agriculture Engineering
Career as an Agricultural Scientist
Career as Agricultural Economists
Career as Agronomist
Career in Agriculture Marketing
Career as Animal Geneticists
Career as a Horticulturist
Career in Plant Breeding/Plant Genetics
Career in Food and Dairy Technology
Career in Dairy Science and Poultry Farming
Career as a Veterinarian
Agricultural Research Services acronym as ARS Exam
Agricultural Scientists Recruitment Board National Eligibility Test acronym as ASRB NET
National Dairy Research Institute, Indian Council of Agricultural Research Diploma in Animal Husbandry and Dairying Entrance Exam acronym as NDRI DADH Entrance exam
List of all Agriculture Science and Technology Courses in India
Introduction: Career in Agriculture
Agriculture is concerned with cultivation, processing and marketing of crops. It also deals with agro-industry, food industry, horticulture industry, biotechnology, animal husbandry, etc. Most of the specialisations in agriculture have a strong focus on the innovative use of technologies for higher productivity and optimal use of natural resources. India is one of the leading agricultural countries in the world; agricultural sector contributes 29.4% of GDP and employs about 64% of the work force.
Agriculture has always been the back bone of our economy as it contributed nearly 29.4% to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP). More than 64% population works in the agriculture and allied sector and provides food to over hundred million Indian and raw materials for our industries. India also has enormous potential as an exporter of agricultural commodities that makes it one of the leading agricultural countries in the world.
Scope
Agriculture sector provides numerous career opportunities in the field of agricultural finance, insurance, transportation, storage, grading and marketing. Many business firms’ viz. insurance companies, banks, public utilities and food chains employ the persons who have specialized knowledge of the agriculture. The career aspirants who have good knowledge of agricultural science, economics and business administration get lucrative jobs. There are growing opportunities in agriculture sector especially natural resource management, food and wine, aquaculture, biotechnology, pest management, forestry, etc. Recent surveys have revealed that Agrobase industries and Agro-biotechnology would provide enormous job opportunities in near future.
Career Prospects in Agriculture
Agriculture Engineering
Agriculture Economics
Dairy industry
Fishery farming
Forestry
Horticulture
Plant Pathology
Poultry farming
Rural Management
Veterinary Science and animal husbandry.
Food Technology
Remuneration
It depends on the academic qualification and experience. Remuneration in private sector is higher than government organizations. The salary may range from Rs.10, 000 to 1, 50,000. The jobs in Agrobase and Biotech industries are highly remunerative.
Employability Skills
Ability to work hard.
Ability to work in different weather conditions.
First-hand experience field experience.
Ability of making good decision making.
Good managerial skills
Strong social skills.
Ability to learn new things.
Ability to apply gained knowledge into the field.
Good physical fitness.
Career test
If you record “Yes” for maximum questions then it indicates that you have potential for perusing career in the field of agriculture field.
Do I have any field experience of agriculture?
Do I any technical knowledge of plant sciences?
Do I like to work in farm?
Do I have ability to work hard?
Do I have ability to take appropriate decision?
Do I have innovative ideas to implement in the agriculture field?
Do I like the systematic way of working?
Do I like to work for several hours (8-12hrs or more) per day in farm?
Do I have ability to work with a team?
Do I have better statistical, computing and interpreting skills (especially for advanced farming)?
Am I ready to learn and adopt new techniques?
Career opportunities
Agro-industry Sector: Provides jobs to scientists, engineers, technologists, sales and marketing people.
Services Sector: This sector provide jobs to graders, agricultural technicians, agricultural consultants, agricultural statisticians, veterinarians, etc. Banks finance and insurance companies also provide jobs to agriculturist.
Corporations: Various corporations viz. National Seed Corporation, State Farm Corporation, Warehousing Corporation and Food Corporation, etc provides job opportunities to agriculturists.
Agricultural Engineering: This field better job prospectus as compared to other fields.
Agriculture Management: This is a new field. Requires knowledge of management and agriculture.
Estates and tea gardens: Many job opportunities are available in estates and tea gardens.
Self-employment: agriculture firms, agro-base industry, agriculture product shops, etc.
Job options
Agricultural Research Scientists (ARS)
Agriculture Development Officers (ADO)/Farm Technicians (after class X)/Lab Technicians/ Workshop Staff).
Field Officers/Rural Development Officers/Agricultural and Probationary Officers (post-graduates in agriculture are appointed by banks)
Natural Resource manager.
Agriculture engineer
Agriculture representative.
Agri-statistician.
Agronomist.
Aqua culturist
Agri-business analyst
Executive (Agriculture)
Food technologist
Dairy technologist
Machinery operators
Manager (Organic farming)
Plant controller.
Plant supervisor
Plantation manager
Sales Consultant
AgriSales manager
Seed technologist
And many more
Employers
Agriculture Departments
Agriculture colleges and Universities
Banks
Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO).
Corporations viz. National Seed Corporation, State farm Corporation, Warehousing Corporation and Food Corporation, etc
Owners of big tea estates and gardens.
Agro biotech institutes and companies.
Important Institutes
Allahabad Agricultural Institute (Uttar Pradesh) www.aaidu.org
Indian council for Agriculture Research (ICAR), New Delhi www.icar.org.in
Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Lzatnagar (Uttar Pradesh) www.ivri.nic.in
Central Agricultural University, Imphal (Manipur) www.cic.nic.in
Forest Research Institute, PO. New Forest, Dehra Dun. www.fri.icfre.gov.in
Central Institute of Fisheries Education, Mumbai (Maharashtra) www.icar.org.in
National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal (Haryana) www.ndri.res.in
Agricultural Research Scientists (ARS) and Agriculture Development Officers (ADO) is recruited on the basis of ARS NET entrance. Further details: www.ugc.ac.in
Graduate Test for Engineering) Biological sciences. www.iitk.ac.in/gate
AGRICULTURAL RELATED CAREERS
The varying climatic and demographic conditions offer a conducive environment for the cultivation of a large variety of agricultural products throughout the year. In recent years, the state of agriculture has improved a lot because of the use of state of art technology along with genetically modified seeds and cross breed verities for high yield. Unlike pre independence era or to be precise pre green revolution era of 1964 agriculture has no longer been practiced in an unprofessional or classical manner , instead it has become highly scientific, sophisticated and mechanized and consequently, very profitable too. The impact of agriculture is not only on the production of food grains, vegetables and fruits, but on so many agriculture dependent and allied industries which get its raw material from agriculture sector. A good monsoon would drive the sensex raging as bull, while floods, droughts or other such calamities would bring it to a grinding halt or even worse downfall.
Horticulture, dairying and poultry farming are allied agricultural activities that have become economically viable opportunities today. Aspirants can opt for a career option from any of the following areas in the field of agriculture and allied practices
Agricultural Research, Agri-Business, Agro Industry, Agricultural Education, Agricultural Journalism, Agriculture Engineering, Agricultural Management etc.
Besides these areas in the agricultural field young Indian generation can also make career in the allied activities like Horticulture floriculture etc, owning to the fact that India is among the largest producers of vegetables and fruits in the world and has an equally strong floriculture base. Today India’s agriculture has become globalised and the idea of integrating Indian agriculture with the world economy is getting government support. India has enormous potential as an exporter of agricultural commodities ranging from mushrooms to flowers, spices, cereals, oilseeds and vegetables to name a few of them. With the commercialization of agriculture and horticulture there are varied opportunities for salaried jobs as well as entrepreneurship. While salaried jobs with various government and private concerns provide a regular income, entrepreneurship can generate handsome profits. Landscapers and horticulturists are hired by hotels, health farms, and holiday resorts to beautify their surroundings. Florists and nurseries are doing lucrative business especially in the metropolitan cities. Suburban farmhouses have become important suppliers for the domestic market. Horticulture with its offshoot floriculture has become a focus of export activity. India’s exports of roses, carnations, gladioli, chrysanthemums, jasmine and other tropical plants and flowers are scaling new heights. Careers in horticulture are interesting and inspirational as there is continuous development in growing techniques of plants. With new varieties of plants being nurtured the progress of horticultural science in unprecedented.
In addition to studies of plant types, students in horticulture also need to study weather and soil conditions, plant diseases and their treatments, and economic viability of each of these plants Opportunities in the research are also increasing as research institutions are gearing up to accept the challenge of the ever increasing export market with the combined support of the state and Central governments and the corporate sector Agricultural Research Service/National Eligibility Test Examination is conducted by the Agricultural Scientists Recruitment Board or ASRB for filling up vacancies of Scientists of the Agricultural Research Service (ARS) in the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) Institutes Considering all these opportunities candidates with ability to work on one’s own as well as part of a team, good health, a strong back for frequent bending, indifference to unpleasant weather conditions, sometimes to dirty work, practical ability, good powers of observation to detect early signs of disease in plants, animals and poultry, ability to deal with the unexpected calamity and interest in scientific developments can make fortunes in this career.
Whereas Researchers should have the ability to work for long periods with intense concentration, a keen analytical mind, and a strong scientific bent Candidates with all or some of the above given traits and Basic training in agriculture offered as a Bachelor’s degree course of three to four years duration at all the agricultural universities in the country can do well in agriculture and allied fields. The minimum eligibility required for admission to B.Sc. (Ag.) course is a pass in the plus two or equivalent examination with science or agriculture. Many universities fix a minimum aggregate of 50% marks to be obtained in the qualifying examination. To the different universities may be based on merit or performance in an entrance examination. Notifications of the courses at various places appear from January onwards, while the sessions usually start off between July and September.
More than 40 colleges offer the B.Sc.(Ag.) course, as also the M.Sc.(Ag.) course. Some of the designations and their work area in the field of agriculture are Agriculturists are scientists who have specialised in a specific field in agriculture. Their main objective is to produce food and fibre. Some of the specialisation fields are Entomology, Agricultural Economics, Soil Science and Plant Nutrition, Animal Science, Food Science and Wildlife Management minimum requirement to become an agriculturist is a B.Sc. degree or a B.Sc. (Agri Agricultural engineer Agricultural engineers usually specialise in a specific field such as agricultural mechanisation, soil conservation and the processing of food. Agricultural engineers often work in the field and are away from home for several days. The minimum requirement for agricultural engineers is a B.Sc. degree in Engineering or Agricultural technicians Agricultural technicians lays emphasis on the practical aspects of agriculture.
Different universities conduct Entrance exams for the selections of aspirants to the course of Agriculture. Other than this, Indian council of agricultural research also conducts entrance exams for the selection of suitable aspirants. Those with 50% marks in the XII exam are eligible to apply to this examination.
Different institutions offering BSC agriculture course
Some of the top institutions offering B Sc degree in agriculture course are mentioned below:
Chandrasekhar Azad University of Agriculture and Technology, Kanpur
Jawaharlal Nehru Agriculture University College of Agriculture, Jabalpur
M.P. BSC agriculture, Punjab agriculture University
College of agriculture, Ludhiana, Punjab
ICAR’s Entrance Test
The Indian Council for Agricultural Research (ICAR), New Delhi, annually conducts an all-India level entrance examination for admission to undergraduate and Master’s programmes in agriculture and allied subjects. Those clearing the test will be eligible for admission to 15 per cent seats in B.Sc. agriculture and horticulture; B.Tech. Agricultural engineering and dairy science and technology; and so on in the State agricultural universities. Those who have passed Plus Two or equivalent examination with at least 50 per cent marks in physics, chemistry and biology or mathematics are eligible to appear for this entrance examination.
ICAR’s postgraduate level entrance examination is conducted for admission to the Master’s degree programmes in the field of agriculture and allied sciences and for awarding ICAR’s Junior Research Fellowships. All the seats for the Master’s degree programmes in agriculture at the Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI) and 25 per cent seats in the State agricultural universities (including the Kerala Agricultural University) and Central agricultural universities are filled through this examination.
Agriculture Engineering
Agricultural Engineers apply engineering principles to all activities related to agriculture and horticulture. Improvement in agricultural farm machinery, farm structures, rural electrification, bio-gas, new technologies in the design and manufacture of agricultural products and also conservation of soil and water are some of the jobs handled by an agricultural engineer. This basically implies looking after the mechanisation of agricultural activities for the smooth functioning and efficient increase in food productivity.
Agricultural engineers apply their knowledge of biological and agricultural systems and engineering to equipment design and assure environmental compatibility of practices used by production agriculture. This includes all activities related to agriculture and horticulture for smooth functioning and efficient increase of food productivity, improvement in agriculture farm machinery, farm structure, rural electrification, biogas, new technology in the design and manufacture of agriculture products, conservation of soil and water are the major jobs handled by agriculture engineers.
Entry
To become a qualified engineer one must have a graduate degree (B.E / B.Tech) or atleast a diploma in any one of the several branches of Engineering.
Eligibility:
The basic eligibility criteria for a candidate aspiring to do a BE in Agricultural Engineering is 10+2, with Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics and preferably Biology.
Selection:
Selection to all Engineering courses is on the basis of: (a.) merit / marks secured in the final exams of 10+2 (with science subjects); (b.) through the means of entrance exams (joint entrance exam / JEE for the IIT’s and separate state level and national level exams for other institutions). Engineering courses are available at two levels. There are the degree and postgraduate degree courses offered by the engineering colleges and Institutes of Technology (IITs), and, the diploma courses available at polytechnics.
The six Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) at Delhi, Bombay, Madras, Kharagpur, Kanpur and Guwahati, and the Institute of Technology (BHU) at Varanasi, conduct the Joint Entrance Examination for admission jointly.
Competitive examinations on an all-India basis for admission to a B Tech / B E course are also conducted by The Birla Institute of Technology, at Pilani, Rajasthan, and at Ranchi; the University of Roorkee, UP; Manipal Institute of Technology, Manipal; the Faculty of Engineering and Technology, Annamalai University, among others.
There are also 17 Regional Engineering colleges all over the country which offer admission in various branches of engineering, on the basis of marks obtained in the Class 12 examination.
There is also the (AMIE) Associate Membership Examination of the Institute of Engineers which enables working people in the private and public sector, or diploma holders to acquire a Bachelor’s degree through distance education, for career advancement.
Course Duration:
BE / B.Tech courses are of 4 years’ duration The diploma courses are of 2-3 years’ duration.
Specialization:
The bachelor’s degree courses covers basic physical, engineering, and agriculture sciences, Soil conservation, drainage method, irrigation practices, firm machinery, dairy engineering etc.
Educational Attainment:
BE in agriculture Engineering. At the postgraduate level crop process engineering, firm machinery and power, soil and water conservation etc are taken up.
A Ph.D. degree of three years is also offered at IIT kharagpur, and IARI , New Delhi.
Institutions
Some of the premier engineering colleges in India are listed as follows: Indian Institute of Technology (New Delhi, Mumbai, Guwahati, Kanpur, Kharagpur, and Chennai)
Regional Engineering Colleges ( Warangal, Andhra Pradesh ; Silchar, Assam ; Jamshedpur, Bihar ; Surat, Gujarat ; Kurkshetra, Haryana; Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir; Surathkal, Karnataka ; Calicut, Kerala ; Visvesvaraya REC, Nagpur, Maharashtra ; Rourkela, Orissa ; Jaipur, Rajasthan ; Tiruchirapalli, Tamil Nadu ; Allahabad, Uttar Pradesh ; Durgapur, West Bengal ; Hamirpur, Himachal Pradesh ; Jalandhar, Punjab.)
Birla Institute of Technology (BITS) – (Pilani and Ranchi.)
Delhi College of Engineering, Delhi.
University of Roorkee, Roorkee, Uttar Pradesh.
Jadavpur University, Calcutta.
Personal Attributes Required
Organising ability, practicality, ability to get on well with people of all types- at all levels in the hierarchy,-from operatives to heads of research and managing director, ability to keep calm under pressure and in inevitable crises, and a liking for being at the centre of action. It is also necessary to like working with tools, drawing sketches of complex things and operations, and conceptualising forms and structures. While a high level of practicality, skill, accuracy, understanding power, capacity to toil, and perseverance are needed in ample quality, one must also have a knack for numbers and the ability to express one’s ideas precisely to others.
Employment Opportunities Agriculture Engineering Excellent career opportunities exist in product engineering, equipment research and design, facilities design, environmental consulting, and engineering management.
To be specific Central and state Government of agriculture and agriculture engineering, agro industry, minor irrigation corporation, Food corporation of India, National Seed Corporation of India, National Diary Development Board, Agriculture Research Organization, Agriculture university, Diary and food industries, Nationalized Bank, Agriculture machinery manufacturing organization, tea gardens etc.
Job Prospects
There is no dearth of jobs for engineers. They can find employment in the following areas :
Government Sector, including the railways, municipal corporations, telecommunications departments, etc.
Public Sector organisations,
Private companies,
As commissioned officers in the defence services,
Research organisations and laboratories,
As technical experts on engineering projects in banks and financial corporations,
An engineer can set up his / her own small unit / company or consultancy.
The Indian Society of Agricultural Engineers was established in 1960. Agricultural Engineering, involves application of engineering to production, processing, preservation and handling of food, feed and fibre. It also includes the transfer of engineering technology for the development and welfare of rural areas and masses. The major fields of Agricultural Engineering are:
– Farm Power and Machinery.
– Soil and water Conservation and Management Engineering (including watershed management, command area development, conservation, irrigation and field drainage).
– Irrigation (including surface and ground water development).
– Agricultural Process Engineering.
– Farm Storage Engineering.
– Farm Buildings and Structures.
– Farm use of Electricity.
– Rural water supply, rural roads, rural housing, rural sewerage and other aspects of rural engineering.
List of Agricultural Universities in India
India is a Hub of Farmers. Agricultural education in India has evolved into a large and distinct domain, separately from other areas of higher education.
Acharya N. G. Ranga Agricultural University, Hyderabad
Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh
Anand Agricultural University, Anand
Annamalai University, Chidambaram, Tamil Nadu, India
Assam Agricultural University, Jorhat
Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi
Bihar Agricultural University, Bhagalpur
Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya
Birsa Agricultural University, Kanke
Central Institute of Fisheries Education, Mumbai
Central Agricultural University, Iroisemba
Chandra Shekhar Azad University of Agriculture and Technology, Kanpur
Chaudhary Charan Singh Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar
Chaudhary Sarwan Kumar Himachal Pradesh Krishi Vishvavidyalaya, Palampur
College of Agricultural Technology, Theni (Kullapuram)
Dr. Balasaheb Sawant Konkan Krishi Vidyapeeth, Dapoli
Dr. Panjabrao Deshmukh Krishi Vidyapeeth, Akola
Dr. Yashwant Singh Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Solan
G. B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar
Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Ludhiana
Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi
Indira Gandhi Agricultural University, Raipur
Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Bareilly
Jawaharlal Nehru Agricultural University, Jabalpur
Junagadh Agricultural University, Junagadh
Kerala Agricultural University, Vellanikkara, Thrissur
Kerala University of Fisheries and Ocean Studies, Kochi
Kerala Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Wayanad
Karnataka Veterinary, Animal and Fisheries Sciences University, Bidar
Lala Lajpat Rai University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Hisar
Maharashtra Animal and Fishery Sciences University
Mahatma Phule Krishi Vidyapeeth, Rahuri
Marathwada Agricultural University, Parbhani
Maharana Pratap University of Agriculture and Technology, Udaipur
Manyawar Shri Kanshiram Ji University of Agriculture and Technology
Narendra Dev University of Agriculture and Technology, Faizabad
National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal
Navsari Agricultural University, Navsari
Orissa University of Agriculture and Technology, Bhubaneswar
Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana
Rajendra Agricultural University, Samastipur
Rajmata Vijayaraje Scindia Krishi Vishwa Vidyalaya, Gwalior
Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Jammu
Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir, Srinagar
Swami Keshwanand Rajasthan Agricultural University, Bikaner
Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India
Tamil Nadu Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Madhavaram, Chennai, India
Tamil Nadu Fisheries University, Nagapattinam, Tamil Nadu, India
Sardarkrushinagar Dantiwada Agricultural University, Banaskantha
Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel University of Agriculture and Technology, Meerut
Sam Higginbottom Institute of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences, Allahabad
University of Agricultural Sciences, Bangalore
University of Agricultural Sciences, Dharwad
University of Agricultural Sciences, Raichur
University of Horticultural Sciences, Bagalkot
Uttar Pradesh Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Pashu Chikitsa Vigyan Vishwavidyalaya Evam Go Anusandhan Sansthan, Mathura
Uttarakhand University of Horticulture and Forestry
Uttar Banga Krishi Viswavidyalaya, Cooch Behar
Visva-Bharati University, Santiniketan
West Bengal University of Animal and Fishery Sciences, Kolkata
Central Universities
Central universities including Banaras Hindu University, Aligarh Muslim University, Visva-Bharati University, Hemwati Nandan Bahuguna Garhwal University, Nagaland University and Sikkim University have distinct faculties in agriculture. Few Central universities also have affiliated agricultural colleges.
State Universities
Bundelkhand University, Lucknow University, Kanpur University, Gorakhpur University, Meerut University, Calcutta University and many other state universities have distinct agriculture faculties. Most of these universities have a number of affiliated agriculture colleges.
Institute of National Importance
IIT Kharagpur has a very strong programme in Agricultural Engineering, while IIM A and IIM Lucknow have leading programmes in Agribusiness. Central Food Technological Research Institute under AcSIR is the premier institute in Food Technology
Job Opportunities in Agriculture
Placements and Prospects
India is among the largest producers of vegetables and fruits in the world and has an equally strong floriculture base. Today India’s agriculture has become globalised and the idea of integrating Indian agriculture with the world economy is getting support. India has enormous potential as an exporter of agricultural commodities ranging from mushrooms to flowers, spices, cereals, oilseeds and vegetables. The spurt in government support for export of agri-products has evoked considerable interest among the large business houses which have worked out agreements for technology transfer, marketing tie-ups, and management and trading contacts with leading foreign counterparts. Horticulture with its offshoot floriculture has become a focus of export activity. India’s exports of roses, carnations, gladioli, chrysanthemums, jasmine and other tropical plants and flowers are touching new heights.
In the field of fruits and vegetables too, India has tremendous export potential. With the commercialisation of agriculture and horticulture there are varied opportunities for salaried jobs as well as entrepreneurship. While salaried jobs with various government and private concerns provide a regular income, entrepreneurship can generate handsome profits.
Landscapers and horticulturists are hired by hotels, health farms, and holiday resorts to beautify their surroundings. Florists and nurseries are doing lucrative business especially in the metropolitan cities. Suburban farmhouses have become important suppliers for the domestic market.
Agricultural University
Different agricultural universities recruit agricultural postgraduates for different post from concerned field of specialisation. Following are some of the positions which are generally advertised by agricultural universities- Plant Pathologist, Plant Pathologist , Breeder , Agro-meteorologist, Economic Botanist., Research Engineer, Agronomist, Scientist, Associate Professor.
Other posts are Assistant Scientists, Assistant Professors , District Extension Specialists, Assistant Plant Pathologist , Assistant Bacteriologist, Assistant Botanist, Assistant Soil Chemist, Junior Pedologist, Assistant Economic Botanist, Assistant Fruit Breeder, Assistant Seed Research Officer, Assistant Seed Research Officer, Junior Entomologist, Assistant Breeder, Junior Breeder , Junior Agronomist, Assistant Vegetable Botanist , Seed Production Assistant, Assistant Research Scientist, Assistant Plant Physiologist.
Qualification for all above posts is Doctor Degree/ master degree in concerned disciple. However for some posts experience in concerned field is required and for Assistant professor and other teaching post, candidate should be NET qualified (conducted by UGC/ CSIR/ICAR/Other). For senior level post Ph.D in concerned field is compulsory requirement
Indian Council of Agricultural Research
One can choose career under ICAR in the areas of research; one can become an Agricultural Research Scientists (ARS). The recruitment to these posts is made through ARS/ NET examination is conducted for Scientist post and lectureship. Presently first time ASRB has change the ARS/NET exam criteria. Now ASRB will conduct ARS/NET (Preliminary and Main) examination. Only those candidates who qualify the preliminary examination will be called for Main examination. Candidate for ARS interview will be selected on the basis of performance in main examination..
Also ICAR has better option for agricultural graduates, postgraduates and for doctorate degree holders. Bachelor degree holder can apply for some technical post in concerned discipline. Also some technical post of level of T-5 (Technical Officer) is better option for postgraduate and above the Technical(T-5) post like T-6 etc and subject matter specialist in Krishi Vigyan Kendras are better opportunities for Ph.D degree holders.
State Agricultural Departments
One can become an Agriculture Development Officers (ADO). The post is equivalent to that of the Block Development Officers (BDO). Recruitment to these posts is made on the basis of an examination conducted by public service commission/concerned department.
You can also apply for the post of a Research Scientist in organisations in the private sector. There, your services may also be utilised in the laboratories in private labs. The desired qualification required for this purpose is of doctoral level i.e. a Ph.D.
Banking Sector
After doing your B.Sc. you are eligible to apply for jobs offered by banks, finance sector seed companies, breeding farms, poultry farms and insurance companies etc. Reserve Bank of India, State Bank of India and the nationalised banks offer openings for postgraduates in agriculture and allied areas as Field Officers, Rural Development Officers and Agricultural and Probationary Officers.
Seed Companies
Another job opportunity is to join seed companies as Seed Officer, Scientist (Breeding, plant protection etc.), and technical and other field jobs. Besides these, job opportunities also exist in the areas of farm management, land appraisal, grading, packaging and labelling. Both in the public and private sectors jobs are also offered in the field of marketing and sales, transportation, farm utilities, storage and warehousing etc.
ICRISAT
Another opportunity is to join embassies as Agricultural Specialist and other post. Also ICRISAT is an organisation for research related job of agriculture field.
Career Opportunities in Agro – Industry Sector:
Agro – industry provides jobs to scientists, engineers, technologists, sales and marketing people, besides the production people. These areas of work relate to production, food processing, grain and seed processing, meat and poultry packing, dairy processing, fats and oils, textiles, fibres, machinery and equipment, fertiliser and lime, pesticides, herbicide, feed manufacturing, constructions, etc. for which people with adequate knowledge, in the respective fields are required.
Agricultural Engineering:
Agricultural branch of engineering provides better job prospects as compared to other branches. The job is related to activities aimed at improving agriculture, reconstructing rural areas in general and agricultural machinery, power, farm structures, soil and water conservation, rural electrification, etc.
Agricultural Management:
Job opportunities also exist in these relatively new areas. Agriculture related Job opportunities7 are also available in estates and tea gardens.
Services Sector:
In order to regulate the functions of adequate and timely supply of seeds, chemicals, fertilizers, etc. at genuine price, as also to regulate quality of the food products supplied for consumption by people, there is requirement for people to inspect, grade, quality control chemicals, plants and animal quarantine, agricultural technicians, agricultural consultants, agricultural statisticians, veterinarians, foreign agricultural service, inspection and regulation, food and feed, seed and fertiliser.
There are several Government agencies at centre, state and district levels, which appoint of agricultural employees. In addition, at the international level the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) of the United Nation and some other agencies related to the development of agriculture also appoints consultants.
Corporations:
Various corporations providing job opportunities to agriculturists include National Seed Corporation, State Farm Corporation, Warehousing Corporation and Food Corporation.
Career as an Agricultural Scientist
Introduction
“Agriculture not only gives riches to a nation, but the only riches she can call her own”— Samuel Johnson
What does an agricultural scientist do?
Agricultural scientists do research and development on production techniques, in Improving agricultural productivity in terms of quantity and quality (e.g., selection of drought-resistant crops and animals, development of new pesticides, yield-sensing technologies, simulation models of crop growth, in-vitro cell culture techniques), in transformation of primary products into end-consumer products (e.g., production, preservation, and packaging of agricultural products), prevention and correction of adverse environmental effects (e.g., soil degradation, waste management, bio-remediation), theoretical production ecology, relating to crop production modelling. Traditional agricultural systems, sometimes termed subsistence agriculture, which feed most of the poorest people in the world. These systems are of interest as they sometimes retain a level of integration with natural ecological systems greater than that of industrial agriculture, which may be more sustainable than some modern agricultural systems.
Courses & Eligibility
Various courses at bachelors and masters level are offered in agriculture and its allied subjects. One can also apply for various research programs in agricultural institutes and universities.
Tech programme in Agricultural sciences (4 years)
B.Sc programme in any subject. One can choose from a variety of subjects depending upon his/her interest.
Minimum eligibility requirement for admission: To be eligible, a candidate must have passed 10+2 science examination with PCB/PCBM/PCM/10+2 having scored not less than 50% marks in aggregate with the condition that candidates coming from different streams must take remedial courses as prescribed.
Admission: is through entrance test and academic performance
M.Sc Agri Science (2 years)
Masters in Agricultural Business Management
M.Sc Agricultural Biotechnology
M.Sc Food Science and Technology or M.Sc Environmental Science and Technology
Eligibility: Relevant Bachelor’s Degree examination from an institution accredited by ICAR
Admission: is through Entrance and academic performance.
Doctoral degree programmes and fellowship are also offered by many agricultural universities of India.
Course Fee
Central University charges around Rs.18000-20000 per year.
Where to Study
India has as many agricultural universities that offer regular full time programs in agriculture.
Acharya NG Ranga Agricultural Univ., Rajendranagar, Hyderabad, A.P.
Anand Agricultural University, Anand, Gujarat
Assam Agricultural University, Jorhat, Assam
Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya, P.O Krishi Viswavidyalaya, Mohanpur, Nadia, West Bengal
Birsa Agricultural University, Kanke, Ranchi, Jharkhand
Central Agricultural University, Imphal, Manipur
Chandra Shekar Azad Univ. of Agriculture & Technology, Kanpur, U.P
Chaudhary Charan Singh Haryana Agricultural University, Hissar, Haryana
Chaudhary Sarwan Kumar Himachal Pradesh Krishi Vishvavidhalaya, Palampur, Kangra, Himachal Pradesh
Dr Balasaheb Sawant Konkan Krishi Vidyapeeth, Dapoli, Ratnagiri, Maharashtra
Dr Panjabrao Deshmukh Krishi Vidyapeeth, Krishi Nagar, Akola, Maharashtra
Dr Yashwant Singh Parmar Univ. of Horticulture & Forestry, Solan, Nauni, Himachal Pradesh
Govind Ballabh Pant University of Agriculture & Technology, Pantnagar, Udhamsingh Nagar, Uttarakhand
Guru Angad Dev University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Ludhiana, Punjab
Indira Gandhi Krishi Vishwavidyalaya, Krishak Nagar, Raipur, Chhattisgarh
Jawaharlal Nehru Krishi Vishwavidyalaya, Krishi Nagar, Jabalpur, M.P.
Junagadh Agriculture University, Moti Baug, Agril. Campus, Junagadh, Gujarat
Karnataka Veterinary Animal and Fisheries Science University, P.B. No. 6, Nandinagar, Bidar, Karnataka
Kerala Agricultural University, P.O Vellanikkara, Thrissur, Kerala
Maharana Pratap Univ. of Agriculture & Technology, Udaipur, Rajasthan
Maharashtra Animal Science & Fishery University, Nagpur, Maharashtra
Mahatma Phule Krishi Vidyapeeth, Rahuri, Maharashtra
Marathwada Agricultural University, Parbhani, Maharashtra
Narendra Deva University of Agriculture & Technology, Kumarganj, Faizabad, Uttar Pradesh
Navsari Agricultural University, Vijalpore, Navsari, Gujarat
Orissa Univ. of Agriculture & Technology, Siripur, Bhubaneswar, Orissa
Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, Punjab
Rajasthan AgriculturalUniversity, Bikaner, Rajasthan
Rajendra Agricultural University, Pusa, Samastipur, Bihar
Sardar Vallabh Bhai Patel Univ of Agriculture & Technology, Modipuram, Meerut, Uttar Pradesh
Sardarkrushinagar-Dantiwada Agricultural University, Sardarkrushinagar, Dantiwada, Banaskantha, Gujarat
Sher-E-Kashmir Univ. of Agricultural Sciences & Technology, Railway Road, Jammu (J&K)
Sher-E-Kashmir Univ. of Agricultural Sciences & Technology, Shalimar, Srinagar, (J&K)
Sri Venkateswara Veterinary University, Tirupati, Chittoor, A.P.
Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu
Tamil Nadu Veterinary & Animal Sciences University, Madhavaram Milk Colony, Chennai, Tamil Nadu
University of Agricultural Sciences, Dharwad, Karnataka
University of Agricultural Sciences, Banglore, Karnataka
UP Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhaya Pashu Chikitsa Vigyan Vishwa Vidhyalaya Evam Go Anusandhan Sansthan, Mathura, Uttar Pradesh
Uttar Banga Krishi Vishwaviddyalaya, P.O. Pundibari, Distt. Cooch Behar, West Bengal
West Bengal University of Animal & Fishery Sciences, 68 KB Sarani, Kolkata, West Bengal
University of Horticultural Sciences, Venkataramnagudem, West Godavari, A.P.
Rajmata VRS Agricultural University, Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh
University of Horticultural Sciences, Navanagar, Bagalkot, Karnataka
University of Agricultural Sciences, Raichur, Karnataka
Deemed-to-be Universities
Indian Agricultural Research Institute, Pusa, New Delhi
Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh
National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal, Haryana
Central Institute of Fisheries Education, Mumbai, Maharashtra
Allahabad Agricultural Institute, Allahabad, Uttar Pradesh
Central Universities with Agriculture Faculty
Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, U.P.
Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh, U.P.
Vishwa Bharti, Shantiniketan, West Bengal
Nagaland University, Medizipherma, Nagaland
Career Prospects
There are excellent career opportunities in Agricultural sector for engineering graduates and scientists. They find employment in private consultancies, large corporations, government and non-government organisations, universities and colleges, research laboratories, fertiliser industry and some manage large farms or estates.
Famous Personalities
Prof M S Swaminathan is an internationally famous agricultural scientist and he developed varieties in rice and wheat and is considered leader of the Green Revolution Movement. He has been awarded the Ramon Magsaysay Award for Community Leadership, the Albert Einstein World Science Award, the first World Food Prize in 1987, Volvo Environment Prize in 1999, and the Franklin D Roosevelt Four Freedoms Award in 2000.
Professor Baldev Singh Dhillon, is an internationally famous agricultural scientist and former Assistant Director General at ICAR; he developed variety in maize.
Career as Agricultural Economists
Introduction
Agricultural Economists are concerned with all economical activities that influence agriculture and the distribution of agricultural products. The primary objective of agricultural economists is to increase profitability in agriculture and improve human prosperity. They pursue this aim through studying and analyzing the aspects which influence the agricultural economy, and giving advice. This includes the manufacture and distribution of agricultural means of production; farming itself; the determination of government policy concerning agricultural and consumption affairs; the purchasing, processing and distribution of agricultural products; the financing of all aspects of agricultural production and the sale of agricultural products; economic evaluation of agricultural projects; agricultural development as well as research and advice on all these facets. Each agricultural economist usually specializes in a certain field.
The fields of study of the agricultural economist are as follows:
Production Economics, which involves the relationship between the inputs, production and profit as well as labor utilization.
Financial Management, which includes aspects such as the management process itself, agricultural planning and the principles of financing.
Agricultural Marketing, which involves all aspects of marketing such as the price system and market types.
Agricultural Policy, which involves the interaction between agriculture and other sectors, the trade policy, production policy, price and income policy and the government functions.
Operational Research, which is the application of economic simulation and optimization techniques on agricultural problems.
Natural Resource and Environmental Economics, which is about the economic evaluation of the interaction between agricultural production processes and the natural environment.
Courses & Eligibility
Various courses at bachelor’s and master’s level are offered in agriculture and its allied subjects. One can also apply for various research programs in agricultural institutes and universities.
Tech programme in Agricultural Sciences (4 years)
B.Sc programme
One can choose from a variety of subjects depending upon his/her interest.
Minimum eligibility requirement for admission: To be eligible, a candidate must have passed 10+2 science examination with PCB/PCBM/PCM/10+2 having scored not less than 50% marks in aggregate.
Candidates coming from different streams must take remedial courses as prescribed.
Admission is through an entrance test and academic performance
M.Sc Agri Science (2 years)
Masters in Agricultural Business Management
M.Sc Agricultural Biotechnology
M.Sc Food Science and Technology or M.Sc Environmental Science and technology.
Eligibility: Relevant Bachelor’s Degree examination from an institution accredited by ICAR
Admission is through entrance and academic performance.
Doctoral degree programmes and fellowship are also offered by many agricultural universities of India.
Course Fee
Central University charges around Rs.18000-20000 per year.
Where to Study
(The colleges and universities to study are same as last article)
Career Prospects
Government departments are the major employers for agricultural economists: The Departments of Agriculture, Foreign Affairs, Trade and Industry, Labour, Environment Affairs & Tourism, Water Affairs and Forestry as well as state authorities give employment. Commercial and development banks and insurance companies and organisations involved with agricultural outputs and inputs provide good employment opportunity.
Career as Agronomist
Introduction
An agronomist is a person who engages in the scientific study of agronomy, which is the science of using plants and plant materials as fuel, feed, food, and fibre. Agronomists integrate science and practical applications of crop production, soil management, and climatology in the production and utilization of food, feed, and fibre within an environmentally sound system. Agronomists today are involved with many issues including producing food, creating healthier food, managing environmental impact of agriculture, and creating energy from plants. Agronomists often specialize in areas such as crop rotation, irrigation and drainage, plant breeding, plant physiology, soil classification, soil fertility, weed control, insect and pest control.
Courses & Eligibility
Various courses at bachelor’s and master’s level are offered in agriculture and its allied subjects. One can also apply for various research programs in agricultural institutes and universities.
B.Sc programme in the subject – one can choose from a variety of subjects depending upon his/her interest. Minimum eligibility requirement for admission: To be eligible, a candidate must have passed 10+2 science examination with PCB/PCBM/PCM/10+2 having scored not less than 50% marks in aggregate with the condition that candidates coming from different streams must take remedial courses as prescribed. Admission is through entrance and academic performance.
M.Sc Agri Science (2 years), Masters in Agricultural Business Management, M.Sc Agricultural Biotechnology, M.Sc Food Science and Technology or M.Sc Environmental Science and Technology. Eligibility: Relevant Bachelor’s Degree examination from an institution accredited by ICAR, admission is through entrance and academic performance.
Doctoral degree programmes and fellowship are also offered by many agricultural universities of India.
Course Fee
Central University charges around Rs.18000-20000 per year.
Where to Study
(The colleges and universities to study are same as last article)
Career Prospects
There are excellent career opportunities in agricultural sector for engineering graduates and scientists. They find employment in private consultancies, large corporations, government and non-government organisations, universities and colleges, research laboratories, fertiliser industry and some manage large farms or estates.
Famous Personalities
Dr. Panjabrao S. Deshmukh, Agricuturist, who was also Agriculture Minister when Pt Nehru was Prime Minister of India.
Career in Agriculture Marketing
Introduction
Agricultural marketing covers the services involved in moving an agricultural product from the farm to the consumer. Various activities are involved in agricultural marketing such as planning production, growing and harvesting, grading, packing, transport, storage, agro- and food processing, distribution, advertising and sales.
What does an agricultural marketer do?
Agricultural marketers are engaged in providing real estate support, equipment used in cultivation and harvesting, storage facilities for harvested crops, and delivery services that transport the harvest to consumers. In addition, financial services that make it possible to secure products necessary for agriculture to function are also normally included as part of agricultural marketing.
Courses & Eligibility
Postgraduate Diploma in Agricultural Business Management for students with graduation and PG in agricultural and allied sciences.
Postgraduate Program in Agri Business MBA.
Course Fee
Indian Institute of Management charges a fee of Rs 90,000 per term on the other hand BHU charges Rs 75000 per year.
Where to Study
Indian Institute of Management, Lucknow
C.C.S. National Institute of Agricultural Marketing, Jaipur, Rajasthan
BHU, Varanasi
Mysore University, Mysore
CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar
Other than these there are many institutes of repute in India that offer Masters in Business Management and Post Graduate Diploma in Business Management.
Career as Animal Geneticists
Introduction
Animal Geneticists are animal scientists who conduct research in genetics, nutrition, reproduction, growth and development of domestic farm animals. They find techniques to enhance animal production efforts. They study the animal’s nutritional requirements and advice the producers about animal feed. They conduct research on animal selection and breeding to increase the quality of breed and animal produce. After studies they advise animal keepers on improved practices in feeding, keeping and improving the quality and quantity of animal products. They crossbreed animals to obtain a breed that has the desired traits using the principals of genetics.
Courses & Eligibility
One can pursue course in animal science, animal reproduction, or biology. Coursework for such degrees generally includes the study of subjects such as anatomy, physiology, reproduction, genetics, nutrition, and behavior. Additional courses in marketing, communication, and technology are usually beneficial.
B.Sc. in animal science, M.Sc. in animal Science. M.Sc (Animal Genetics and Breeding MVSc Animal Genetics and Beeding.
Admissions are on the basis of common entrance exams and some universities hold their own entrance.
Course Fee
Per year fee for animal genetics program in a good university costs around Rs.60,000.
Where to Study
There are more than 45 veterinary colleges in the country which are imparting the BV.Sc & AH degree and many Agricultural Universities that offer courses in animal science.
Indian Veterinary Research Institute (IVRI), Izatnagar, UP
College of Veterinary & Animal Science, Udgir
Bihar Veterinary College, Patna
Central Institute of Research on Buffaloes (CIRB), Hisar
College of Veterinary and Animal Science, Bikaner
Central Avian Research Institute (CARI), Izatnagar, Uttar Pradesh
College of Veterinary Research, Pantnagar, Nainital
Chandra Shekar Azad University of Agriculture and Technology, Kanpur
Central Institute of Research on Goats (CIRG), Makhdoom, Mathura
College of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry, Sardar Krushinagar, Banaskantha
College of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry, Mathura
College of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry, Anand, Gujarat
Central Sheep & Wool Research Institute (CSWRI), Avikanagar, Rajasthan
National Dairy Research Institute (NDRI), Karnal, Haryana
National Research Center on Camel (NRC Camel), Bikaner, Rajasthan
National Bureau of Animal Genetic Resources (NBAGR), Karnal, Haryana
National Research Center on Equines (NRC Equines), Hissar, Haryana
College of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry, Jabalpur
College of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry, Mhow
College of Veterinary Science and Animal Science, Parbhani
National Research Center on Pig (NRC Pig), Guwahati, Assam
Project Directorate on Cattle,Meerut Cantt, Uttar Pradesh
Central Institute of Brackishwater Aquaculture, Chennai, Tamil Nadu
Central Institute of Fisheries Educations (Cife), Mumbai
National Bureau of Fish Genetic Resources (NBFGR), Uttar Pradesh
Choudhary Sarwan Kumar Agricultural Vishwavidyalaya, Palampur, Himachal Pradesh
Pay & Remuneration
The remuneration that one gets as animal breeder depends on the type and quality of animal. Scientists employed with the national research institutes or private big organisations earn well. There is huge scope in teaching and educational institutes.
Career as a Horticulturist
“Gardening requires lots of water—most of it in the form of perspiration.”- Lou Erickson
But there is much more to horticulture than just planting plants. Horticulturists cultivate plants for human use. They cultivate fruits, vegetables, mushrooms, culinary herbs and non-food crops like flowers, trees and shrubs, turf-grass, hops, medicinal herbs.
Who is a Horticulturist?
Horticulturists are involved in plant propagation and cultivation with the aim of improving plant growth, yields, quality, nutritional value, and resistance to insects, diseases, and environmental stresses. They work as growers, therapists, designers, and technical advisers in the food and non-food sectors of horticulture. A horticultural scientist conduct research in horticulture and encompasses all of the pure sciences – mathematics, physics, chemistry, geology, and biology – and related sciences and technologies that underpin horticulture, such as plant pathology, soil science, entomology, weed science, and many other scientific disciplines. Horticulture Professionals apply their skills in many industries and settings, including private research laboratories, universities, greenhouses, agriculture businesses, and government agencies. Horticulturists usually specialize in particular field. Some do research in particular plant species of family and others do more fundamental research in plant propagation and other areas of interest. It is increasingly getting connected to the Food technology field also as production, harvesting and storing of vegetables all are getting mechanized.
Courses & Eligibility
Diploma in horticulture (2 years)
B.Sc. Horticulture/ Agriculture (4 years)
B.Sc Horticulture (2 years)
Bachelors degree in Horticulture can be pursued as separate discipline or as a subject of BSc Agriculture Science, 10+2 students in Science stream (class 12th) with physics, chemistry and maths/biology/agriculture as the subject are eligible for the course.
After doing B. Sc one can continue his/her further study in the field by doing M. Sc or PhD. The minimum qualification for admission to various Master’s programmes in agriculture is 60 per cent marks or equivalent in graduation in same or related streams. For instance, in order to get admission to MA in Pomology; Floriculture and Landscaping; or Vegetable Crops a B. Sc degree in Agriculture or Horticulture is required.
Course Fee
Agriculture universities charge on an average Rs.20, 000 per year in the B.Sc course.
Where to Study
Acharya N.G. Ranga Agricultural University
Course: Diploma in Horticulture, B.Sc. (Hort), M.Sc. (Horticulture)
Kerala Agricultural University
Course: MSc (Horticulture)
University of Agricultural Sciences, Bangalore
Course: MSc (Horticulture)
Choudhary Charan Singh University Haryana, Hisar.
Dr. Panjabrao Deshmukh Krishi Vidyapeeth
University of Agricultural Sciences, Dharwar
Course: B.Sc. (Hort), M.Sc. (Horticulture)
Indian Agricultural Research Institute, Delhi
Anand Agricultural University, Anand, Gujarat
Dr Y S P University of Horticuture and Forestry, Himachal Pradesh
Assam Agriculture University, Jorhat.
BHU, Varanasi, UP.
Orissa University of Agriculture and Technology, Bhubaneswar
Annamalai University
Course: BSc (Horticulture)
Govind Ballabh Pant University of Agriculture & Technology, Pantnagar, Uttarakhand
Indira Gandhi Krishi Vishwavidyalaya, Raipur, Chattisgarh
Allahabad Agricultural Institute, Allahabad
Course: M.Sc. (Ag.) Horticulture (Vegetable Science), M.Sc. (Ag.) Horticulture (Floriculture & Land Scaping), M.Sc. (Ag.) Horticulture (Fruit Production & Post Harvest Technology)
Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore
Course: B.Sc. (Horticulture), B.Tech. (Horticulture)
Calcutta University, Kolkata
Course: MSc (Horticulture)
Pay & Remuneration
Beginners get around Rs.1.5 to Rs.2 lakhs a year, experienced horticulturists in research get very handsome packages. They have a good option to start their own business and then there is no limit to how much one can earn.
Career Prospects
Scope in the field of horticulture looks bright in the future. As demand for food plants is definitely going to grow, the demand for non food plants like flowers, ornamental plants is also picking up very fast. The option to enter in exports sectors is one bright option after doing horticulture. The advancements and growth in food technology industry is also improving the prospects in horticulture. Both public and private sectors offer good job options to horticulturists and there are opportunities to work abroad also.
Famous Personalities
Dr. M. H. Marigowda is considered as the father of Indian Horticulture.
Dr. M. S. Randhawa has also made significant contributions in the field of horticulture.
Career in Plant Breeding/Plant Genetics
What is Plant Breeding / Plant Genetics?
Plant breeding is the science involved with the study of genetics in botany. It involves working with plant genes in order to isolate them and then develop certain plant traits. Once a certain trait, such as plant height, fruit sweetness, or tolerance to cold is found, a plant geneticist works to improve breeding methods to ensure that future plant generations possess the desired traits.
What does a Plant Breeder / Plant Geneticist do?
Plant geneticists develop methods of making produce more nutritious, or altering plant pigments to make the food more attractive. Plant breeders utilise many techniques to change the genetics of plants in order to produce desired characteristics. The techniques range from simple selection of plants with desirable characteristics to complex molecular techniques. Classical plant breeding uses deliberate interbreeding (crossing) of closely or distantly related individuals to produce new crop varieties or lines with desirable properties. Plants are crossbred to introduce traits/genes from one variety or line into a new genetic background. For example, a mildew-resistant pea may be crossed with a high-yielding but susceptible pea, the goal of the cross being to introduce mildew resistance without losing the high-yield characteristics. Progeny from the cross would then be crossed with the high-yielding parent to ensure that the progeny were most like the high-yielding parent, (backcrossing). The progeny from that cross would then be tested for yield and mildew resistance and high-yielding resistant plants would be further developed. Plants may also be crossed with themselves to produce inbred varieties for breeding. Classical breeding relies largely on homologous recombination between chromosomes to generate genetic diversity. The classical plant breeder may also makes use of a number of in vitro techniques such as protoplast fusion, embryo rescue or mutagenesis to generate diversity and produce hybrid plants that would not exist in nature.
Courses & Eligibility
Various courses at undergraduate and post graduate level are offered at many universities
B.Sc. Genetics, B.Sc. (Genetics and Plant breeding)
Eligibility: Different universities have different eligibility criteria but mostly universities offer
M.Sc Genetics, M.Sc. (Genetics and Plant breeding)
Eligibility: different universities have different eligibility criteria but mostly B.Sc. Botany/ Zoology/ Bio- Chemistry/ B.Sc. (Ag.)/ B.V.Sc. / MBBS students are eligible for Post graduate course.
Where to Study
Course in Genetics is offered at Undergraduate level at:
Osmania University, Hyderabad, B.Sc.
University of Poona, Pune, B.Sc.
Kakatiya University, Warangal, B.Sc.
Lucknow University, UP, B.Sc.
SRM university, Kancheepuram, Tamil Nadu offers B.Tech in Genetics
Universities with courses in Genetics and Plant Breeding
BHU, Varanasi, UP M.Sc.
Bundelkhand University, Jhansi, UP, M.Sc.
Annamalai University, Tamilnadu, M.Sc.
Calcutta University, West Bengal, M.Sc.
CCS University, Meerut, M.Sc, M.Phil.
Dr Y S Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Solan, Himachal Pradesh, M.Sc.
University of Kerala, Thiruvananthpuram, Kerala , M.Sc.
Other universities offering course in genetics are:
University of Delhi, Delhi Offers M.Sc. – Eligibility: B.Sc. with the requisite percentage of marks and with such additional qualifications as may be prescribed from time to time.
Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar, Haryana Offers M.Sc. – Eligibility: An overall grade point average of 2.25 (4.00 basis) of 53% marks in aggregate at graduate level.
Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, Punjab Offers M.Sc
Barkatullah Vishwavidyalaya, Bhopal, Offers M.Sc.
Famous Personalities
Famous plant geneticists:
- Benjamin Peary Pal, Plant breeder and geneticist, architect of Indian Green revolution, worked in wheat hybrid.
- Dr. Harbhajan Singh, Plant Geneticist, contributed to the Green Revolution in India, introduced new species such as soybean, sunflower, low chilling and temperate fruits.
Career in Food and Dairy Technology
Introduction
“All you need is love. But a little chocolate now and then doesn’t hurt.”— Charles M. Schulz
Food was, is and will be needed by all of us but the way we consume food has undergone considerable change. Newer products with same ingredients or sometimes new ingredients are available, Milk powder; different types of cheese, decaffeinated coffee, packaged juice, and ready to eat packaged food are all work of food technologists. These professionals work in development of manufacturing processes and recipes of foods and drinks. They work on existing and new ingredients and technology to invent new recipes and concepts and create specialized products.
What do food technologists do?
Food technologists are trained professional who are involved in the treatment, processing, preservation, and distribution of foods. Many food technologists are food scientists rather than engineers. These individuals also develop new food products, and also deal with sensory evaluation of food products. On the other hand food engineers design the process and machinery for making products with a consistent flavor, color and texture in large quantities.
Dairy Technologists are professional who use their skills and knowledge in improving the methods in production, preservation, and utilization of milk, cheese, ice cream, and other dairy products. They conduct experiments in such problems as preventing bacterial increase in milk during handling and processing, improving pasteurization methods, and designing better packaging materials, dairy equipment, or supplies. Dairy technologists specialize according to products like ice cream or cheese, or according to functional activity, as sanitation research or storage problems.
B.Sc. (Food science / food technology): PCM or PCB at 10+2 level can opt for under-graduate courses in food technology, food science and home science. M.Sc( Food science/food technology), eligibility criteria is B.Sc.( Food science/food technology).
B.Sc. Dairy Technology: 10+2 with Science with a minimum required percent of aggregate marks.
B.Tech. Dairy Technology: 10+2 with Science with a minimum required percent of aggregate marks and entrance test conducted at the National or state level.
M.Sc.: Graduation in dairy technology.
M.Tech in Dairy Technology: Eligibility criteria is B.Sc or B.Tech degree.
B.V.Sc. and Biotechnology courses are exempted from graduation courses in dairy technology. Such candidates can directly opt for masters degree programmes.
Where to Study
Bhaskaracharya College of Applied Sciences (Delhi University)
Shaheed Rajguru College of Applied Sciences for Women (Delhi University)
Central Food Technological Research Institute, Mysore
Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar
University of Bombay, Mumbai
National Institute of Food Technology Entrepreneurship and Management
Manipur University Imphal (B.Sc with food technology)
Dr. Babasabeb Ambedhar Marathawada University Aurangabad (B.Sc. with Food & Nutrition)
Mahatma Gandhi University, Kottayam (B.Sc with food technology)
Kakatiya University,Warangal (B.Sc. with Food and Nutrition)
University of Calcutta, Calcutta, B.Sc. with Food and Nutrition
University of Mysore, Crawford Hall, Mysore (Diploma Course Food Analysis and Quality Assurance/Food Science Technology)
University of Madras, Madras (B.Sc. with Food Preservation)
Chitrakoot Gramodaya Visbwavidyalaya, Distt. Satna – B.Tech. (Food Engineering)
Kanpur University, Kanpur (UP)(M.Tech. is also available)
Nagpur University, Nagpur B. Sc. Tech (after B.Sc)
Andhra University, Visakhapatnam (A.P.) M.Sc. (Food Science)
Govind Ballabh Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar (UP) M.Sc. Food Technology, (M.Sc. in Food and Nutrition is available)
Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar (Punjab) M.Sc. in Food & Fermentation Technology and Food Sc
Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore M.Sc. (Food and Nutrition)
University of Agricultural Sciences, Krishinagar, Dharwad
University of Mysore, Mysore M.Sc. (Food and Nutrition)
SNDT Women’s University, 1, Nathibai Thackersay Road, Mumbai, Food Science Preservation/Management and Food Sc. Technology
Guru Jambheshwar University, Hisar. (DOU 27112007), M.Sc. Food Technology Institutes/Universities (Dairy Technology)
National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal
SMC College of Dairy Science, Anand
Dairy Science College, Bangalore
IIT Kharagpur
Allahabad Agricultural Institute (Diploma in Dairy Husbandry and Dairy Technology course of two years duration)
National Dairy Research Institute, Bangalore
Archarya N.G.Ranga Agricultural University
College of Dairy Technology , Nagpur (Maharashtra Animal and Fishery Sciences University)
Jawaharlal Nehru Krishi Vishwavidyalaya College of Agricultural Engineering, Adhartal, Jabalpur
Kerala Agricultural University
Rajasthan Agricultural University, Bikaner, Rajasthan, India
University of Agricultural Sciences, Krishinagar, Dharwad,Karnataka
Pay and Remuneration
A fresh food technology graduate from Delhi University gets on an average a starting salary of Rs.3 lakhs while post-graduates get higher salary.
Career Prospects
Good opportunities exist in food processing industry in research and development and manufacturing. Food industries, rice mills, dairy industries, hospitals, food packaging industry, soft drinks manufacturers all employ food technologists
Career in Dairy Science and Poultry Farming
Today, the dairy industry is a large organized sector with both private and government participation. In its network across the country there are rural based milk producers who have joined private or government owned cooperatives to reach the burgeoning markets in cities and towns, and there are large scale government/privately owned dairy farms. There are almost 200 dairies across the country managing milk produce of almost 1.5 lakh tons a day. Based in urban and semi-urban locations are milk processing units involved in the manufacture of milk products like cheese, butter, cream, ghee, milk food, ice cream etc. The marketing outlets, with efficient transportation network of dairy products, are in large metropolitan towns and in some smaller cities.
Poultry farming has indicated rapid growth of 20% in the past few decades as well. From a backyard hobby it has culminated into an industry involving almost 7 lakh people. Egg production today is approximately 2.2 billion a month while broiler chicken marketing indicates 30 million sales per month. This venture has largely been entrepreneurial and poultry farmers prefer to target their efforts to breeding& broiler farming for sale of ready broilers or layer farming for eggs.
Nature of Work
Dairy Farming
Dairy farming includes breeding and care of milch cows and high yielding cattle, procuring milk and processing of milk into a variety of dairy products. The production process requires engineers for the maintenance of processing plants and dairy technologists for overseeing the processing of milk products. Breeding and care of cattle is generally the work of Veterinary Scientists. Dairy technologists work in procuring milk from rural based small dairy farmers or as supervisors in large dairies, monitoring the procurement and collection process. Marketing of the dairy products is handled by marketing and sales professionals.
Dairy Technology
The dairy technologist is concerned with the development of new and improved methods in production, preservation and the utilization of milk, cheese and other dairy products. They apply their knowledge of bacteriology, economics, engineering and physical sciences.
Dairy Science
Dairy science is the study of the reproductive and lactation process. It incorporates improving breeding of dairy animals. Dairy scientists experiment with feed and environmental conditions for better quantity and improvement of nutritional value of milk.
Poultry Farming
Poultry farming encompasses the breeding and rearing of chicks, feed formulation, care of chicks for prevention and control of disease and overall management of the farm including finance and marketing functions. It is a highly specialized field of work where experience and knowledge have a lot to contribute to success. Procurement of good breed of chick (from breeders) with the correct assessed laying or weight gain capacity to formulating nutritional feed for the chicks, keeping the farm clean and free of disease and infection, prophylactic administration of vaccinations and monitoring the breeding temperature in the farm all require good training and intense involvement. Experienced poultry farmers experiment on light and warmth management in layer farms, artificial insemination, feed substitutes and additives as well as on feed formulations. Like dairy products marketing of poultry products too needs efficient management. Poultry farmers have to manage the storage of their products till these reach the market.
Work Environment
Since the dairy industry must maintain strict codes of health and hygiene dairy plants are generally clean and equipped with modern machines. Animal rearing, nevertheless, is a job which requires stamina and endurance to work under conditions which are not too clean and comfortable. In a poultry farm working and inspecting sheds where birds have been kept can be tough as the place is dirty and noisy. In dairy farms there are similar working conditions. In marketing the job is very much like that of other marketing professionals.
Personal Characteristics
the job of dairy and poultry farmers requires both scientific acumen and attention for detail. Health and care of the farm animals and birds is of prime concern which requires regular attention and a well structured personal regimen. Dedication, care and love for animals, attention to many details is required while providing shelter, medical care, nourishment to the animals and birds at the farm. A scientific temper allows handling the work methodically eliminating breeding problems and casualties.
Marketing requires skills of communicating, planning and marketing skills.
Dairy Technologists as managers must have leadership qualities, team spirit, ability to think on their feet, originality, knowledge of man and machine, preparedness to go anywhere and above all, motivation, commitment, and a killer instinct to give and receive the best from the industry.
Employment Avenues
Dairy technologists work in public and privately managed dairy farms, cooperatives, rural banks, milk product processing and manufacturing industries. They work in quality control departments and in biotechnological research. With Operation Flood, Indian cooperatives have had to play a significant role in the growth of this sector. The organized sector has been steadily growing in milk production and in milk processed foods. Dairy Technologists, Dairy Scientists and rural managers are employed by public sector organisations e.g. National Dairy Development Board (NDDB), Dairy Cooperative Societies, Plants manufacturing milk products, marketing of milk and milk products including storage and transportation. Research organisations too look for Dairy Scientists.
In the private sector, Hindustan Lever, Nestle, Glaxo, Smith Kline Beecham, etc. are some of the leading companies employing dairy technologists. The chain of command differs in public and private dairy plants. In the latter case, fresh graduates usually join as management trainees/executives and go on the become junior officers. The next stage is that of a Shift-in-Charge, followed by Superintendent, Manager, General Manager and then the Managing Director. In the state dairy department, the Milk Commissioner is the supreme head, under him come the Additional Milk Commissioner and Deputy Milk Commissioner. At the plant level, the hierarchy starts with the Dairy Manager or Plant Manager. Below him are the Deputy Plant Manager, Assistant Plant Manager, Technologists and Technicians. While a B. Tech in dairy technology usually joins as a Technologist or Assistant Manager, those with an M.Tech start off on a higher rung. Graduates in poultry farming find employment in large poultry farms, breeding farms, feed production industries, laboratories working on feed formulation and analysis, pharmaceutical firms, in veterinary hospitals, in government poultry extension cells, and in large scale marketing divisions of poultry products. Many graduates set up their own venture.
Institutes of poultry production and management
Central Avian Research Institute, Izatnagar, Pin: 243 122 (UP) India E-mail us: cari_director@rediffmail.com
National Bureau of Animal Genetic Resources, Makrampur Campus, G.T. Road Baldi Bye Pass, P.O. Box-129, Karnal-132001 (Haryana), India
Name of the universities offering post graduation in poultry science
Acharya N.G. Ranga, Agricultural University, Hyderabad College of Veterinary Science, Rajendra Nagar, Hyderabad. College of Veterinary Science, Tirupati.
Assam Agricultural University, Jorhat. Faculty of Veterinary Science, Khanapara Campus, Guwahati.
Gujarat Agricultural University, Banaskantha. College of Veterinary Science & Animal Husbandry, Anand. College of Veterinary Science & Animal Husbandry, Sardar Krushi Nagar.
Karnataka Veterinary, Animal & Fisheries Sciences University, Bidar. (KVAFSU) College of Veterinary Science, Bangalore.
Kerala Agricultural University, Thrissur. College of Veterinary & Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, Thrissur.
Jawaharlal Nehru Krishi Vishwavidyalaya, Jabalpur College of Veterinary Science & Animal Husbandry, Jabalpur. College of Veterinary Science & Animal Husbandry, Mohow.
Maharashtra Animal & fishery Sciences University, (MAFSU) Nagpur. College of Vetreianry & Anmal Sciences, Parbhani. Nagpur Veterinary College, Nagpur. Bombay Veterinary College, Mumbai. Post Graduate Institute of Veterinary & Animal Science, Akola.
Orissa University of Agriculture & Technology, Bhubaneshwar College of Veterinary Science & Animal Husbandry, Bhubaneshwar.
Pondicherry University, Pondicherry Rajiv Gandhi College of Veterinary & Animal Sciences, Pondicherry.
Tamil Nadu Veterinary & Animal Science University, Chennai. Madras Veterinary College, Chennai Veterinary College and Research Institute, Namakkal.
Uttar Pradesh Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Pashu Chikitsa Vigyan Vishwavidyalaya Evam Go Anusandhan Sanstha, Mathura College of Veterinary Science & Animal Husbandry, Mathura. Indian Veterinary Research Institute, (Deemed University), Izatnagar, UP. Indian Veterinary Research Institute, (Deemed University), Izatnagar. UP.
Private institutions of poultry science:
Indian Veterinary Research Institute (IVRI) Itzatnagar 243122, UP.
Central Avian Research Institute (CARI), Izatnagar 243122, UP.
Project Directorate on Poultry, Hyderabad 500030. (A.P)
High Security Animal Disease Laboratory, Bhopal. (M.P.)
Central Poultry Development Organization (CPDO), Mumbai, Bangalore, Bhubaneswar, Chandigarh.
Central Training Institute for Poultry Production and Management (CTIPPM) Bangalore, Karnataka.
Poultry Diagnostic Research Centre, (PDRC) Pune (M.S.) 412202.
Dr. B.V. Rao Institute of Poultry Management & Technology (IPMT) Pune (M.S.) 412202.
Fellowships programme:
After completing graduation (B.V.Sc & AH), Candidate can avail the fellowship for doing his post graduation (M.V.Sc) in Poultry science by qualifying All India Competitive Examination conducted by Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) which award Junior Research Fellowships (JRF) for rankers though which, students can secure post graduation seat in universities.
Diploma Courses:
Some ICAR and Private Institutes train students by providing basic information and practical training courses in different aspects of Poultry Science. IVRI conducts National Diploma which helps them to provide knowledge and join opportunity in poultry sector.
Many students are interest in research program after post graduation. There are job opportunities in teaching or research as an Assistant professor/Teaching associates in the department of Poultry Science for candidates who have doctorate degree. Agricultural Scientist Recruitment Board (ASRB), New Delhi also conducts National Eligibility Test (NET) for selection of Poultry graduates as Scientist at various National Institutes to enhance research quality. There are few candidates who want to provide consultancy and are self employed. Poultry graduate can earn good amount of money through consultancy and visiting at different private poultry farms. People can start their farm by completing post graduation in poultry science. For doing own business, they can get financial support from NABARD (National Agricultural Bank for Rural Development)., Rural Cooperative Banks and Nationalized Banks.
Poultry Industry & Public Sector: at present, demand of poultry specialist is very high due critical issue of bird flu which is a major problem for poultry sector. All poultry companies require experts to face the challenges of disease and other issues for overall development of poultry sector. Post Graduate in poultry science can work in any field like hatchery, breeding, nutrition & feed manufacturing, health & biosecurity, economics, products & processing, Management, technical and sale. They also get array of job opportunities in NGOs/ Public sectors which are working in the field of poultry rearing. In every state of India, there are poultry farms for development of livestock policies. These organizations are always looking for suitable candidates who are post graduate of Poultry science. Poultry specialists are also employed in Veterinary Officer/veterinary Assistant Surgeon/ Livestock Development Officer in state government’s poultry farms. Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) which works under Agricultural Extension Division, New Delhi also choose poultry post graduates as Training Associates/Subject matter Specialist for training of farmers and enhance their knowledge in leading edge areas of poultry farming. Therefore, post graduate candidate can choose this career and get success in life.
Career as a Veterinarian
A veterinarian, or a vet, is a physician/surgeon for animals and a practitioner of veterinary medicine. Most vets look after domesticated animals, while some treat wild animals, too.
A veterinarian, or a vet, is a physician/surgeon for animals and a practitioner of veterinary medicine. Most vets look after domesticated animals, while some treat wild animals, too.
As per research, veterinarians tend to the healthcare needs of animals, pets, livestock, and zoo animals. Many vets work in private clinics treating companion animals, for example dogs and cats. Many large-animal veterinarians are employed by farms, ranches, and even zoos. Indian army is also one of the big employers. A small number are unique veterinarians who treat horses, and food animal vets who work with farm animals. There are some vets who specialize in food safety and inspection. They check livestock for illnesses that can be transmitted to humans. There are research veterinarians also who do research on human and animal health conditions.
Animals can’t tell their problems and many pet owners do not spend a lot of money on diagnosis and tests, vets have to rely on their experience. Before touching the animal they should know about the temperament of animal also they should examine with a lot of care so that injury to self should be prevented.
Courses & Eligibility
Bachelor’s in Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry (B.V.Sc & AH) (5 years) eligibility is class 12th with science subjects such as Physics, Chemistry and Biology and admission is through entrance exam.
Veterinary colleges are recognized by Veterinary Council of India.
Masters in MVSc: After BVSc one can go for MVSc and specialize in medicine, surgery, biochemistry, genetics and breeding, poultry science, biotechnology, pharmacology, physiology, immunology, etc.
Veterinary Council of India conducts an ‘All India Common Entrance Examination’ All India Pre-Veterinary Test (AIPVT) for admission to first year Bachelor of Veterinary Science (BVSc) & Animal Husbandry (AH) degree course for filling up 15% of the total number of seats of each veterinary college of all states; about 36 colleges where Indian Veterinary Council Act, 1984 extends. For other seats the respective states conduct entrance exams.
This Entrance exam is usually held in the month of May each year. For admission to master’s degree program, All India Entrance Examination is conducted by the Indian Council for Agricultural Research (ICAR).
Where to Study
There are 38 veterinary colleges in India. Apart from this IVRI (Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Bareilly, UP) offers the Master and Ph.D. programs in almost every subject. NDRI and College of Animal Science CCSHAU, Hissar offers Master’s and Ph.D. in animal sciences only.
Bombay Veterinary Science College.
Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Science University, Ludhiana
Indian Veterinary Research Institute
College of Veterinary Sciences, Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar
Chandra Shekhar Azad University of Agriculture and Technology, Kanpur
College of Veterinary and Animal Science, Udgir, Maharashtra
Karnataka Veterinary, Animal and Fisheries Sciences University Veterinary College, Bidar
Kerala Veterinary and Animal Sciences University College of Veterinary and Animal Science, Mannuthy
Kerala Veterinary and Animal Sciences University College of Veterinary Science, Pookode
Lala Lajpat Rai University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences
Maharashtra Animal and Fishery Sciences University
Rajendra Agricultural University
Rajiv Gandhi College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences
SK University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir Faculty of veterinary Sciences and Animal Husbandry
Sri Venkateswara University College of Veterinary Science
Career Prospects
There are plenty of job opportunities for vets. In urban areas there is scope for small animal vets and dairy vets. Dairy farms, farm houses and zoological parks all offer good opportunity for vets. One can also become a Army officer. With higher education one can also think about career as a professor in veterinary college. Various research organizations like veterinary research institute, also offer good opportunity. Some vets also join corporate sector and work with companies producing food stuff for animals. There are a number of opportunities in NGOs/Societies working for the welfare of the animals and livestock owners like BAIF (Bharti Agro Industrial Federation), Help-in-Suffering, LPP, PETA (People for Ethical Treatment of Animal) etc.
Veterinary science is a medical profession that deals with the control of disease in animals. A veterinarian or a doctor of animals’ primary responsibility is to look after the health and welfare of the animals. It also includes the breeding and scientific handling of livestock. Veterinarians can choose to work in urban areas, where the work would mostly include the care and handling of domestic pets, or with the government’s animal husbandry departments.
The demand for veterinary doctors has increased tremendously. More and more people are keeping pets, both for companionship and protection, than ever before. Many more women, too, are entering this profession today.
Nature of Work
The job profile of veterinarians is probably much more than that of a general physician or a surgeon.
They diagnose the disease; work to prevent and control animal diseases; treat sick and injured animals; prevent the transmission of the animal diseases to people and advise owners on proper care of the pets and the livestock.
Approach in treatment can also vary according to different animals. Those handling domestic pets have to keep in mind the owner’s attachment to the pet and provide individual attention and care.
In farm animal practice, vets are concerned not only with treating animals which are owner’s investment, but also with advising on the well-being and productivity of the entire stock.
Personality
A veterinarian should have a genuine love for animals. Aptitude and interest in the biological sciences are important. Scientific learning and undertaking of animals is required.
Working with large animals requires physical stamina and quick body reflexes to tackle the animal’s moody behaviour. Other qualities are:- ability to inspire confidence in animals; power of observation and self-reliance; adaptability; indifference to the occasionally disagreeable conditions of work; the ability for team work.
Professional Courses
College of Veterinary Science, Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh.
College of Veterinary Science, Guwahati, Assam.
College of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry, Ranchi, Jharkhand.
Bihar Veterinary College, Patna, Bihar.
College of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry, Anand, Gujarat.
Bombay Veterinary College, Mumbai, Maharashtra.
College of Veterinary Science, Ludhiana, Punjab.
College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Bikaner, Rajasthan.
Madras Veterinary College, Chennai, Tamil Nadu.
College of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry, Mathura, Uttar Pradesh.
College of Veterinary Science, Pantnagar, Uttar Pradesh.
Tamil Nadu Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Chennai.
West Bengal University of Animal and Fishery Sciences, Calcutta.
Colleges, Institutions and Universities
Specialization
Most veterinary surgeons develop a particular area of expertise.
Private Practice:- Veterinary doctors in urban areas can set up private practice to deal mainly with small or domestic animals. This can be quite profitable, especially in big cities, but tends to get restricted to canine and feline pets.
Hospitals:- Veterinary surgeons attached to veterinary hospitals in cities may also find themselves handling mainly domestic pets. But the government postings could also be in rural areas where responsibilities extend to cattle, sheep, goats, horses, poultry, etc.
Extension Officers:- Veterinary doctors are required for extension programmes, i.e. they educate and encourage livestock farmers to build up the quality of their animal stock. They also advise on animal farm management and animal health problems.
Dairy Sector:- The veterinarian doctors employed by the dairy sector work at ensuring increasing yields in milk production, and also the health and breeding of dairy cattle.
Pharmaceutical Companies:- Veterinarians are employed in the pharmaceutical companies where they handle the production of vaccines, or the development of animal feeds and fertilizers.
Wildlife and Environment:- Vets play an important role in captive breeding of wild animals, particularly those feared to be getting extinct. This helps in maintaining the ecological balance and in catering to the health of wild animals.
Career Prospects
Within the veterinary field itself, there are several career options. After a student graduates as a vet, he/she can opt for a Post Graduation or Ph.D. in specialized areas like surgery, andrology or medicine, or take up the job of a livestock development officer. Other than these, a vet can also join dairy and poultry farms as a doctor or become a marketing officer for a pharmaceutical company.
Wildlife and zoo veterinarians promote natural ecology and cater to the health problems in wildlife in zoos, national parks and wildlife sanctuaries.
Army veterinarians can work as officers of the Remount Veterinary corps.
Remunerations
In India, an average vet makes anything between Rs.10, 000 to Rs.80, 000 per month. This depends upon the kind of practice and the animals that are treated.
ARS Exam –
Agricultural Research Services acronym as ARS Exam is conducted by the ASRB of Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) for appointment as Scientists in Agricultural Research Service (ARS) of Indian Council of Agricultural Research in the pay scale of Rs.15,600 – Rs.39,100 plus research Grade Pay of Rs.6,000 in the ICAR (Indian Council of Agricultural Research) Institutes.
ARS Exam Eligibility
Eligibility Criteria
- Educational Qualification
For Agricultural Research Service Test a candidate must have a Master’s degree or equivalent in the concerned subject
- Age
A candidate must have attained the age of 21 years but not have attained the age of 32 years as on the respective year of the exam.
On job candidates of ICAR less than 45 years in age and of the State Agricultural Universities less than 35 years in age as on the respective year will also be eligible to appear subject to possession of prescribed qualifications.
ARS Exam Syllabus
ARS consists of questions from the relevant subjects.
ARS Exam Pattern
ARS Exam consists of two stages ie. Preliminary Exam followed by Main Exam and Vica Voca as given below.
Preliminary Exam
|
Subject |
Type of Questions |
M.Marks |
Timming |
|
Respective Professional Subject |
Objective Type |
150 |
2 Hrs. |
Note: 1/3 marks will be deducted for each wrong answer in Prelim ARS Examination. This is a Qualifying exam and marks scored will not be counted for final selection.
Main Exam
Main Exam consists of three parts as given below:
|
Subject |
Type of Questions |
No of Questions |
M.Marks |
Timming |
|
Part A |
Very short answer type of question<10 words |
40 |
80 |
3 Hrs. |
|
Part B |
Short Answer type of question 1 or 2 paragraph |
20 |
100 |
|
|
Part C |
Essay type or discriptive type |
6 |
60 |
|
|
Total |
240 |
Note: Answers are required to be written in the space provided below the question. In no case extra sheets will be provided.
Viva Voce: 60 Marks
The candidates clearing Mains Examination will be called for Viva-voce in the ratio 1:5 subject to minimum 55% are obtained by General / OBC candidates and 50% marks are obtained by SC / ST / PC candidates in ARS Mains Examination (Subjective type).
ARS Exam Dates
ARS Preliminary Exam is generally held in the month of February every year.
How to apply for ARS Exam?
A candidate seeking admission to the Examination must apply to The Secretary, Agricultural Scientists Recruitment Board, Krishi Anusandhan Bhavan, Pusa, New Delhi-110012 on the application form available on ICAR Website www.icar.org.in or ASRB Website www.asrb.org.in. The application form must be filled up by the candidate in his / her own handwriting only. The candidates are not required to attach the copies of the documents/certificates in support of their candidature.
How many attempt can a candidate avail to take ARS Exam?
The number of attempts for appearing in the Agricultural Research Services Examination will be limited to FOUR for all candidates(whether M.Sc/PhD) including the in-service candidates of ICAR. However this restriction will not apply to SC and ST candidates, who are eligible otherwise.
ARS Exam Fee
Prospective candidates have to pay Rs.480 (Rs. Four hundred eighty only) plus registration charge of Rs. 20/- (Rs. Twenty only).
All candidates will pay registration fee of Rs. 20
Note: Women candidates and the candidates belonging to schedule caste/schedule tribe/physically challenged categories are exempted from payment of examination fee only. No fee exemption is, however, available to OBC candidates and they are required to pay the registration fee in full. Details of fee charges to be paid:
|
S.No |
Category of Candidates |
Examination Fee |
Registration Fee |
Total Fee |
|
1 |
General / OBC |
480 |
20 |
500 |
|
2 |
Woman/ Schedule Caste/ Schedule Tribe/ Physically Challenged Woman/Schedule Caste/Schedule Tribe/Physically Challenged |
Nil |
20 |
20 |
The Agricultural Research Services Exam is held every year in the main cities of the India.
ARS Exam Contact Details
The Secretary
Agricultural Scientists Recruitment Board
Krishi Anusandhan Bhavan
Pusa, New Delhi-110012.
ASRB NET –
Agricultural Scientists Recruitment Board National Eligibility Test acronym as ASRB NET is conducted twice in a year for selecting candidates for determining eligibility for Lecturer/ Assistant Professor in the State Agricultural Universities (SAUs) and other Agricultural Universities (AUs).
ASRB NET Exam Eligibility
- Educational Qualification
For admission to Agricultural Research Service/National Eligibility Test a candidate must have a Master’s degree or equivalent in the concerned subject
- Age
A candidate must have attained the age of 21 years as on the respective year of the exam.
- Nationality: A candidate must be either:
A citizen of India, or
A subject of Nepal, or
A subject of Bhutan, or
A Tibetan refugee who came over to Indian before the 1st January, 1962 with the intention of permanently settling in India, or
A person of Indian origin who has migrated from Pakistan, Burma, Sri Lanka or East African countries of Kenya, Uganda, the United Republic of Tanzania, Zambia, Malawi, Zaire and Ethiopia or from Vietnam with the intention of permanently settling in India.
Reservations as per governmental norms are applicable regarding age limits and job vacancies.
ASRB NET Exam Syllabus
ARS NET Consists of questions from the relevant subjects.
ASRB NET Pattern
ASRB NET will be one paper of 150 marks consisting of 150 objective type multiple choice questions to be solved in 2 (Two) Hrs. Each question carries One mark. These 150 questions shall be derived from the respective discipline in which the candidate has opted to appear.
Minimum marks required for qualifying NET Exam:
|
Category of Candidate |
Minimum Qualifying Marks |
|
General / OBC |
60% |
|
SC / ST/ Physically Challenged Person |
50% |
Note: 1/3 mark will be deducted for each wrong answer in the NET examination.
ASRB NET Allowed Number of Attempts:
The number of attempts for appearing in the National Eligibility Test Examination will be limited to FIVE for all candidates (whether M.Sc./Ph.D.) including the in-service candidates of I.C.A.R. However, this restriction will not apply to SC and ST candidates, who are otherwise eligible.
Note: The number of attempts made by the candidates prior to National Eligibility Test Examination – 2012 will not be taken into account for counting the number of attempts made
ASRB NET Exam Dates
ASRB NET exam is held twice in a year in the months of January and June.
ASRB NET Exam Fee
The fee a given below must be paid through a Crossed Bank Draft only drawn in favour of The Secretary, A.S.R.B. and payable at New Delhi with the application form.
Candidates should write their name and address on the reverse of the Bank Draft. No other form of payment will be accepted by the Board.
Fee Structure
|
S.No |
Category |
Fee |
|
1 |
General |
Rs.1000 |
|
2 |
Other Backward Classes- Non Creamy Layer |
Rs.500 |
|
3 |
Scheduled Cast Scheduled Tribe and Physically Challenged |
Rs.250 |
ASRB NET Exam Centres
List of ASRB NET Exam centres is as follows:
NDRI DAHD Entrance Exam –
National Dairy Research Institute, Indian Council of Agricultural Research Diploma in Animal Husbandry and Dairying Entrance Exam acronym as NDRI DADH Entrance exam is conducted by ICAR for providing admission to Diploma in Animal Husbandry and Dairying in Eastern Regional Station of NDRI, Kalyani.
NDRI DAHD Entrance Exam Eligibility
Educational Qualification:
Aspiring candidates must have passed 10 Standard Examination of the Central Board of Secondary Education or any other examination within scope and standard found to be equivalent to the Secondary School Examination of recognized board after a period of 10 years of study.
Candidate must have passed the qualifying examination as enumerated above securing not less than 50% of the total marks (or equivalent grades/ OGPA etc.) for General, OBC and UPS categories and 40% of the total marks (or equivalent grades/OGPA etc.) for SC/ST, Physically handicapped and NEH states nominated candidates.
Note: Those candidates who are appearing for Class 10th examination in the year 2014 can also apply subject to their producing 10 passing certificate on or before 31.07.2014.
Age Limits:
Aspiring candidates who must have attained the age of 15 years but not more than 21 years
are eligible.
NDRI DAHD Entrance Exam Pattern
There will be only one paper based on Science, Mathematics and English language of 10 Standard syllabuses and General Knowledge expected from 10 Standard.
The entrance examination will be 2 hrs duration and of 150 marks. Paper will be of objective type with multiple choice questions.
Note: The qualifying marks in the entrance examination will be 50% for general, OBC & UPS and 45% for SC / ST and PH categories.
NDRI DAHD Entrance Exam Dates
NDRI DAHD Entrance Exam is normally held in the month of June.
How to apply for NDRI DAHD Entrance Exam?
To apply for NDRI DAHD Entrance Exam the downloaded Application Form shall be filled and submitted along with a Demand Draft of Rs.600/ OR
The Information Bulletin and Application Form can also be obtained from the:
In Charge, Academic Cell
National Dairy Research Institute
Eastern Regional Station
A-12 Block, Kalyani
District Nadia- 741235 by hand
After obtaining Application: The completed Application Form along with the necessary documents should reach to the following address by Speed post to:
In Charge, Academic Cell
National Dairy Research Institute
Eastern Regional Station
A-12 Block, Kalyani
District Nadia- 741235
NDRI DAHD Entrance Exam Fee
NDRI DAHD Entrance Exam Fee is Rs.600 only.
NDRI DAHD Test Centers
The entrance examination will be conducted at the following given centres.
NDRI, Karnal-132001, (Haryana)
Southern Regional Station, NDRI, Adugodi, Bangalore-560030 (Karnataka)
Eastern Regional Station, NDRI, A 12 Block, Kalyani-741235, District Nadia, West Bengal
NDRI DAHD Entrance Exam Contact Details
The Head
National Dairy Research Institute
Eastern Regional Station
A 12 Block, Kalyani
District Nadia
West Bengal -741235.
Other agricultural courses
While many non-agricultural universities offer postgraduate courses related to agriculture, a number of agricultural universities have introduced agricultural courses related to other disciplines. Some of the important ones are: Agricultural Chemistry, Agricultural Economics, Agricultural Statistics and Agro Meteorology.
What can you do after passing out?
On obtaining a graduate or a postgraduate degree in a discipline of agriculture and allied sciences, there are a wide range of options and opportunities in teaching, research and transfer of technology areas in State Agricultural Universities (SAUs), State Departments of Agriculture and Animal Husbandry and NGOs. Even banks which advance credit and loans for agro-based projects employ agricultural specialists. The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) conducts an annual competitive examination for recruitment in the Indian Forest Services. The employment opportunities are really multifaceted for competent persons. The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) (Krishi Anusandhan Bhavan, Pusa, and New Delhi-110012), an autonomous body under the Department of Agricultural Research and Education (DARE), is one of the largest employers of scientific manpower in the country.
The research set-up includes 45 Central Institutes, four National Bureaus, 10 Project Directorates, 30 National Research Centres and 80 All-India Coordinated Research Projects. For effective communication of research findings among farmers, the ICAR maintains a network of 261 Krishi Vigyan Kendras, along with 8 Zonal Coordinating Units. More than 6,500 research scientists work directly in ICAR’s research establishments and about 5,000 work in SAUs, and projects funded directly by the ICAR.
Recruitments to these positions constituting the Agricultural Research Service (ARS) are made by the Agricultural Scientist Recruitment Board (ASRB). Recruitments are made in 61 disciplines through a nation-wide competitive examination followed by a personal interview. These 61 disciplines apart, agricultural, animal and allied sciences include basic and fundamental sciences, home science and engineering, This is, however, a combined competitive examination not only for recruitment in ARS but also used as National Eligibility Test (NET) for appointment of Assistant Professors and Lecturers in SAUs and for awarding Senior Research Fellowships. Generally, the competitive examination is held in October every year for which notification is made latest by April. The National Academy of Agricultural Research Management (NAARM) at Hyderabad imparts foundation training to new entrants in Agricultural Research Service (ARS).
Scientific placements in ICAR are classified into Scientists, Senior Scientists and Principal Scientists. Promotion from Scientists to the level of Senior Scientists is through performance appraisal and the length of service in the previous grade. Lateral entry into these positions is open to scientists from other organisations and the SAUs. There is also ample opportunity for training and skill up gradation and active participation in research both within the country and abroad. Opportunities are also available for obtaining higher degrees for in-service candidates with study-leave benefits.
Agriculture Science and Technology Courses in India
List of all Agriculture Science and Technology Courses in India
Agriculture science and technology is an applied science industry. Its objective is to impart technical and professional knowledge of biological and chemical principles so that they can be utilized in the areas of soils and fertilizers, pests and control procedures, and crop and livestock production and management.
Agriculture Science and Technology is further divided into following sub categories –
Agriculture and Allied Practices
Dairy Technology and Management
Forestry and Wild Life
Horticulture
Plant Pathology
Poultry and Dairy Farming
