M.Sc in Agriculture is a 2-year postgraduate degree offered by some select Indian educational institutions. A branch of science, Agricultural science deals with the economic and social facets of agriculture. It is related to several other scientific areas, such as animal science, biological engineering and environmental science.
As an agrarian economy, India has a massive potential for agriculture development. Agricultural science focuses on improving the use and exploitation of different types of agricultural resources. Agricultural science in India is closely entwined with the new field of biotechnology. Both units to provide several development opportunities within the agrarian nation.
Candidates successfully completing the 2-year postgraduate course are entitled, agriculturists. Agricultural science is a diverse field with several sub-branches, ranging from agronomy to agricultural economics. M.Sc in Agriculture provides in-depth knowledge of various sub-fields of agricultural sciences. After the completion of a Master of Science in Agriculture degree, students can pursue specialised programmes. Else, students can start working towards the betterment of agriculture practises and technology in the country.
Aspirants interested in pursuing a Masters in Agriculture are obligated to be well aware of the present knowledge of agricultural scenario in the country. They must be adept at decomposing bigger problems into smaller and easily manageable tasks. Essential skills required for pursuing an M.Sc in Agriculture are enumerated as follows:
After successful completion of M.Sc in Agriculture, candidates have the opportunity to explore a number of career avenues, ranging from agricultural scientists and research associates to farm managers and seed technologists. Some of the best career opportunities for Master of Science in Agriculture candidates are briefed up as follows:
The job profile of an agriculturist is ideal for M.Sc in Agriculture postgraduates. Agriculturists are responsible for conducting research in breeding, management, physiology, production and yield of crops, agricultural plants and trees. These professionals also conduct research and oversee nursery stock and various forms of shrubs. Agriculturists also deal with the analysis and study of the biological, chemical, mineralogical and physical composition of different kinds of soils. In some scenarios, they might investigate alternate practices on the soil to enhance crop productivity. To sum up, agriculturists are responsible for providing important information and recommendations to farmers and landowners for making the best use of land to promote plant and crop growth.
After completing M.Sc in Agriculture, candidates can work an agriculture officer. In this job, they work in line with agricultural companies and farmers present at a specific location. Agriculture officers assist these agricultural groups in adopting better means of agriculture to improve the agricultural production. These professionals are acquainted with the latest knowledge of agricultural practices, which they pass to agricultural groups. Agriculture officers are also responsible for arranging new and better means of agricultural practices for the underprivileged sections of the agricultural community.
Another lucrative job opportunity for M.Sc in Agriculture candidates is that of an agriculture scientist. Aimed at improving the quality of the environment, farming and food, the main role of agriculture scientists is involved with scientific research and analysis. This is done in various domains, ranging from plants and soils to animals. Agriculture scientists can provide their services in several specialised areas.
The primary job responsibility of an agriculture technician involves evaluation of different environmental factors that have an important effect on crops. To achieve so, agriculture technicians with M.Sc in Agriculture degree gather data, analyse it and then prepare reports with important insights based on their findings. Reports prepared by agriculture technicians play an important role in taking important steps regarding the improvement of crop growth and development.
Seed technologists are responsible for testing and analysing various types of seeds. They study seeds for determining their types, viability, germination rate and purity. After the elaborate study conducted on seeds, they are prepared for various productions plans, projects and selling purposes. Most of the seed researches are conducted in specialised laboratories by speed technologists. Sometimes, additional travel and field work might also be required to complete the chore.
M.Sc in Agriculture postgraduates can also provide their services as a farm manager. The job responsibility of farm managers is to direct and coordinate activities related to a cultivation land or farm. These professionals are responsible for harvesting crops as well as overseeing the labour activities. They are responsible for the record keeping, chemical application, payroll and irrigation of the crops in the assigned farm.
Candidates with an Master of Science in Agriculture degree has also the option to provide services as agriculture loan managers, business development executives, educators, lecturers, marketing executive, operations managers, production managers, quality assurance officers, research officers, rice breeder, sales officers, senior agriculture specialist, tutors and senior research associates.
Candidates holding a Bachelor degree in agriculture, forestry or horticulture can apply for an M.Sc in Agriculture. The eligibility criteria for the postgraduate course are summed up as follows:
Some of the institutions offering M. Sc in Agriculture degree impose age limits, while some might require candidates to undergo an entrance examination.
Agricultural science focuses on the scientific and practical knowledge related to economic development, farming, food processing and quality, forestry systems and rural livelihoods. It also provides the knowledge of natural resources management. The 2-year M.Sc in Agriculture educates candidates about solving agrarian problems with a scientific approach. Agriculture is an important sector of the Indian economy. The master’s course in agriculture deals with various farming techniques and methodologies associated with agriculture. The 2-year programme educates aspirants about the latest innovations made in the farming industry and various ongoing trends in the specialised field.