If you are thinking about choosing Agriculture as your subject for graduation and higher studies, Congratulations! It is the right decision and the timing is perfect, because, ‘Agriculture’ as a sector, is at the cusp of a revolution. Modern technology and the latest research developments are helping in increasing the quantity as well quality of the produce.
Also known as the backbone of the Indian economy, agriculture is the livelihood for a majority of the country’s population. Precisely 60% of the population works in the agriculture sector, and it contributes around 18% of the total GDP. By 2030, India will leave China behind, in terms of population. This will demand a huge up-gradation in our crop production, storage, and distribution facilities. The value of Agriculture as a stream of study will only increase further.
Key Benefits offered by a career in ‘Agriculture’
Endless employment opportunities-
Apart from traditionally raising crops, new-age farmers are using modern methods like organic farming, fish farming, and greenhouse to produce exotic fruits, flowers, and vegetables.
Professionals in this field are required in areas such as crop production, planning, research, quality, sales, and marketing of agricultural-based products. There is great demand for experts in many big corporate firms, which have invested heavily in bringing the concept of farm-fresh food, directly to the consumer. This of course, needs many professionals with the basic know-how of market demand and planning supply, accordingly. Also important, are management of proper transportation and storage facilities.
High demand in exports operation-
Export is another promising area where agriculture professionals are required to coordinate and manage the international market requirements of raw materials and food products. Total exports for the year 2020-2021 exceeded US$ 17 billion despite the pandemic. Wheat exports saw phenomenal growth of 727% while Rice imports increased by 132% in the past year. Other commodities which posted significant positive growth in exports were Other Cereals, Soya meal, Spices, Sugar, Raw Cotton, Fresh Vegetable, Processed Vegetables, Alcoholic Beverages, etc.
You can work with big export firms as an expert in sourcing quality material from India and supplying it to international firms. With experience, you can work independently as an exporter. Government agencies provide great support to all such initiatives as it is a great source of foreign currency.
Finance and Banking sector
Banks and finance companies need technical expertise to service rural farmers with various loans, insurance schemes, etc. They need professionals who are well versed with agriculture technicalities to serve farmers accurately and to avoid bad loans or policies.
Food is a basic necessity
Markets may rise or fall, downsizing and recession may hit any industry, but food is a basic necessity for life. Its value will always remain strong and ever-increasing.
How do I get the best education in Agriculture?
You can start with a B.Sc. degree in Agriculture which is a 4-year professional course.
At Oriental University, Indore, we offer B.Sc. in Agriculture, where students will study subjects like- Horticulture, Agronomy, Agriculture Engineering, Agriculture Economics, and Animal Science.
The University campus has a large expanse of free land. Here many live projects are regularly undertaken that are managed by students with full guidance and support of highly qualified and skilled faculty. All this gives you good hands-on exposure.
Some modern features we have on our campus are- a greenhouse, poly house, fruit orchard, testing facility for soil and seed, etc.
If you would like to know more about our agriculture program, please click on the link – https://oui.edu.in/agriculture-programs/.
Do not forget to check out our blog next week as we explore career options in another exciting and deeply rewarding profession – Law.