India is a country with abundant land of agriculture/farmland. From ancient times, Indian farmers have used traditional methods to cultivate the land and produce food for their families and communities. Today, a new generation of Indian farmers is interested in learning modern techniques to improve their yields and farm more efficiently.
Fortunately, there are now many agriculture courses offered in India that can help them to follow modern farming techniques. In the following sections, we start learning about some of the top agriculture courses offered in India. We will also discuss the benefits of taking such courses and how they can help you become a better farmer.
India’s agricultural history
India has a long and rich history of agriculture. The country’s first farmers settled in the Indus River Valley more than 10,000 years ago. They grew crops like wheat, barley, and peas. Over time, they began domesticating animals like cows, pigs, and chickens. Today, India is the world’s second-largest producer of food. More than 54% of the country’s workforce is employed in agriculture.
The sector contributes around 17% to India’s GDP. The government invests heavily in agricultural research and development to improve yields and productivity. There are many different types of agriculture practiced in India. The main categories are dryland farming, irrigation-based farming, livestock husbandry, and forestry. Dryland farming is practiced in areas that receive low rainfall.
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Farmers here grow crops like millet, sorghum, and pulses. Irrigation-based farming is done in areas where water is available for irrigation through canals or wells. Farmers here grow crops like rice, wheat, sugarcane, and cotton. Livestock husbandry includes activities like dairy farming and poultry farming. Forestry includes activities like timber production and bamboo cultivation.
The types of agriculture courses offered in India
The study of agriculture is vital for students who want to enter the field. This provides them with the necessary skills and knowledge to succeed. There are a variety of agriculture courses offered in India that cover topics such as animal husbandry, crop science, soil science, and agronomy. Animal husbandry courses focus on caring for and managing livestock, including cattle, sheep, goats, pigs, and poultry.
Students learn about feed and nutrition, breeding and genetics, health and disease management, and marketing. Crop science courses cover plant physiology, ecology, pest management, and soil science. Students learn about different types of crops, how to grow them effectively, and how to protect them from pests and diseases. Soil science courses focus on the physical properties of soils and their chemical composition.
Students learn about soil fertility, tillage practices, irrigation methods, drainage systems, and erosion control. Agronomy courses focus on the production of crops for commercial purposes. Students learn about crop rotation systems, yield estimation methods, farm machinery use and maintenance, marketing strategies, business management principles, and financial planning.
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Why study agriculture in India?
There are multiple reasons to study agriculture in India. The country has a long history of agriculture, and it is one of the world’s leading food producers. India is also home to many small farmers, who often need access to modern technology and knowledge. Because of this, there is a great need for qualified agriculturalists in India.
In addition to the need for qualified agriculturalists, there are many opportunities for students interested in agriculture to study in India. The country has many excellent universities offering programs in agriculture and related fields. Students studying agriculture in India will have the opportunity to learn about traditional farming practices, modern methods, and technologies.
They will also be able to gain hands-on experience working on farms and in other agricultural settings. Overall, studying agriculture in India is an excellent way to prepare for a career in this field. Students who complete an agricultural program in India will be prepared for success in various careers, including farming, teaching, research, and extension work.
List of agricultural universities in India
Many agricultural universities in India offer a variety of courses in agriculture and related disciplines. Some of the popular ones include the Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI), the Central Agricultural University (CAU), and the National Dairy Research Institute (NDRI). These institutions offer undergraduate and graduate programs in agriculture and research opportunities for students interested in pursuing a career in this field.
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The IARI is one of India’s oldest and most prestigious agricultural universities. It was established in 1905 and is located in New Delhi. The IARI offers a four-year Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) program in Agriculture, as well as M.Sc. and Ph.D. programs in the agriculture field. Research at the IARI is focused on improving crop yields, developing new varieties of crops, and investigating ways to combat pests and diseases.
The CAU was established in 1974 and is located in Imphal, Manipur. It offers a four-year B.Sc. program in Agriculture and M.Sc., Ph.D., and post-doctoral programs. Research at the CAU focuses on improving crop production methods, developing new varieties of crops, investigating ways to combat pests and diseases, and studying the impact of climate change on agriculture.
The NDRI was established in 1923 and is located in Karnal, Haryana. It offers a four-year B.Sc.(Hons.) program
Admission process for agricultural courses in India
To get admission in an agricultural course in India, the students must have completed their 10+2 or equivalent study credits with a science stream from a recognized board. The admission process for agricultural courses in India generally starts after the declaration of the 12th board results. There are many entrance exams conducted at the national and state level for admission to agricultural courses in India. The popular entrance exams for agricultural courses are ICAR AIEEA, AICE-JRF/SRF Exam, BHU UET, IIT JAM, etc.
Candidates can appear for more than one entrance exam based on their eligibility criteria. The selection process for most agricultural courses includes an entrance exam followed by personal interviews and group discussion rounds. The final selection is based on marks secured by the students in all the selection rounds. Candidates who have cleared any of the entrances mentioned above exams with good marks are eligible to apply for admission to various agricultural courses offered in India.
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Top agricultural colleges in India
The study of agriculture is vital for the development of any country as it forms the backbone of its economy. In India, many prestigious agricultural colleges offer students a wide range of courses. The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) is the apex body that governs and regulates agricultural education in India. It was established in 1929 and currently has 101 constituent members. The top agricultural colleges in India, according to ICAR, are:
- Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI), New Delhi
- Central Agricultural University (CAU), Imphal
- Jawaharlal Nehru Krishi Vishwavidyalaya (JNKVV), Jabalpur
- Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU), Coimbatore
- Chaudhary Charan Singh Haryana Agricultural University (HAU), Hisar
- Orissa University of Agriculture and Technology (OUAT), Bhubaneswar
- Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), Ludhiana
- Maharashtra Animal & Fishery Sciences University (MAFSU), Nagpur
- Kerala Veterinary and Animal Sciences University (KVASU), Thrissur 10. Andhra Pradesh Agriculture University(APAU), Hyderabad
FAQs about studying agriculture in India
What are the various agriculture courses offered in India?
- B.Sc Agriculture
- B.Tech Agriculture
- B.Voc Agriculture
- Diploma in Agriculture
- M.Sc Agriculture
- MBA (Agriculture)
- Ph.D. (Agriculture)
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What are the eligibility criteria for studying agriculture in India?
The eligibility criteria for studying agriculture in India vary depending on the course wish to pursue. For instance, the minimum qualification for pursuing a B.Sc Agriculture course is 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology as subjects. The minimum qualification for pursuing a B.Tech Agriculture course is 10+2, with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics as subjects.
What are the top agricultural colleges in India?
- Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI), New Delhi
- National Dairy Research Institute (NDRI), Karnal
- Central Tobacco Research Institute (CTRI), Hyderabad
- Central Potato Research Institute (CPRI), Shimla.
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