Agricultural science, as its name suggests, focuses on learning about the procedures and methods used in farming and the production of a variety of crops. Studying agricultural science will increase the likelihood of developing improved crop varieties that yield more and grow faster. Agricultural science covers a wide range of topics that combine elements of business, technology, and science. It teaches how to create new things, focus on improving crop and yield quality, and manage an agriculture-based business. Candidates can pursue this area of study at both the undergraduate and graduate levels.
Scope of Agricultural Science
The need for skilled individuals in the field of agriculture is growing as it becomes more advanced over time. To raise awareness about the technologies created for agricultural sciences and the shifting patterns of crop variations, the field needs educated and skilled personnel. This is crucial because the majority of those working in the agriculture sector lack the education or credentials necessary to become knowledgeable about the newest technologies.
Agricultural science offers the possibility of self-employment as well as career prospects in a wide range of sectors. A BSc in agriculture provides a wide range of prospects for the student. The options are endless, ranging from relocating abroad in quest of better employment to completing an MSc in Agriculture or Ph.D. studies and research.
Careers in Agricultural Science
The government is pushing more people to enter the sector of agriculture, which is an industry that is expanding. The technology that has been included in this subject has unquestionably sped up its development and improved job chances and career prospects in the agriculture sector.
Upcoming Trends
As people explore new ways to enhance output to satisfy the demands of the growing population throughout the world, the importance of agricultural science is growing. Future trends in agriculture are both fashionable and practical, and they have the potential to revolutionize the sector’s productivity. Here are a few of these trends:
1. Regenerative agriculture
2. Indoor vertical farming
3. Cover crops
Job Profiles
Candidates with a background in agricultural sciences are eligible to apply for any of the positions listed below. The most common positions held by graduates and post-graduates in agricultural sciences are listed below, however, there are other positions available as well.
Agronomist
Their responsibility is to manage and research crop productivity and soil composition to maximize yield while preserving the health of the crop and the soil.
Soil engineer
Their responsibility is to investigate the properties of the soil and look for methods and suggestions to raise the soil’s quality for increased fertility and production.
Agricultural officer
They are in charge of maintaining the farmland in rural areas and assisting the farmers in raising their produce following the season.
Food engineer
They are in charge of maintaining the manufacture, packing, and processing of food at various industrial facilities.
Plant Geneticist
Their responsibility is to research plant genetics and experiment with crossing various plant breeds to create superior genetically modified plants.
Horticulturist
They are in charge of putting innovative and effective ideas into practice to enhance the management of the cropland.
Farm manager
Their duties include overseeing farm operations and processing documentation related to equipment purchases.
Crop specialist
Their responsibility is to inform farmers about the crops for crop rotation, instruct them on the appropriate crops for each season, maintain the soil’s fertility, and boost output.
Required Skillset for Agricultural Science
The study of efficient methods and techniques for growing crops or crop patterns is just one aspect of the field of agricultural sciences; it also involves teaching people specific skills before they enter the agricultural-related workforce.
Adaptability: The ability to adapt is the most crucial skill set for any job, regardless of the industry you are applying to. Because real-world scenarios differ greatly from those in the books, what you learn in class might not be immediately transferable to the workplace. To do your work effectively, you must use your head and adjust to the environment and soil type.
Time management and organization: Working in agriculture requires you to handle a variety of tasks, including organizing the raw materials, monitoring the irrigation, distributing the crops, planting the seeds, harvesting, etc. Only if you are organized and have a plan for time management for various activities can you handle so many duties at once. These will support your efforts in producing the greatest crop possible in ideal weather conditions.
Interpersonal Skills: When you enter the sector of agriculture, you will need to have interpersonal skills ingrained in you because you will need to manage many operations simultaneously on your own and be the one to give instructions to the laborer, workers, and machinery. To effectively communicate with the people who are working with you on the job, you need to have solid interpersonal skills.
Versed with technology: You must be knowledgeable about new technology that enters the market because technology is developing and replacing the majority of tasks to lower the amount of labor employed in agriculture. The application of technology in the agricultural sector has increased crop output, improved yields, and consequently, revenue.
Course Curriculum
Agricultural sciences can be studied at the undergraduate and graduate levels, as was already indicated. However, there are several agricultural branches where you might pursue your specializations. The following is a list of the most well-liked academic areas in agricultural science:
- Livestock Production
- Agricultural Engineering
- Plant Pathology
- Plant Breeding and Genetics
- Agronomy
- Extension Education
- Seed Technology
- Forestry
- Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry
- Horticulture
- Agriculture Statistics
- Nematology
- Plant Physiology
- Crop Production
- Agricultural Economics
- Entomology
- Poultry Farming
- Food Production
- Food and beverage service
- Dairy Engineering
- Agriculture Biotechnology
- Agricultural Entomology
- Dairy Technology
- Fisheries Sciences