Growing beyond farms, agriculture yielding great scope in diverse fields

Agriculture is the mainstay of our economy as it provides food to millions and raw materials to the industries. Agriculture has grown tremendously in modern times, with cutting-edge research and constant innovations taking place.
In India, agriculture is one of the preferred career options for science students. The field of agriculture requires not only talent but also in-depth knowledge of it. The needs of a vast population has contributed in enhancing this occupation into an entirely separate source of learning. There are degree programmes and diploma courses available to learn agriculture on a broad scale.
The MH-CET is one of the ways aspirants can opt for agriculture. In engineering an entirely different branch called B tech in biotechnology has come into consideration for those who wish to study agricultural studies through an engineer’s mind.
Currently, agriculture is not just about farming. Now, various other dimensions have been introduced to this filed. Agricultural engineering, horticulture, fisheries science, pisciculture, dairy farming, poultry farming and agriculture biotechnology are some of the fields.
There are various interesting subcategories under these fields and wide range of private and government colleges offering these courses. Interestingly, few of these fields even include economics and management of agriculture.
According to farm activist Vijay Jawandhia, today agriculture is not considered an industry. “This is way of life that is getting step-motherly treatment in policy. Everyone wants the final agriculture produce at a cheaper price but forget those who are working day and night to make it available to us,” he says.
Jawandhia says students should take up agriculture as a career. “Of course, they would not want to go to village and take up farming. They will serve industry producing inputs for farming or take up government jobs,” he says.
“But those from the new generation who take up agriculture will get a major chance to remove poverty from the country. Farmers face difficulties during natural calamities and uncertain markets. The youth need to change the urban bias for a better future for the farmers and country.’
Dr Kevin Gawali, dean of school of Agricultural sciences, GHRU says “A degree in agriculture gives you the skills and knowledge to deal with agricultural sales, allied business and food production.”
WHY OPT FOR SUBJECT
- According to economists it is four times more effective than other sectors in reducing poverty
- Is the mainstay of Indian economy
- Research need young minds and new innovations
- High demand for trained professionals
Professionals Speak
Agriculture offers good job opportunities in both government and private sectors. It is a vast subject, includes more than 11 branches and sub-branches. Young minds have so many options available
Apeksha Choudhary
More students should study agri sciences because the field needs more trained minds. Anybody wanting to make a difference to society should take up agriculture as it is directly linked to the core of humanity
Bharadwaj Sangars
Farming is a very profitable business if done with good knowledge and resources. Educated people need to be involved at ground level and institutes should focus more on low-cost efficient techniques
Hemant Agrawal
About 75% of our population depends on agriculture. My father is a farmer but he doesn’t have a lot of knowledge about it. I want to enter this field and bring a change with low cost farming.
Sandeep Paradkar
We need to adapt to technologies including precision farming, indoor farming and next generation farming techniques. From marketing executives to researchers, the profession offers opportunities to all
Dr Kevin Gawali
Expert View | Savi Thangavel, Date Farmer
Get knowledge, training to lead a fruitful life
Agriculture is the foundation for anything and everything. Agricultural produce is essential for sustaining livelihood. In today’s world, technology has advanced to the highest level. Agriculture is at its peak currently because people want to consume organic vegetables and fruits without any preservatives. Thus, the field is gaining popularity rapidly.
Earlier, there weren’t many opportunities as agriculture was limited to traditional methods. But now, there are many examples of people involved in agriculture who have earned themselves a name in social circles. Those who were employed in various jobs are taking up agriculture.
Due to technological advancements, students can learn new things and improve their scientific knowledge pertaining to this field. It is a lucrative job as scientific agriculture gives many opportunities to grow.
If someone is ready to put in those extra efforts and work hard on the field, serve other people etc, then agriculture is a fruitful career option. One needs to be ready to get to the bottom of the knowledge base of agriculture and go through the required training. You can lead a fun lifestyle amid the beautiful nature around you.
Big companies are looking for people in the agricultural field as consultants. Job opportunities are also available in sales, as a production manager and many other options.
Compiled by Drishti Sharma