B.Sc. Agriculture Scope (Jobs, Career Growth And Salary)

India is primarily an agrarian economy, with agriculture contributing up to 20% of the national GDP. Increasing population, rise in average income and increase in food exports underline the need for innovative and modern agricultural practices. If you are interested in a career in the thriving agriculture sector, an effective way to get started is by completing a bachelor's degree in agriculture. This guide discusses the B.Sc. agriculture scope, the various employment opportunities in the private and public sector, and a candidate's average income after completing B.Sc. agriculture.

B.Sc. agriculture scope and career opportunities

Agriculture is important to the country's economy, as millions of people carry out agriculture and agri-related activities. Therefore, pursuing a B.Sc. agriculture scope can provide you with multiple employment opportunities. B.Sc. agriculture graduates can work in various public and private institutions, research centres and other companies engaged in agriculture, dairy farming, horticulture and other agri-related sectors. The top employers of B.Sc. agriculture candidates are:

• government research centres

• food technology companies

• agriculture machinery industries

• multinationals engaged in the manufacture of agricultural aids

• central and state government departments

• central and state agricultural universities and colleges

• fertiliser and pesticide manufacturers

• food processing units

• seed manufacturing companies

• banks

• farms and fields

Overview of B.Sc. agriculture

B.Sc. agriculture is a four-year undergraduate program offered at government and private universities and colleges. To join the course, some institutions may require a minimum of 50% aggregate marks in 10 + 2 from a recognised school board with biology, physics and chemistry as the main subjects. The university conducts these courses in eight semesters and enhances the theoretical knowledge and practical skills of students. The curriculum includes classroom lectures, lab sessions, fieldwork, research trips, practical training and study tours. The degree prepares students for a wide range of careers in agriculture and related industries.

The ICAR (Indian Council of Agriculture Research) provides the guidelines for the syllabus of the program. Students learn various subjects, including crop physiology, horticulture, soil sciences, plant breeding, plant genetics, plant pathology, animal sciences, entomology, plant biochemistry, agriculture economics, biotechnology, entomology and several others. Students can also opt for an M.Sc in agriculture after completing their undergraduate degree. Alternatively, students interested in a career in teaching or research can pursue a doctorate in agriculture after postgraduation.

Job profiles for B.Sc agriculture graduates

The agricultural sector in the country is evolving and modernising farming and agricultural practices to meet the food requirements of the rising population. This has led to a massive demand for trained and knowledgeable agricultural professionals. Here are some of the popular job profiles of candidates with a bachelor's degree in agriculture:

• agricultural officer

• agricultural analyst

• agricultural sales officer

• marketing executive

• ICAR scientist

• junior research fellow

• senior research fellow

• agricultural research assistant

• project associate

• plant breeder

• animal breeder

• agriculture technician

• seed technologist

• field officer

• plantation manager

• subject matter specialist in Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVK)

• quality assurance manager

• agricultural loan officer in banks

• agronomist

• business development manager of farming corporations

• agricultural journalist

• agri-preneur

Related: How To Become an Agronomist: With Qualification and Skills

Government jobs after B.Sc. agriculture

Here are the top government jobs after B.Sc. agriculture:

Indian Forest Service

The Indian Forest Service (IFS) is a prestigious all India union service like the IAS and IPS. They appoint selected candidates for chief conservator of forests, assistant inspector, deputy inspector and officers under the forestry department in various states and union territories. Candidates with a B.Sc. in agriculture can appear for the UPSC examination, including the prelims and mains that recruits eligible applicants for the various IFS posts. IFS offers a competitive pay fixed by the seventh central pay commission and is a lucrative and prestigious career path.

Related: How To Become Forest Officer: Duties and Eligibility

Staff Selection Commission (SSC)

The staff selection commission recruits eligible candidates in the field of agriculture for various state government posts. Candidates who successfully clear the state forest exam can receive appointment for different state government jobs, including agriculture officer, scientific assistant, laboratory assistant, senior technical assistant, horticultural assistant, foreman and more.

Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR)

The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) is a central government organisation that falls under the Department of Agricultural Research (DARE), Government of India. If you are interested in a career in agricultural research and development, ICAR jobs are a good fit for you. B.Sc. agriculture candidates in ICAR take on the roles of agricultural engineers, technologists, junior research fellows and senior research fellows. ICAR lists the vacancies on its website and eligible candidates can apply for the qualifying exams using the application form on the site.

Related: How To Become an Agricultural Engineer

Food Corporation of India (FCI)

The Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, Government of India runs the Food Corporation of India. The FCI is responsible for ensuring food stability for the public and oversees the public food distribution system. The FCI recruits candidates with a bachelor's degree in agriculture for various posts, like technical officers and technical managers. The selection is via an entrance examination and a personal interview.

National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD)

NABARD is a financial institution that falls under the purview of the union government. NABARD focuses on sustainable rural agriculture development via financial and non-financial interventions. The institution also oversees the development of innovative and technological solutions that help develop the rural agricultural economy. NABARD offers a variety of employment opportunities for graduates in agriculture like agricultural officers, office attendants, office managers and assistant office managers. Selection is via entrance examinations and personal interviews.

National Dairy Development Board (NDDB)

Headquartered in Anand, Gujarat, NDDB works to strengthen farmer cooperatives and make dairy farming a profitable economic activity for milk producers in rural India. The NDDB implements various income-generating activities for dairy farmers, paving the way for their sustainable livelihood. The NDDB appoints graduates in agriculture for various posts like managers, deputy managers and farm coordinators. Candidates can check the current vacancies on the NDDB site and apply online.

Bank jobs after B.Sc. agriculture

Besides the central government departments, bank jobs are among the most sought after employment opportunities for agriculture graduates. Banks and other financial institutions appoint candidates with a bachelor's degree in agriculture to oversee various banking activities like disbursing agricultural loans. Here are some of the popular bank jobs after B.Sc. agriculture:

• agricultural loan officer

• rural development officer

• agricultural field officer

• junior agricultural associate

• probationary officer

Recruitment to these posts is via examinations held by individual banks. You can find the latest vacancies for these posts by visiting the career section of the bank's website.

Jobs in the private sector for agriculture graduates

Besides central and state government jobs, agriculture graduates have multiple job opportunities in the private sector. Multinational corporations and domestic companies involved in manufacturing agricultural equipment and agricultural accessories recruit professionals with a recognised degree in agriculture. The job profiles for agriculture graduates at private companies include:

• Agricultural officer: The agricultural officer works directly with farm labourers and guides them on how to increase agricultural productivity using scientific techniques.

• Agricultural sales associate: The sales associate is responsible for promoting the company's agricultural products to farmers and other customers. They are also accountable for achieving the sales goals of the company.

• Marketing executive: These professionals promote an agricultural product and develop sales strategies to increase sales and maximise profits.

• Plantation manager: The plantation manager works in a private plantation and is responsible for efficiently managing harvesting and other farm activities. They are responsible for implementing successful planting activities that increase profits.

• Agricultural research scientists: These employees work in the research and development department of private organisations. Their job role includes both lab work and field research to improve the efficiency of agricultural products.

Software companies also recruit experts in agriculture to develop and implement software solutions targeting the agricultural sector.

Related: How To Become an Agricultural Officer: A Complete Guide

Salary for different jobs in agriculture

The salary you earn after completing B.Sc. agriculture depends on your job profile, employment type, employment organisation, experience and location. The average monthly pay of an agribusiness manager is ₹27,386. The monthly income of an agronomist is ₹18,094. With experience, the salary of professionals in the agriculture industry increases significantly. To give an example, an agriculture specialist earns a monthly pay of ₹51,478.

Related: How Much Does An Agricultural Engineer Make? (With Skills)

Career growth for B.Sc. agriculture

The agricultural sector in India is undergoing a significant transition. It is moving from manual practices to modern, scientific and technology-oriented methods. Advances in farm practices, evolving biotechnology techniques, changing resource management strategies play a significant role in food production, food distribution and farm management. Candidates who pursue a masters in agriculture with specialisations in emerging agriculture technologies see a fast career growth with lucrative salaries.

Salary figures reflect data listed on Indeed Salaries at time of writing. Salaries may vary depending on the hiring organisation and a candidate's experience, academic background and location. Please note that none of the companies mentioned in this article are affiliated with Indeed.