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AGRICULTURAL SCIENTISTS are concerned with all aspects of plant and animal life. They are engaged in both laboratory based and field based research. They may specialize in one of the following areas: Read More.....

AGRONOMY is popular as an area of scientific research. Agronomists work on improved crops and cultivation methods and on developing crops better resistant to pests, drought and plant diseases.

HORTICULTURE is an important area of study for agricultural scientists who work in the area of fruit, flowers, indoor plants and vegetables as well as nuts cultivation.

PLANT BREEDING: Plant breeders use biotechnological and genetic studies for the improvement of plants and seeds, resistant to difficult weather conditions, disease and insects.

PLANT PATHOLOGY: Plant pathologists study and deal with plant disease and their control in various climates, geographical regions and varied soil.

HORTICULTURE

The work of horticulturists is very varied. Horticulturists working in government sector are responsible for the maintenance of parks, public gardens, official lawns etc. They decide what, when and where to plant and determine ideal methods for planting and preservation. Their job specialization is as follow:

POMOLOGY and Post – Harvest technology covers improvement and regeneration of fruit crops by breeding, research on root stock and establishment of high density orchard planting of fruit crops etc.

OLERICULTURE deals with the improvement of cole crops, onion and garlic, tomato, okra, muskmelon, cucumber, brinjal, peas, chilli, pepper etc.

FLORICULTURE is a specialization in flower and nursery operations. Floriculturists work in green house and nurseries to raise and sell plants.

ENVIRONMENT

Environment Science concerns itself with study of plants, flora and fauna, animals, pollution. Environment related jobs lie in various sectors :
Planning and implementation, environmental engineering, water resources engineering and management, solid waste management, air pollution management, water quality management, land conservation.

This area is related to careers which are utmost important for the growth of the economy of a country. Our country has been able to achieve self sufficiency in food after independence. Even with ever increasing population this achievement is remarkable. However with reckless misuse of resources like water, land, forest, wildlife, animal resources etc. our economy is under threat of over exploitation. The water sources and our wastelands are under constant threat of environmental pollution. The requirement of professionals in all these areas is increasing.

Industry Profile
The agriculture sector is generally private, however, the distribution of food grains and certain commercial crops largely routed through government agencies. The farmers, landlords, scientists and the extension workers are the backbone of this sector. The government’s large budgetary allocations for this sector have been instrumental in bringing noticeable changes and improvement in farming procedures for better yields. The agriculture scientists working with research organizations of the country are the major contributors for the continuing improvement in this sector. The coordinated work efforts of the agricultural, biological, biotechnological, physical and animal scientists have been able to boost the agro economy.

Entry & Career Progression

In this area studies are generally of graduation level which may be followed by the post graduation. The passed out persons from these studies are offered employment in various government bodies and agencies promoting research in this sector. The state governments also offer employment in this sector. The other agencies include Indian Council for Agriculture Research, Institute for Horticultural Research. Crop farming and poultry farming is generally in the hands of private enterprises. The co-operatives and some dairy development boards are managing and promoting dairy farming which offers jobs for professionals in this sector. The banking sector also has potential as the banks need professional for agro financing. The forest departments of the Union and State governments have job openings through UPSC. The private sector and the non government agencies offer jobs for food processing industries and for preservation of the environment. The aspiring entrants have lot of opportunities with the government, semi- government, and private sector including banking, insurance and agro industries.
The veterinary doctors and para medical personnel find employment with poultry, dairy, stud farms, zoos, wild life sanctuaries etc.

Aptitudes, Interests and Personal Qualities

A number of different jobs of farm workers, scientists and researchers, marketing professionals etc. are available with government and non- government agencies which are working for the protection of environmental resources and with industries, in the financial and insurance sector and even in journalism. The professionals working in any area related to agriculture must have interest and concern for plants, food, environment, animals, birds etc. The farmers also require working hands for manual operations for farming, horticulture, poultry etc. For research jobs the aspirant must have logical, inquisitive and scientific mind. Good mental ability with sharp reflections, scientific temperament and love for nature, flora and fauna are assets in these professions.

Future Projections

The vast land with resources in abundance India has great potential in this sector. The opportunities in this sector relate to food, natural wealth and resources, environment, life and habitat. These are vital requirements in the human life. So there will be a huge and consistent demand for dedicated and qualified professionals in this field. In the coming years the biotechnological research in the area of crops/ food, marketing in food grains services and food stuffs, environmental preservation, banking and insurance catering to this sector, are sure to get maximum growth.

Indian economy is an agriculture based economy. India is rich in land, irrigation, and manpower resources and the other essential inputs. The more than fifty percent requirement of industrial raw material comes from the agriculture including forestry making the major contribution to the Indian economy. Agriculture has such a potential that for last thirty years the advancement has been remarkable. The application of principles of various branches of science i.e. physics, chemistry, biochemistry, genetics, microbiology, mathematics etc. has not only improved and increased the farm yields but also to process the various farm products resulting in birth of new agro industries. The work of different diverse sectors- farming and horticulture, raising and rearing live stock, business and industries involved in processing, distribution or transportation of farm products and supplies, service providers for farmers who develop, care for or cultivate forest land or timber, conservationists who preserve and protect natural resources and the schools and communication organizations which provide education and information about these occupations, have been brought together by the agriculture. The daily lives of the people have been influenced by agriculture in various manners. Agriculture field/ sector is not limited to farming only – the farm management, business and industries producing goods and services used for maintaining livestock and growing crops as well as industries selling raw and processed agro products to the consumers. These types of activities are called agribusiness and agro industries. More career opportunities in specialized areas of agricultural communications and education, conservation, forestry and recreation are also available.

Nature of Work

The agriculture industry comprises of diverse activities. The farmers who cultivate the land, raise livestock, grow plants and workers in agro industries are part of it. Single and multiple crops farming pattern is adopted by different farmers while some large farms are a combination of agricultural and horticultural farms and also have farm animals and poultry farms.

The jobs related agriculture can be classified as under:

Agricultural Scientists

Agricultural Scientists are concerned and related with all aspects of plant and animal life. They undertake both laboratory and field based research. They work for improving crop yield, quality, environment protection and testing food stuffs, drugs and other farm products. The management and planning of botanical and zoological parks also come under the preview of these scientists and the also work in agribusinesses as well as scientific consultants to the government.
The specialization options available to the agricultural scientists are as under:

Agronomy is an area which is very popular in scientific research. The agronomists work for improving crops, cultivation methods, developing pests, diseases and drought resisting crops. Agronomy studies include composition and texture of soil as related to crop rotation, application of fertilizers and tillage methods. The study and research in environment science is an integral part of this area.

Horticulture is an area in which the agricultural scientists work in the area of fruit, flowers, indoor plants, vegetables and nuts cultivation. The major thrust is for improved quality and high yield.

Plant Breeding – The biotechnological and genetic studies are the tools for the plant breeders for the improvement of plants and seeds which are resistant to the diseases, pests and difficult weather conditions.

Plant Pathology- Plant pathologists study the various plant diseases and there control thereof under various climatic and geographical conditions.

Animal Science- The agricultural scientists who undertake the studies for farm animals, dairy, poultry, bee farming etc. specialize for improved methods of breeding, feeding and controlling diseases. They are helpful for improvement of farm produce also.

Research Work- It includes biotech, agricultural production, marketing, agricultural engineering, food processing, conservation, storage, reclamation and rural sociology etc. The post graduate degree is generally required for all these areas.

Agri- Business

The activities related to credit, banking, insurance, farm management, co-operative management, land appraisal, marketing and sales, storage and warehousing, grading, packaging, transportation etc. are the part of
agri- business. The corporate and other enterprises are offering job opportunities to the aspirants who have combined education in agricultural science, economics and business administration. They are offered jobs in agricultural credit and finance, transportation, storage, grading and sales. They work for wholesale and retail sector of agricultural products. They also manage co-operative and private enterprises which sell to the farmers or sell the products of the farmers to the consumers. Banks, insurance companies, food chains and public utilities are the business houses who hire people with specialized knowledge of the agricultural field.

Agro- Industry

All types of industrial activities in the field of agriculture relates to areas including machinery, production, food processing, grain and seed processing, dairy processing , feed manufacturing, meat and poultry packing and processing, fats and oils, textiles and fibers, forest products etc. Agro industries which require these various operations require technocrats like engineers, scientists, production men and marketing personnel with specialized knowledge. The professional institutes and universities are instrumental in providing such professionals to this agro industry.

Agricultural operations require coordinated and team efforts from all these areas as the farmer sources machinery and equipment, feeds, fertilizers, pesticides and other requirements from this industry to accomplish the farming. When the crops are harvested and the livestock is ready- the same is routed through specialized agro industries process to be ready for the consumers. These industries comprises of milk plats, food freezing plants, grading, drying and canning process, meat packing plants, poultry processing units, fats and oil extracting plants, lumber, pulses and grain mills. The educational requirements range from short term course or technical program to a doctorate for a responsible position in the development program of an agro- chemical company. Generally a minimum qualification of graduation degree in agriculture is required for various positions in such industries.

Agricultural Education

Agriculture is an academic discipline at +2 stages. School, college teaching, agricultural extension services also offer opportunities to masters in agriculture. Agriculture extension services, college education, education for government agencies, industrial agencies, business houses, international agencies etc. require such personals.

Agricultural Journalism

Again this area has a vast scope which covers reporting for media, market reporting, publications, television, advertising, exhibiting, training, shows etc. The people who are able to combine agricultural knowledge with creative skills in writing and speaking have opportunities in agricultural communication field. This activity includes interviewing farmers, scientists and industrialists, attending and participating conventions, seminars, demonstrations, legislative sessions, reporting about new ideas, developments, and trends.

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