Time to aim for ADO posts in Punjab

Sanjay Arora

Do you feel passionately for the plight of Indian farmers? Are you an agriculture enthusiast to the point where it was your college major? Do you want to work for the betterment of Indian agriculture? Seems like the Department of Agriculture, Punjab has an opportunity for you. The department has 141 openings for the post of Agriculture Development Officer.

The Department of Agriculture under the Government of Punjab bridges the gap between farmers and experts. The department works towards establishing sustainable agricultural practices, ensuring food security and the socio-economic upliftment of people in rural areas. The department also promotes Integrated Nutrient Management (INM), Integrated Pest Management (IPM) and the efficient use of water resources.

Recruitment Procedure

Recruitment will take place on the basis of marks obtained by candidates in a written test followed by an interview. The written test will carry a total of 300 marks distributed as follows:

Syllabus

Syllabus of the subject (as under BSc (Agriculture) level)

• Technologies for improved cultural practices for Kharif and Rabi crops from seeding to seed i.e. grain maturation.
• Field preparation, sowing methods, time of sowing etc.
• Efficient management practices for fertilisation, irrigation, weed control, nutrient re-cycling, mulches and crop residue management; crop rotation, multiple cropping, mixed cropping, intercropping.
• Cultivation of cash crops.
• Integrated disease and pest management in Kharif and Rabi crops. 100 250

Logical Reasoning, Mental Ability 10 25

General Knowledge and Current Affairs 10 25

The candidates shortlisted on the basis of the written exam will appear for an interview carrying a total of 40 marks.

How to apply

• Go to the website of Punjab Public Service Commission-ppsc.gov.in.
• Under ‘Online Registration’ category, click on ‘Apply for the Post’.
• Refer to Advertisement No.20203 and click on action ‘Apply/View’.
• Click on ‘Apply Online’.
• Fill in all required fields.
• Submit the Online Application Form.
• Deposit the Application fees by system generated Bank Challan Form

Total Fee: Rs500 application fee+ category specific eExamination Fee

— The writer is Panchkula-based employability expert and Chief Mentor, Maven

Job profile

An Agriculture Development Officer typically works for increased agricultural activity and income within their prescribed area. They formulate and implement plans for the smooth functioning of various agricultural practices. Constant assessment of goals and progress made towards achieving them through the means of analysing data and developing strategies is a regularity in the job. Management of certain certain administrative support functions also comes with the ambit of the job.

Factsheet

Post Name: Agriculture Development Officer
Official Notification Start Date: January 31, 2020
Online Application last date: February 20, 2020
Fee Payment last date: February 27, 2020
Exam date: March 8, 2020
Pay Scale: Rs15600-39100 + 5400/- Grade Pay

Eligibility

Candidates should not be below 18 years and above 37 years of age as on 01-01-2020.

i) Upper age limit may be relaxed up to 45 years for Punjab Govt. and its Board/Corporation/Commission and Authorities employees, all States/ Central Government employees.

ii) The Upper age limit is relaxed up to 42 years for Scheduled Castes and Backward Classes of Punjab.

iii) Upper age limit is also relaxable up to 42 years for Widows, Divorcees and certain other Categories of Women.

iv) Upper age limit is also relaxed upto 47 years for Persons with Disability of Punjab

• Degree in BSc (Agriculture) (with minimum 60 per cent marks) from any recognised university or institution.
• Preference given to cnadidates having MSc (Agriculture).
• Punjabi of Matric or its equivalent standard

For more information refer to https://www.ppsc.gov.in/Advertisement/detailadv.aspx?advno=20203&postid=209