A goldmine of opportunities - Agriculture

“If agriculture goes wrong, nothing else will have a chance to go right.”

Areas in Agriculture:

RESEARCH

• Geared towards boosting productivity, agriculture research studies the different facets of agricultural production, ranging from seeds and soils to irrigation and harvesting that would increase the output for domestic consumption as well as exports.  
• With thousands of scientists and over one lakh support staff, India has one of the most extensive agriculture research systems in the world. 
• More plant scientists are needed to improve agriculture growth. There is worldwide demand for agriculture scientists doing R&D in the lab and for experts who look after crop production in the field, such as agronomists, plant pathologists and breeders. The growing impetus for organic produce is also creating many opportunities, especially in horticulture crops.
• Some trials and experiments may not work or may give unexpected data, so the person should be able to interpret the data properly, admit mistakes and learn from them. Growing crops need proper management and care at all times, so hard work is also essential.
• Careers in research, especially as a research scientist, typically require candidates with a doctoral qualification, such as a PhD in agronomy, genetics or plant breeding. A master’s qualification is required for entry-level positions in research, both on-site and in the lab. However, those with relevant undergraduate qualifications, such as agriculture science or biotechnology are eligible for support positions on the field and within labs.
• A qualification in agriculture engineering typically leads to research openings related to the design and manufacture of farm machinery and systems for irrigation and food processing.
• Employment Avenues - Public and private research bodies such as the Indian Council of Agricultural Research and the International Crops Research Institute for Semi-Arid Tropics; research departments at agriculture universities; agribusinesses, especially seed companies 

AGRI-BUSINESS MANAGEMENT

• With growing commercialisation, a number of businesses have emerged in this sector catering to everything, from production technology to food processing. Agribusiness management refers to the management of the finances, marketing and operation of such businesses. 
•  As a signatory of the World Trade Organization, India has immense potential to increase its export of a number of different agricultural commodities, both raw and processed. The huge population also implies major domestic demand, and with a growing affluence, the market for processed food is also going up.
• Farming practices in India have traditionally been organic, involving a minimal usage of synthetic pesticides and fertilizers. Hence the booming market for organic produce has created many opportunities in this segment. During 2012-13, India exported organic products worth USD 312 million to countries around the world. The domestic market is also growing at 15-25 per cent annually.
• Typically candidates for agribusiness management roles are MBA students, especially those with degrees in agribusiness or rural management. Institute of Rural Management Anand(IRMA) provides post graduate management degrees in rural management.
• Employment Avenues - National and multinational companies, especially those working in fields like seeds, bio-pesticides, bio-fertilizers, micro-irrigation and labour-saving farm equipment.

AGRI-FINANCE

• Agri-finance refers to credit extended for investment in agriculture to farmers as well as businesses. In the years before independence and for a few years after, this sector was dominated by unscrupulous moneylenders and their tales of exploitation. However, in the 1930s, the Reserve Bank of India stepped in to curtail the malpractice, and opened the door to growing opportunities in this sector. 
• Under the Reserve Bank of India mandate, agriculture is a priority area and all banks are required to apportion a percentage of loans for this sector. This has led to greater organisation and opportunities in agri-finance.
• There are a number of roles within agri-finance, ranging from pre- and post-disbursement activities, inspection and document management, to generating reports and analysis for informed decisionmaking, underwriting proposals and designing services suitable for this sector.
•  Agriculture graduates with a specialisation or post graduate diploma in finance are a good fit for this field.
• Employment Avenues - Public and private sector banks; microfinance Institutions; agribusinesses and developmental agencies such as the International Finance Corporation and the Food and Agriculture Organization.