Archive for March, 2021

A Career in Agriculture and Forestry

March 17th, 2021

Agriculture is an important field of study. Being the largest sector of Indian economy, it is the prime occupation of a majority of Indians who entirely rely on it for livelihood. Study in agriculture involves a wide range of activities like research, teaching and certain supervisory works which are being done in the field. Forestry constitutes a part of the study in the agricultural science and technology field. It is also a popular academic discipline. Study in forestry encompasses affairs like global warming, deforestation, natural disasters etc.It focuses on the conservation of forests to ensure a healthy Eco system.

Agricultural courses are available at undergraduate and post graduate levels. For undergraduate course, the basic qualification is 10+2 in science with 50 % marks while for post graduation it is a graduate degree with 60% marks. Doctoral studies are also offered in this field.

Agricultural farming is becoming hi- tech now a days. The number of people engaged in agricultural farming are relatively lower though this sector presents opportunities ranging from government, non-profit organizations and private multinational companies. Major career areas in the field are includes: Agricultural Research, Agri – Business, Agricultural journalism etc. Many sub-sectors in agriculture could also offer employment prospects.

Salaries in this sector are good enough. It can be from 7,000 in the beginning to increase upto 20,000. Agricultural scientists normally earn between Rs.18, 000 and 25, 000.

Professionals in the field of forestry can be divided as Forester, Dendrologists, Ethnologists Entomologists: Forest Range Officers etc. who are involved in various kind of works.

To pursue a course in B.Sc in Forestry, the eligibility requirement is Physics, Chemistry and Biology at the intermediate level. Post graduate studies in forestry is available in various disciplines. Even one can opt for diploma courses in forestry.

Professionals in forestry can work in both government and non governmental offices, industries, organizations, or they can take up teaching also. More importantly they can appear in Indian Forest Service exams conducted by Union Public Service Commission every year which is considered as one of the lucrative career option.

Salary at an entry level is around 8,000, after experience it can go upto 26,000, the salaries are varied according to rankwise in this sector.

Many good colleges in India offer Bsc in Agriculture & Forestry course. Interested Students can opt for this course for which the eligibility is 10+2 (P.C.B./P.C.M.) or equivalent with 45% marks

Some of the premier institutes to pursue courses in the field of Agriculture & Forestry
The College of Technology and Engineering Rajasthan
University of Petroleum & Energy Studies (UPES) Uttarakhand
Orissa University Of Agriculture And Technology Orissa
The Indian Institute of Forest Management Madhya Pradesh Forest Research Institute (FRI) Dehradun
Agricultural College and Research Institute (AC & RI) Coimbatore
Association of Fisheries College Maharashtra
The Central Institute of Fisheries Technology (CIFT) Keralathe
Symbiosis Institute of International Business Maharashtra