The lush plains of India, with sediment-rich soil deposited by the medley of great Himalayan rivers, historically made it self-sufficient in feeding itself. Our country was also home to one of the oldest agrarian societies yet discovered, with proof being found of the Indus Valley Civilization having trade relations with the ancient societies of Sumeria and Egypt.
That factor, along with the varied geography of the country, was one of the reasons the British came to India and used it as a cash cow. While the opportunities for cultivation of a wide variety of food and cash crops are there in India, we lag far behind other developing countries in making the most use of our land resources economically. The bigger problem lies in the lack of environment-friendly farming practices adoption in India, which leads to frequent disasters like droughts, salinization, pestilence, groundwater poisoning, etc.
So what’s the solution for the backward state of agriculture in India, even though its natural resources make up for it a lot, making it one of the biggest exporters of various plant and animal-based products? In this blog post, we will discuss some benefits of pursuing a course in agricultural science at MSc Agriculture colleges in MP, whose graduates, we think, might play a part in alleviating India’s problems in the agricultural sector.
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MSc Agriculture Course: Overview
An MSc in Agriculture is a two-year postgraduate program that offers advanced education and training in various agricultural subjects and can be pursued by anyone having an undergraduate degree in agriculture or related subjects. This degree, when pursued from the best private university in Bhopal, can open up many opportunities for career growth and personal development for those interested in pursuing a career in agriculture or allied industries.
Take a look at the table below to get an overview of this course that can be found at MSc agriculture colleges in MP and other institutions across India.
Course Name | Master of Science in Agriculture |
Level | Postgraduate |
Duration | 2 years |
Mode of Examination | Semester System |
Eligibility Criteria | 50% or more in BSc Agriculture/ Horticulture/ equivalent |
Mode of Admission | Merit or entrance test |
Average Course Fee | IRN 50,000 – INR 1.5 LPA |
What Does the MSc Agriculture Curriculum Entail?
Before we look at the benefits of an MSc Agriculture degree, let us first understand what the course entails. An MSc Agriculture course is divided into four semesters, each lasting six months. The first two semesters cover the core subjects that provide a foundation for the students in various disciplines of agriculture. Meanwhile, the third semester, at MSc agriculture colleges in Bhopal and elsewhere, allows students to choose an area of interest and deepen their knowledge and skills in that field.
Finally, the fourth semester in this course involves students applying their learning to a real-world problem through a research project or a dissertation, at MSc agriculture colleges in MP and elsewhere. Some of the common subjects offered by different universities and colleges in India are:
Agronomy | Genetics | Animal Husbandry |
Soil Science | Biotechnology | Agribusiness |
Plant Breeding | Horticulture | Agricultural Extension |
Benefits of Pursuing an MSc Agriculture Degree
An MSc Agriculture degree can offer many benefits to the students who pursue it. Some of these benefits at Mansarovar Global University are as follows:
Increased Knowledge and Skills
MSc Agriculture colleges in MP can help students understand the complexities and challenges of the sector and devise effective solutions for them through the in-depth knowledge and practical skills that they acquire in various areas of agriculture. An MSc Agriculture degree, from one of the top universities in MP can also help students develop skills essential for success in any field:
- Critical thinking,
- Research,
- Communication,
- Leadership,
- Teamwork, and
- Entrepreneurial skills.
A Multitude of Career Opportunities
Pursuing an MSc in Agriculture from one of the best agriculture colleges in MP can open up a multitude of career opportunities for students in both public and private sectors. Some of the possible common career options are:
Agricultural Scientist
An agricultural scientist can work in research institutes, agriculture colleges in MP or elsewhere, government agencies, NGOs, or private companies conducting research on various problems in agriculture, such as:
- Crop improvement,
- Pest management,
- Soil fertility,
- Water conservation, etc.
Agricultural Officer
An agricultural officer is someone who oversees the implementation
of agricultural policies and programs at the district or state level. They work in government departments such as agriculture, horticulture, animal husbandry, fisheries, etc.
Agricultural Consultant
Agricultural consultants work as freelancers, or for consulting firms or NGOs, providing expert advice and guidance to farmers or agribusinesses on various aspects of agriculture that you’ll find taught in MSc agriculture colleges in MP like:-
- Crop selection,
- Fertiliser application,
- Irrigation management,
- Marketing strategy, etc.
Agricultural Manager
An agricultural manager manages the operations and finances of an agricultural enterprise such as a farm, orchard, nursery, greenhouse, etc.
Agriculture Professor
An agriculture professor works in schools, government and private agriculture colleges in Bhopal and elsewhere, vocational institutes, or extension centres, teaching or training students or farmers on topics such as:
- Crop production,
- Animal husbandry,
- Soil science,
- Plant pathology, etc.
Higher Education
An MSc Agriculture degree can also enable students to pursue higher education in agriculture or related fields. Some of the preferred higher education options for graduates of MSc Agriculture colleges in MP are:-
- PhD
- MBA
- PG Diploma in Agri-Business Management
- PG Diploma in Plant Protection
- PG Diploma in Seed Technology
- PG Diploma in Horticulture
Conclusion
India has one of the best possible soil and climatic conditions for large-scale agriculture but has lagged behind other developed countries in the implementation of best practices in the industry at the grassroots level. A lot of those problems, however, can be mitigated or totally avoided with sufficient percolation of the latest scientific developments in the field of agriculture. This is where MSc agriculture colleges in MP and elsewhere have a part to play, as they educate students on all the latest developments in the field and offer plenty of career opportunities for them to implement what they have learned.
FAQs
- Do I need to sit for any entrance exam for the MSc Agriculture at Mansarovar Global University?
No, admission to the MSc Agriculture course at Mansarovar Global University is merit-based so you don’t need to sit for any entrance exam to get admission to it.
- What is the average salary of an MSc Agriculture graduate?
The average starting salary of an MSc Agriculture fresher is around 1 – 2.5 LPA in India.
- Does MSc Agriculture teach about livestock farming too?
Yes, an MSc Agriculture course teaches about livestock farming too, with topics such as animal husbandry, dairy farming, genetics, etc. being common topics in its curriculum.
- Is Mansarovar Global University private or government?
Mansarovar Global University is a wholly private university and is considered one of the best universities in the state of Madhya Pradesh.
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