Aspiring To Build a Career in Agriculture? Here Is What You Need To Know

Why Choose Agriculture as a Career? 

Tips for Building Careers in Agriculture

• The future of agriculture relies heavily on tech innovations. The conventional agricultural practices and input-intensive green revolution strategies are no longer enough to push the Agri industry forward in the coming time. Cross-discipline innovations in biotechnology, genetics, hydroponics and autonomous farming are the future in agriculture. So, you need to be prepared to adapt to the changing situation.  
• There are many opportunities in different sectors of agriculture. As an industry, it is becoming an amalgamation of many other disciplines and industries like information technology, robotics, AI, data science, bionics, oceanology, engineering and business management. So, you can be from so-called non-agricultural fields and still dream of building careers in agriculture.  
• Careers in agriculture have global scope. Every significant economy, big or small, is investing heavily in their food production and food processing infrastructure. As an Agri-professional, you have job opportunities in India and abroad. 
• There is huge demand for skilled professionals. Modern agricultural industries require educated and skilled professionals. So, you need to have a quality college education to perform and succeed in top-paying careers in agriculture.  
• Agriculture jobs entail hard work and dedication. Every job demands hard work and dedication. However, being a dynamic field, agricultural jobs can sometimes be demanding, especially if you are in agri-business management, farm management or marketing.  

Top Paying Careers in Agriculture

• Agricultural Economist: Usually, large enterprises and industry bodies employ agricultural economists; in this profile, you need to track Agri-markets, follow industry trends, forecast business growth and guide management in taking strategic business decisions. You need to have an academic background in agriculture, with research experience related to Agri-economics.    
• Agricultural Engineering: This is a career that deals with applying engineering science and designing principles for solving problems and challenges specific to agriculture. It can involve designing machines, processes and systems used in farming. You will need a bachelor's degree in engineering or related discipline along with several years of experience in agricultural applications.
• Agri-Marketing: In this type of job, you will work with companies in the agricultural industry and help them market their products to potential buyers. You might need a bachelor's degree in marketing or agricultural business management along with some hands-on marketing experience.
• Agri-Business Management: It is a specialised field of management. You might need to work directly in companies associated with Agri-business or at an organisation that provides services to agricultural industry businesses. A management degree specialising in Agri-business should be suitable for a similar career. 
• Farm Management: In this position, you will need to manage regular operations in agricultural farms. It is a lucrative career. Small, medium and large companies engaged in Agri-business require the service of trained and experienced professional managers. The job responsibilities include handling farm operations, applying controls and management reporting. 
• Agricultural Biochemist: The responsibilities include soil testing, researching how to eradicate new weeds and bugs, and developing effective chemical pesticides and fertilisers. The application of biochemistry has become mainstream in agriculture since the mid-twentieth century and this has made this job role crucial. 

Which Courses will be Helpful for Careers in Agriculture? 

• B.Sc. (Hons) Agriculture 
• M. Sc Agronomy 
• M. Sc Genetics & Plant breeding 
• MBA (Agribusiness Management)
• Ph. D programmes (Full time/part time)