Careers in agriculture and agrochemicals are gaining importance due to their critical role in ensuring food security, supporting rural economies and promoting sustainable practices. Agriculture is the backbone of India, providing essential livelihood for human life.
The agriculture and agrochemical industries contribute to environmental protection by promoting sustainable agricultural practices, reducing chemical runoff, and reducing the environmental footprint of agricultural operations.
TeamLease EdTech recently published interesting insights from its Industry Outlook Report HY1 (January – June 2024), the changing job market for newcomers in the agriculture and agrochemical industry, top job opportunities, preferred qualifications and regional hiring trends.
1). Agrochemical Researcher: Agrochemical researchers play an important role in developing innovative solutions to agricultural challenges. With a master’s certificate in agriculture, aspiring researchers can get job opportunities in bustling cities including Delhi, Hyderabad and Coimbatore.
2). Agricultural Engineer: Agricultural engineers are in high demand, especially in tech-savvy cities like Bangalore, where employment stands at 22%. A certificate course in agricultural engineering equips individuals to design and implement cutting-edge solutions in agricultural practices.
3). Field Biologist: Field biologists equipped with GIS course (Geographic Information System) certification are instrumental in environmental and biodiversity studies. With significant placement percentages in cities like Mumbai, Gurugram and Indore, opportunities abound for those interested in environmental protection.
4). Field Officer: Field officers play an important role in ensuring effective implementation of agrochemical practices. A certificate in agrochemical management opens doors to opportunities in cities like Bangalore, Pune and Gurugram.
5). Supply Chain Assistant: Supply chain facilitators help in the seamless movement of agricultural products from farm to market. With a certified supply chain professional qualification, Chennai cities like Ahmedabad and Chandigarh have plenty of opportunities to explore.
Countless opportunities await professionals interested in the field of agriculture and agrochemistry. Whether it’s developing innovative farming techniques or improving supply chain logistics, the sector offers a wide variety of job opportunities to explore and nurture new talent.
Top universities offering courses in agriculture and agrochemical fields
India
– Indian Agricultural Research Institute
– Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana
– GP Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Uttarakhand
– University of Agricultural Sciences, Bangalore
– College of Agriculture, Bangalore Gandhi Krishi Vigyan Kendra
– College of Agriculture, Mandia
– Dr. DY Patil Vidyapeedam
– College of Agriculture, Hassan
– Sericulture College, Chintamani
– College of Agricultural Engineering, Gandhi Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Bangalore
– College of Agriculture, Samarajnagar
– Central Institute of Fisheries Education, Mumbai
Foreign country
– University of California, Davis
– Cornell University
– Purdue University
– China Agricultural University (CAU)
– Laval University
Admission criteria and procedures
To be eligible for Bachelor of Agriculture courses, candidates must have secured at least 50 percent marks in their high school examinations or an equivalent qualification. Candidates with Diploma in Agriculture can also apply. Many universities accept scores from various entrance exams like CUET, ICAR AIEEA, CG PAT, MHT CET, AGRICET and KCET.
Salary Packages (per annum) for various job functions
Salary packages for entry level jobs in agriculture and agrochemistry range from 3 lakhs to 25 lakhs per annum depending on specialization. Research and Development (R&D) professionals can attract packages ranging from 8 to 25 lakhs, while field specialists and supply chain specialists can fetch packages ranging from 3 to 12 lakhs.
– Agrochemical Researcher: Rs 5.4 lakh to Rs 16 lakh
– Agricultural Engineer: Rs 0.3 Lakh to Rs 18.7 Lakh
– Field Biologist: Rs 2 lakh to Rs 8.2 lakh
– Field Officer: Rs 2 lakh to Rs 4.2 lakh
– Supply Chain Assistant: Rs 1.1 Lakh to Rs 8 Lakh
(Author COO and Head of Placement, Teamlease EdTech)
