Agriculture Scientist
WHAT WILL YOU DO?
As an Agricultural Scientist, you will be involved in study and research on plants, soil, plant breeding, plant diseases, irrigation methods, pest control in farmlands, farming techniques and various other related fields of science and technology. You will use the research findings to improve techniques of agriculture so as to improve the yield of farm produces (or crops such as rice, wheat, maize, vegetables, cotton, fruits, coffee, etc.), improve the quality of food processed from the farm produce, conserve the environment and reduce the cost of farming.
Depending upon your specialization, you may study and research on breeding and raising of farm animals such as poultry, goats, pigs, cows, buffalo, and fish, animal nutrition, animal behaviour, animal diseases, animal habitat, and various other related fields of science and technology. You will use the research findings to improve techniques of animal farming so as to improve the yield of farm produces (such as eggs, milk, meat, etc.), improve the quality of food processed from farm produces, conserve the environment and reduce the cost of animal farming.
KEY ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
⦁ Make research results available to other professionals or the public or teach related courses or seminars.
⦁ Conduct experiments to develop new or improved varieties of field crops, focusing on characteristics such as yield, quality, disease resistance, nutritional value.
⦁ Develop or improve methods or products for controlling or eliminating weeds, crop diseases, or pests.
⦁ Check raw ingredients for maturity or stability for processing, and finished products for safety, quality, and nutritional value.
⦁ Inspect food processing areas to ensure compliance with government regulations and standards for sanitation, safety, quality, and waste management.
⦁ Evaluate food processing and storage operations and assist in the development of quality assurance programs
⦁ Study methods to improve aspects of foods, such as chemical composition, flavour, colour, texture, and nutritional value
⦁ Conduct research to determine the best methods of planting, cultivating, harvesting, storing, or transporting horticultural products.
WORK ACTIVITIES
⦁ Analyzing and interpreting data and information: Analysis of data and information to find facts, trends, reasons behind situations, etc.; interpretation of data to aid in decision making.
⦁ Communicating with co-workers and others: Communicating with people in writing, verbally or otherwise inside your workplace and various other people who have professional relationships with your place of work including vendors, government officials, etc. or with people at large.
⦁ Decision making and problem-solving: Analysis of data and information; evaluation of alternative decisions and results of decisions; taking the right decisions and solving problems.
⦁ Getting Information and learning: Observing, hearing, reading, using computers, or otherwise obtaining information and learning from it.
⦁ Identifying objects, actions, and events: Identifying various characteristics of objects; observing and understanding actions and events; understanding changes in actions and events.
⦁ Providing advices and consultation to others: Giving advices or consultation to others about various issues, conceptual matters, know-hows, scientific matters, products or services.
⦁ Working in a team: Working in a team of people; developing team; maintaining professional relationships among team members.
⦁ Training and teaching: Understanding educational and training needs of others, developing training programs and educational programs, conducting training programs, teaching and instructing others.
⦁ Updating and using relevant knowledge: Keeping updated with the latest knowledge relevant to your fields of work and use of the relevant knowledge in getting things done.
SPECIALISATION TRACKS IN THIS CAREER
Agriculture Biochemist
Agricultural biochemistry is the study of both chemistry and biochemistry which are important in agricultural production, the processing of raw products into foods and beverages, and in environmental monitoring and remediation.
Agricultural Biotechnologist
Agricultural biotechnology, also known as agritech, is an area of agricultural science involving the use of scientific tools and techniques, including genetic engineering, molecular markers, molecular diagnostics, vaccines, and tissue culture, to modify living organisms: plants, animals, and microorganisms.
Agriculture Chemist
Agricultural chemistry is the study of both chemistry and biochemistry which are important in agricultural production, the processing of raw products into foods and beverages, and in environmental monitoring and remediation.
Agriculture Economist
Agricultural economics is an applied field of economics concerned with the application of economic theory in optimizing the production and distribution of food and fiber.
Agricultural Entomologist
Entomology is the study of insects and their relationship to humans, the environment, and other organisms. Agricultural entomology is a subdivision of Entomology which is the study of field crops, fruit and vegetable pests.
Agricultural Communication Expert
Agricultural communication is a field that focuses on communication about agriculture-related information among agricultural stakeholders and between agricultural and non-agricultural stakeholders.
Agricultural Microbiologist
Agricultural microbiology is a branch of microbiology dealing with plant-associated microbes and plant and animal diseases. It also deals with the microbiology of soil fertility, such as microbial degradation of organic matter and soil nutrient transformations.
Agricultural Physicist
Agrophysics is a branch of science bordering on agronomy and physics, whose objects of study are the agroecosystem – the biological objects, biotope and biocoenosis affected by human activity, studied and described using the methods of physical sciences. Using the achievements of the exact sciences to solve major problems in agriculture, agrophysics involves the study of materials and processes occurring in the production and processing of agricultural crops, with particular emphasis on the condition of the environment and the quality of farming materials and food production.
Crop Scientist
Crop science is the study of the world’s major food, feed, turf, and fiber crops and their environment. It is a broad discipline encompassing breeding, genetics, production, and management
Floriculturist
Floriculture, or flower farming, is a discipline of horticulture concerned with the cultivation of flowering and ornamental plants for gardens and for floristry, comprising the floral industry. The development, via plant breeding, of new varieties is a major occupation of floriculturists.
Food Scientist
Food science draws from many disciplines such as biology, chemical engineering, and biochemistry in an attempt to better understand food processes and ultimately improve food products for the general public. As the stewards of the field, food scientists study the physical, microbiological, and chemical makeup of food. By applying their findings, they are responsible for developing the safe, nutritious foods and innovative packaging that line supermarket shelves everywhere.
Fruit And Vegetable Scientist
Fruit and vegetable management offers specialization in the science and practice of growing, harvesting, handling, storing, processing, and marketing tree fruits, small fruits, and vegetables.
CAREER ENTRY PATHWAYS
Class 10 with any subjects, Science and Mathematics – Class 11-12 in Science stream with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology – B.Sc. in Agricultural Science – M.Sc. in Agricultural Science
After your secondary level of schooling, you can study Science with Biology in your higher secondary school (10+2) and then study for an undergraduate degree in BSc Agricultural Science followed by a master’s degree and further study.
Class 10 with any subjects, Science and Mathematics – Class 11-12 in Science stream with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology – B.Sc. in Agricultural Biotechnology-M.Sc. Agricultural Biotechnology and further study
After your secondary level of schooling, you can study Science with Biology in your higher secondary school (10+2) and then study for an undergraduate degree in B.Sc. Agricultural Biotechnology followed by a master’s degree and further study.
Class 10 with any subjects, Science and Mathematics – Class 11-12 in Science stream with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics – B.E. / B.Tech. in Agricultural Engineering – M.E. in Agricultural Engineering/ related courses
After your secondary level of schooling, you can study Science with Mathematics in your higher secondary school (10+2) and then study for an undergraduate degree in B.Tech. / B.E. in Agricultural Science followed by a master’s degree and further study.
Class 10 with any subjects, Science and Mathematics – Class 11-12 in Science stream with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology – B.Sc. in Food Science- PG / M.Sc. in Food Science and further study
After your secondary level of schooling, you can study Science with Biology in your higher secondary school (10+2) and then study for an undergraduate degree in UG Food Science followed by a master’s degree and further study.
Class 10 with any subjects, Science and Mathematics – Class 11-12 in Science stream with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics– B.Sc. in Food Science- PG / M.Sc. in Food Science and further study
After your secondary level of schooling, you can study Science with Mathematics in your higher secondary school(10+2) and then study for an undergraduate degree in BSc Food Science followed by a master’s degree and further study.
Class 10 with any subjects, Science and Mathematics – Class 11-12 in Science stream with Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Biology – B.Sc. in Agricultural Science- PG / M.Sc. in Agricultural Science and further study
After your secondary level of schooling, you can study Science with Biology and Maths in your higher secondary school (10+2) and then study for an undergraduate degree in BSc Agricultural Science followed by a master’s degree and further study.
EDUCATION REQUIREMENT
At Undergraduate level
⦁ After completing your junior secondary education, you should pick Science with Biology (Physics, Chemistry, and Biology) in 10+2, after which you can go for a BSc in Agriculture/BSc in Agricultural Biotechnology/other related courses
⦁ After completing your junior secondary education, you should pick Science with Biology and Maths (Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics and Biology) in 10+2, after which you can go for a B.E./Btech in Agricultural Engineering
Post Graduation and Qualification Exam
⦁ After Graduation, you have carried on with post-graduation by choosing to further study and research in a specialization of your interest. A Masters degree is mandatory if you are looking to be an agricultural scientist. Some of the specializations available for a Masters degree are Agricultural Biochemistry, Agricultural Biotechnology, Soil Science, Agricultural Microbiology, Agricultural Entomology, Agriculture economics, Floriculture, Horticulture, among others
⦁ You can further pursue a Doctorate in the said specializations.
MINIMUM EDUCATION REQUIRED MAXIMUM EDUCATION REQUIRED
EDUCATION REQUIRED
Under Graduate
DESCRIPTION
Undergraduate Degree / Honours Diploma / Graduate Diploma (equivalent to a Degree) Programs for which the minimum eligibility is a pass in Higher Secondary / Class XII School Leaving examination. EDUCATION REQUIRED
Post-Doctoral
DESCRIPTION
Post Ph.D. programs for which the minimum eligibility is a Doctoral degree.
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JOB OPPORTUNITIES
The Agricultural Scientist Recruitment Board (ASRB) under ICAR conducts the ARS exam for recruitment as an Agricultural Scientist for various vacancies under different specializations.
Candidates who clear ARS exam are recruited to the post of Junior Scientist after a period of training.
Alternatively,you can instead clear the NET exam conducted by ASRB and join into one of these institutes as a Young Professional (Consultant) or a Junior Research Fellow.
Following are some entry-level jobs available as an agricultural scientist:
⦁ Junior Scientist after ARS exam
⦁ Junior Research Fellow after clearing NET-ASRB exam
⦁ Associate Professor at the educational institute after clearing NET-ASRB exam
⦁ Young Professional (Consultant) after clearing NET-ASRB exam
⦁ Agricultural Development Officer through State Government exam after postgraduation
Some organizations where you can get a job:
⦁ ICAR institutes
⦁ Educational Institutes
⦁ Energy Corporations
⦁ DuPont India
⦁ National Agro Industries
⦁ Advanta India
⦁ Nestle India
⦁ Dabur India
⦁ Cadbury India
⦁ PepsiCo India
WORK ENVIRONMENT
Agricultural and food scientists work in laboratories, in offices, and in the field. The discipline is very research intrinsic and academic by nature They majority of time is spent studying data, collecting and analyzing samples, conducting research, building and testing theories and building reports in a laboratory or an office. Use of sophisticated equipment is involved. Need for precision and safety measures is high. Fieldwork includes visits to farms or processing plants. Agricultural Scientists are full time working professionals.
COMPETENCIES REQUIRED
Occupational interest:
Investigative — Investigative occupations frequently involve working with ideas and require an extensive amount of thinking
Realistic — Realistic occupations frequently involve work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions
Conventional — Conventional occupations frequently involve following set procedures and routines
Knowledge
⦁ Biological Sciences: Knowledge of plants and animals, their anatomical structure, cell structure, tissues, physiological functions, evolution, and all other related aspects.
Skills
⦁ Active Learning: Focused and continuous learning from various sources of information, observation and otherwise for application in getting work done.
⦁ Communication in English: Skills in communicating effectively in writing as well as verbally with others in English language.
⦁ Coordination: Skills in working together with other people to get things done.
⦁ Critical Thinking: Skills in analysis of complex situations, using of logic and reasoning to understand the situations and take appropriate actions or make interpretations and inferences.
⦁ Judgment and Decision Making: Skills in considering pros and cons of various decision alternatives; considering costs and benefits; taking appropriate and suitable decisions.
⦁ Problem Solving: Skills in analysis and understanding of problems, evaluating various options to solve the problems and using the best option to solve the problems.
⦁ Reading Comprehension: Skills in understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
⦁ Scientific: Skills in using various scientific rules and methods to get things done or solve problems.
Abilities
⦁ Abstract Reasoning: The ability to understand ideas which are not expressed in words or numbers; the ability to understand concepts which are not clearly expressed verbally or otherwise.
⦁ Deductive Reasoning: The ability to apply general rules and common logic to specific problems to produce answers that are logical and make sense. For example, understanding the reasons behind an event or a situation using general rules and common logic.
⦁ Flexibility of Closure: The ability to identify or detect a pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) that is hidden among other distracting materials.
⦁ Inductive Reasoning: The ability to combine pieces of information from various sources, concepts, and theories to form general rules or conclusions. For example, analyzing various events or situations to come out with a set of rules or conclusions.
⦁ Inter-Personal: The ability to build and maintain good relationships with others at workplaces and elsewhere.
⦁ Naturalistic Intelligence: The ability to recognize different flora and fauna of the world; sensitivity towards nature and natural surroundings; sensitivity towards the needs of different flora and fauna.
⦁ Verbal Reasoning: The ability to think and reason with words; the ability to reason out ideas expressed in words.
Personality
⦁ You are somewhat organized in your day-to-day life and activities.
⦁ You are somewhat careful about your actions and behavior.
⦁ You are imaginative sometimes.
⦁ You prefer to experience new things and have new experiences sometimes.
⦁ You act independently sometimes but do not do so in some other times.
⦁ You are always practical or in most situations.
EARNING
Following are salary figures for a few prominent jobs mentioned under the job opportunities sector
⦁ ICAR Scientist- Rs 57,700- Rs 68,900 per month
⦁ ICAR Senior Scientist- Rs 1,31,400 per month
⦁ ICAR Principal Scientist- Rs 1,44,200 per month
⦁ Junior Research Fellow after NET-ASRB- Rs 25,000- Rs 28,000 per month
⦁ Young Professional Consultant at ICAR institutes- Rs 25,000 per month
⦁ Assistant Professor- Rs 28,000- Rs 80,000 per month
⦁ Professor- Rs 80,000- Rs 2,00,000 per month
⦁ Agricultural Development Officer- Rs 35120-Rs 87130 per month
With other jobs such as Agricultural engineer, you would typically start out with a salary of Rs 20,000- Rs 30,000. With 4-5 years of experience, they attract a salary in the range of Rs 35000- Rs 55,000, and after more than 7 years of experience their salary usually falls in the Rs 60,000- Rs 1,20,000 bracket.
MONTHLY EARNINGS IN INDIAN RUPEE *
Entry Level
Min Earning
Max Earning
25000
35000
Junior Level
Min Earning
Max Earning
35000
65000
Mid Level
Min Earning
Max Earning
80000
140000
Senior Level
Min Earning
Max Earning
200000
240000
* Entry level: 0 – 2 years of work experience | Junior Level: From 1 to 12 years of work experience | Mid Level: From 5 to 20+ years of work experience | Senior Level: From 10 to 25+ years of work experience (there could be exceptions in some high-end technical, financial, engineering, creative, management, sports, and other careers; also in the near future, people will reach these levels much faster in many careers and in some careers, these levels will have no meaning as those careers will be completely tech skill driven such as even now, there is almost no level in a Cyber Security Expert’s job)
CAREER GROWTH
We have already listed several entry-level jobs such as Junior Research Scientist, junior Research fellow, Associate professor,and Assistant Project Manager.
After amassing 3-6 years on the job you can move onto mid-level roles such as Senior Research scientists, Senior Research Fellow, Project Manager, Business Development Executive, Assistant Professor and more.
With more than 6-8 years of experience, you can move on to Senior Roles such as that of Principal Scientist, Professor,Senior Project Manager, Area Sales Manager etc
FUTURE PROSPECTS
India has the 10th-largest arable land resources in the world. With 20 agro-climatic regions, all 15 major climates in the world exist in India. The country also possesses 46 of the 60 soil types in the world. During the 2017-18 crop year, food grain production is estimated at a record of 284.83 million tonnes. In 2018-19, Government of India is targeting foodgrain production of 285.2 million tonnes. Production of horticulture crops is estimated at 306.82million tonnes (mt) in 2017-18 as per third advance estimates. This data clearly suggests that India is largely an agrarian economy. But where more than sixty per cent of people practice agriculture, the GDP share of agriculture is less than twenty per cent, which clearly states the need of innovative agricultural practices to boost output sustainably, which is why there is a need of agricultural scientists more than ever.
FUTURE PROSPECTS AT A GLANCE
Current (0-1 year) Long Term (2-5 year) Very Long Term (6-10 years)
Slow Growth Slow Growth Slow Growth
FOR SPECIALLY ABLED PERSONS
People with the following special abilities may pursue this career:
⦁ Mild Physical Disability
⦁ Leprosy Cured Person
⦁ Cerebral Palsy
⦁ Dwarfism
⦁ Acid Attack Victim
⦁ Low Vision
⦁ Hard of hearing
⦁ Dyslesxia