Agriculture is often a disconnected industry for many people. However, it is a massive industry that contributes majorly to the economy. Choosing a degree in Agriculture can guarantee a career that can positively contribute to the future of agriculture.
Among the many university in Bhopal, MGU offers bachelor’s level degrees in Agriculture. There is even a postgraduate degree in Agriculture. Students who prefer shorter-term courses have the option of a diploma degree as well. The job opportunities will differ based on the degree.
A brief overview of the top seven agriculture and technology jobs is as below.
7 Career Options In Agriculture and Technology
Agricultural Engineer: Agricultural Engineers are individuals with a bachelor of science in agriculture or a master’s degree. In this role, they must help solve agricultural problems by improving agricultural machinery and equipment. They take the help of technology to help do their responsibilities. Besides traditional farming equipment, they also help build dams, water reservoirs, and warehouses.
The Agricultural Engineer will also use their knowledge to design food storage, house livestock, and food processing plants. The overall guideline in their responsibilities is not to upset the environmental pollution levels. The Engineer, for this effort, will also build agricultural biowaste plants and purification plants. Agricultural Engineers, on average, make around INR 4,90,819 LPA. As one gains more experience, specifically between 5 to 9 years, the average figure is around INR 10,00,000 LPA.
Horticulturist: Horticulturists are experts in garden plants specifically fruits, vegetables, flowers and other non-food plants. After graduating from one of the many agriculture college in Bhopal and India, Horticulturists can find employment in large farms, vineyards and orchards. Probably the most popular job in agriculture, this is a diverse role. The responsibilities will differ from employer to employer.
On a daily basis, the Horticulturist is planting seeds and propagates plants to grow the best plants, fruits, and vegetables. They will also do pest control and investigate plant diseases. Horticulturists also work in science and research where they create cross varieties of plants. Most employers offer Horticulturists around INR 4,00,000 LPA. With over 20 years of experience, this figure can be around INR 7,00,000 LPA.
Agriculturists: Agriculturists are professionals who cultivate land to grow different crops on it. The difference between a farmer and an agriculturist is that the Agriculturist does his job with knowledge of Science. Graduates from the best agriculture college in MP work in the capacity of an Agriculturist. Besides working on the land hands-on, they will also work in an advisory role.
They have the technical knowledge of how to best grow crops in which seasons, agricultural marketing channels, correct use of fertilizers and pesticides etc. Their knowledge also extends to livestock, breeding of animals and environmental sustainability. Agriculturists will work on a client-to-client basis to help solve different issues. In India, Agriculturists are also known as Agriculture Officers who earn INR 40,022 monthly.
Soil and Plant Scientist: Agriculture jobs are typically field jobs. The one job that is primarily involved in working with the soil is a Soil and Plant Scientist. To work in this role one must have more than a diploma in agriculture college, a bachelor’s or a master’s degree. One must have knowledge of soil and how different plants affect the soil.
Soil and Plant Scientists work both in the kitchen and the field. They will find out different ways to process the foods and how different soils affect the taster of different crops. Pest control and advanced knowledge of the composition of the soil are necessary to thrive in this role. For this role, one earns around INR 5,99,639 LPA in India. Senior Soil and Plant Scientists have salaries of INR 7,43,187 LPA.
Agriculture Sales Manager: Agricultural companies that manufacture fertilisers, pesticides and machinery for farming have a dedicated sales team. The Agriculture Sales Manager, a part of the same team, will focus their efforts on increasing sales and profits for the company. These professionals must have knowledge of agriculture, agricultural processes and products to work in this role.
They will visit potential customers and give them demos of the products. As a Manager, there is also a team of other junior employees whose performance is to be monitored. They are usually given a region or a territory to handle and targets to meet monthly. Agriculture Sales Managers should have strong communication skills and the ability to persuade people. Regardless of the experience of the candidate, the average pay for this role is INR 5,06,609 LPA.
Food Scientist: B.Sc agriculture college in MP and India also offers the doctorate version of their degrees. Most jobs after a PhD degree is in research or education. In research, the most popular job one can look into working at is a Food Scientist. Their primary responsibility is to test and develop ingredients and dishes. They take the help of science and the technical aspect of ingredients to fulfil their responsibility.
Food Scientists are aware of the nutritional information and all of their new discoveries are done to enhance said properties. Based on their work new products are made or safety regulations and standards are developed. Food Scientists typically are hired at private food processing companies. Others can find employment in research and development or in sales. Food Scientists at any point of their careers make around INR 6,06,782 LPA.
Agricultural Scientist: An Agricultural Scientist is a research profile that researches different farming techniques and production methods. Their goal is to increase and have a better yield of crops. In doing so, the Agricultural Scientist must also take care of the environment and soil quality. They are the genius behind coming up with scientific strategies for developing easy and cheaper farming methods.
Agricultural Scientists can find successful employment in Government organizations. Their work will be implemented on a national scale and affect national agriculture plans. Agricultural Scientists should have good analytical and observation skills. Patience along with communication skills are also a necessity. The average salary for Agricultural Scientists is INR 6,10,000 LPA.
Agricultural jobs are abundant in a country like India. There are jobs in both the private sectors and public sectors. There are opportunities in research and development where one can be contributing significantly to agriculture. Agricultural students must take time to understand their options and choose one based on their skills and interests.
