Many a time, we believe agriculture mostly involves farming and related activities. The modern day and age has transformed agricultural practices, with emphasis on more research and innovation in the field. Over the years, it has shifted from traditional roles to various allied sectors such as horticulture, dairy farming, poultry farming, pisciculture, etc. The commercialisation of agriculture has opened up opportunities in agro-processing and agritech.
If you are one of those who wants to take a plunge into the field of agriculture, here are 9 promising options to look forward to:
Agricultural Engineering: This branch works to help farmers reduce manual work and increase their productivity through the use of modern agricultural equipment, machinery and manufacturing processes. The focus is on 5 main areas i.e. farm equipment, rural structures, soil conservation, drainage & irrigation and rural electricity. Agricultural Engineers also make field visits to ensure that their equipment and processes are working properly.
Horticulture: Horticulture is the science of growing and cultivating fruits, vegetables, herbs, ornamental trees, and decorative flowers. Horticulturists aim at improving the quality, growth, nutritional value and yield of their produce. They also work to maintain nurseries, greenhouses, orchards, and plantations, etc. Due to the rise in the demand for organic food, this sector is quickly picking up.
Dairy Technology: Dairy Technology is a field mainly concerned with the production and processing of milk. Professionals in this field manage the production of milk, including its collection and storage, and oversee its processing to make the milk fit for consumption. They also focus on activities like the packaging, storage and distribution of milk and its by-products, and ensure that nutritional and quality.
Poultry Farming: It involves raising domestic birds like chickens and ducks for procuring their meat and eggs. Majority of the poultry farms are involved in raising chickens due to their wide consumption both for eggs (Layer chickens) and meat (Broiler chickens). Individuals in this field have to manage a range of diverse activities like shed management, feed supply, nutritional standards of the produce, transportation of the products, etc.
Fisheries Science (Aquaculture industry): This area of study deals with understanding the principles of cultivation and harvesting of fish on a commercial basis in freshwater, brackish (saline) water or any marine environment. It also focuses on studying the life, habits and breeding of various species of fish. Study in this field helps students to learn all new methods of rearing fish through non-natural means and also how they can be conserved and transported safely.
Agronomy: It is the branch of agricultural science that deals with the study of crops and the soil in which they grow. Agronomists develop methods that help to improve the use of soil and increase the production of crops. They conduct research in various areas like restoration of soil fertility, preparation of good seedbeds, correct dates of sowing, proper methods of conservation, management of soil moisture and proper methods to control weeds and insects.
Agricultural Economics: It involves the application of the principles of Economics to the agricultural industry. Professionals in this field are engaged in predicting market trends, monitoring trade (import and export) patterns, consumer preferences and production methods for agricultural goods. They also analyze the demand and supply of various agro products and help in determining their price. You can choose your own area of expertise in this field, like crop and livestock sciences, policy analysis, credit analysis, international trade, agribusiness, etc.
Agri-Business Management: This field essentially involves the management of all the business aspects related to agriculture. It includes handling activities relating to the manufacture and distribution of farm equipment and supplies; processing, storage & promotion of food, fibre and related agricultural products, etc. Professionals in this field are required to build a link between the farm and non-farm sectors for smooth movement of supplies.
Agricultural Biotechnology: This field involves understanding and applying a combination of scientific techniques like genetic engineering, molecular diagnostics, vaccines and tissue culture to modify plants, animals and micro-organisms. It allows breeders to make improvements to crops and livestock by identifying and modifying certain genes. It is also used for increasing milk production, preventing and treating animal diseases, and developing better ways of processing food.
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