Agriculture is an important field of study. Being the largest sector of the Indian economy, it is the main occupation of the majority of Indians who completely depend on it for their livelihood. Studying in agriculture involves a wide range of activities such as research, teaching and some supervisory work that is done in the field. Forests form part of the study in the field of agricultural science and technology. It is also a popular academic discipline. Studying in forestry includes matters such as global warming, deforestation, natural disasters, etc. and focuses on preserving forests to ensure a healthy ecosystem.
Agricultural courses are available at the undergraduate and graduate levels. For an undergraduate course the basic qualification is 10+2 in Science at 50% while for Postgraduate course it is a Postgraduate Degree at 60%. Doctoral studies are also offered in this field.
Nowadays agricultural farming has become highly technical. The number of people working in agriculture is comparatively less although this sector offers opportunities ranging from government organizations, not-for-profits, to private multinational corporations. Major career areas in this field include: agricultural research, agribusiness, agricultural journalism and so on. Many sub-sectors in agriculture can also provide employment.
Salaries in this sector are good enough. It can be from 7,000 initially to 20,000. Agricultural scientists usually earn between 18,000 and 25,000 rupees.
Forestry professionals can be divided into foresters, dendrologists, ethnologists-entomologists: forestry personnel, etc., who are engaged in various types of work.
To pursue an undergraduate course in Forestry, the eligibility requirement is Physics, Chemistry and Biology at Intermediate level. Postgraduate studies in forestry are available in various disciplines. Even one can opt for diploma courses in forestry.
Forestry professionals can work in both governmental and non-governmental offices, industries, or organizations, or they can engage in teaching as well. Most importantly, they can appear in the Indian Forest Service examinations conducted by the Union Public Service Commission every year which is considered as one of the lucrative career options.
The salary at the entry level is about 8,000, and after experience it can reach 26,000. Salaries vary according to the rank in the sector.
Many good colleges in India offer a bachelor’s degree in Agriculture and Forestry course. Interested students can choose this course for which eligibility is 10+2 (PCB/PCM) or 45% equivalent.
Some of the leading institutes to pursue courses in the field of Agriculture and Forestry
Rajasthan College of Technology and Engineering
University of Petroleum and Energy Studies (UPES), Uttarakhand
Orissa University of Agriculture and Technology Orissa
Indian Institute of Forest Management Madhya Pradesh Forest Research Institute (FRI) Dehradun
College of Agriculture and Research Institute (AC&RI) Coimbatore
Maharashtra State Fisheries College Association
Central Institute of Fisheries Technology (CIFT), Keralat
Symbiosis Institute of International Business, Maharashtra