Harvest nature’s bounty

Preetinder Kaur 

AGRICULTURE, is the backbone of the Indian economy and it plays the most crucial role in the socio-economic sphere of the country. The agriculture sector provides livelihood to about 52 per cent of the population of the country and contributes about 15 per cent to the Gross Domestic Product. Now-a-days Indian agriculture has become globalised and the idea of integrating Indian agriculture with the world economy is getting support. Trained human resource has been the key factor behind the Green Revolution, White Revolution, Yellow Revolution, that has led India to become self reliant in food and becoming a fast developing economy.

But in spite of the fact that agriculture is a part of the NCERT syllabus for Class XII for science stream students and the demand for trained professionals in the field of agriculture is high, agri courses remain low on the list of students in their hunt for courses and colleges. 

The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) and Agricultural Universities (AUs) have played a crucial role in planning, designing and executing the national agricultural educational programmes. Many state universities in India offer graduation in agriculture that students of science stream in Class XII can join. The eligibility criteria may vary, depending on the university in terms of a PCB/PCMB/PCA/PCM combination. These universities conduct their own specific tests for admission into bachelor’s programmes in addition to the All India Entrance Examination and admission is granted on the basis of performance in the entrance examinations or merit.

Students looking for farm and field related courses can choose not only from agriculture courses but also horticulture, forestry, dairy science and animal husbandry and veterinary courses. There is a wide choice available in all of these in the region as a number of agricultural universities, colleges as well as private institutions are offering degree as well as diploma and certificate courses. Students who want to pursue a career in farming and livestock are offered varied options by Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana and Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Ludhiana . Students can enroll themselves in these universities after  Class XII. Post graduate courses and PhDs are also offered by these universities. The PAU is running B.Sc. Agri. (Hons) 6-year degree programme under the College of Agriculture at the Institute of Agriculture, Bathinda and Institute of Agriculture, Gurdaspur with admission capacity of 60 at each of the institutes. After passing the first two years of the degree programme at these institutes, the students then join their 3rd year of B.Sc. Agri. (Hons) along with 1st year of B.Sc. Agri. (Hons) 4-year degree programme at the College of Agriculture, PAU Ludhiana.

Agriculture courses

At bachelor’s level, ideal courses are three-year or four-year degree courses in agricultural science, agricultural engineering, agricultural science and technology, or food science and agriculture. Alternative options at the bachelor’s level are food science, biotechnology, environmental science, microbiology, biochemistry, botany etc.

Veterinary science

Despite wide scope and significance, Veterinary science was always a second fiddle to agriculture. However, when farmers suffered huge financial losses due to crop failure, animal husbandry came to their rescue. A veterinarian can practice at government or private veterinary hospitals or start their own clinics. Animal husbandry departments of State and Central government also hire them. Different courses that students can go in for are: Bachelor of Veterinary Science & Animal Husbandry (B.V.Sc & AH) – 5 years; BV. Sc. in Animal Genetics and Breeding; BV. Sc. in Animal Production & Management; BV. Sc. in Veterinary Surgery & Radiology; BV. Sc. in Veterinary Medicine, Public Health & Hygiene. Every year GADVASU conducts entrance test to select candidates for the 5½ year B.V.Sc.& A.H. programme. 

ELIGIBILITY: Plus II or equivalent with physics, chemistry, biology and English from a recognised Board/University with at least 50 per cent marks in aggregate (40 per cent marks in aggregate for SC/ST & BC categories) excluding optional subject.

Horticulture and Forestry

Forests are one of the most important natural resources. Management of forests and their preservation is key to dealing with concerns related to global warming, deforestation, and water scarcity, natural disasters.  Thus, career opportunities for forestry students are increasing and forestry and horticulture courses can open the doors for lucrative careers. Students can take up jobs in various public and private sectors like ICFRE, Institute of Social Forestry and Eco-rehabilitation and wildlife research institutes, Department of Forest and Wild Life.  According to Dr. Vijay Singh Thakur, Director (Research), Dr. Y. S. Parmar University of Horticulture & Forestry, Nauni, Solan, “They can be employed as NGOs in conservation and upgradation of forests. Corporate houses involved in timber plantations also need the services of Forestry students. Students can also be employed in botanical and Zoological parks, wildlife sanctuaries and national parks. The students also have the opportunities in Discovery and Natural Geographic channels of media, wildlife journalism etc.”

Dairy Technology & Management

Dairy management is a diversified field consisting of many tasks, tools and principles from the discipline of management sciences. It draws help from these disciplines to better manage the whole process of Dairy Farming. India is the second largest milk producer in the world and White Revolution has established dairy industry as an important pillar of the Indian economy. There are 700 dairy plants in India and the number is increasing day by day.  To run these plants and also to produce innovative dairy foods, dairy professionals are required. Apart from the core area of Dairy Technology, dairy professionals are also required for quality control and other allied areas such as dairy chemistry, dairy microbiology, dairy engineering and others.

Agricultural Engineering

Agricultural engineering uses scientific principles and technology to solve problems relating to sustainable agricultural production. Agricultural engineers perform tasks such as planning, supervising and managing the building of dairy effluent schemes, irrigation, drainage, flood and water control systems, perform environmental impact assessments and interpret research results and implement relevant practices.

Courses

• BSc/MSc Agriculture
• BE Agricultural and Irrigation Engineering
• BE Agricultural Engineering
• BTech Agricultural Engineering
• Diploma in Agricultural Engineering
• ME Agricultural Engineering