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What is Agronomist :Your Easy Guide to Courses, Skills, and Careers

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What is Agronomist

Introduction

What is an Agronomist? An agronomist is a professional in the field of agronomy, which is the study and technique of growing and using plants for a variety of purposes, including fuel, land reclamation, food, and fiber. Plant physiology, soil science, meteorology, and plant genetics are all part of agronomy, a discipline of agricultural science.

Agronomists work to improve the production of food and fiber crops by inventing new techniques. In this field, experts are concerned with improving grain and seed nutrition as well as boosting the quantity and quality of meals. Biology and chemistry, as well as mathematics and statistics, are highlighted in the agronomy and crop education curriculum.

Agriculture employs a wide range of strategies to make their work easier and more efficient. Most of the courses are practical, with an emphasis on hands-on experience and learning by doing. Depending on the institute offering the degree, the typical yearly course price ranges from INR 20,000 to 2 lakhs.

In India, the average yearly starting pay for successful postgraduates of the degree ranges from INR 4 lakhs to INR 28 lakhs. It is based on the candidate’s subject competence. This gives you a brief idea about what an agronomist does and the potential career prospects in this field.

Skills Required

IT Skills

Eligibility and Courses

Stream

Graduation

Post-graduation

P.hD.

The candidate must have appeared in 10+2 from any educational board.

The candidate should have a bachelor’s degree to pursue a career in this field. 

If the candidates so desire, they can also pursue a master’s degree. It is not necessary to pursue this option.

If the candidates so desire, they can additionally pursue a Ph.D. It is not, however, necessary to do so.

Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Biology (PCB/PCMB) should be included as core courses.

They can pursue  B.Sc. in Agronomy. Try to maintain at least 50-60% to get admission in post-graduation.

They can pursue  M.Sc.  in Agronomy. 

They can pursue P.hD. in Agronomy.

The candidate should aim for a minimum of 50-60 percent on the exam. Only then will they be eligible for a bachelor’s degree.

To enroll in a bachelor’s degree program, the candidate must pass the admission tests.

To enroll in a master’s degree program, the candidate must pass the admission tests.

Agronomy courses in India-

  1. Undergraduate –  B.Sc. in Agronomy
  2. Postgraduate – M.Sc. in Agronomy
  3. Doctoral program – Ph.D. in Agronomy

Top Colleges

College name

Location

Acharya NG Ranga Agricultural University

Hyderabad

Junagadh Agricultural University

Gujarat

Banaras Hinsu University (BHU)

Banaras

Indira Gandhi Krishi Vishwavidyalaya

Chhattisgarh

Andhra university

Andhra Pradesh

Birla Institute of Technology and Science Admission

Pilani

Tamil Nadu Agricultural University

Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu

Mahatma Phule Krishi Vidyapeeth

Maharashtra

Andhra University

Andhra Pradesh

Vellore Institute of Technology Engineering Entrance Examination

Vellore

Jawaharlal Nehru University

New Delhi

Internships for students studying Agronomy- Interns are used for crop care, soil and plant sampling, inventory monitoring, and delivery, data input and analysis, and research in most agriculture internships. Interns should have excellent communication and customer service skills, as well as a positive attitude and a working understanding of Microsoft Office, particularly Excel. Students benefit from internships in a variety of ways. The following are some of the benefits of internships:

  • An internship allows you to get practical experience in a real-world environment.
  • It also allows students to apply what they’ve acquired at university in terms of skills, knowledge, and theoretical practice.
  • An internship allows you to demonstrate your abilities, commitment, and value to a future employer.
  • Internships assist in the formation of stronger connections between employees. You will have more opportunities to build relationships with industry professionals as an intern. It will help you advance in your profession.

Entrance Exams

The candidates need to pass the entrance examination to get admission to universities or colleges.

1. National level exams

Exam Name

Conducting Body

Duration

Frequency

JEE Mains – Joint Entrance Exam Mains

National testing agency (NTA)

3 hours

Twice a year

ICAR AIEEA (Indian Council of Agricultural Research All India Entrance Examination for Admission)

National testing agency (NTA)

2 hours 30 minutes

Once a year

2. State-level exams

Exam Name

Conducting Body

Duration

Frequency

WBJEE (West Bengal Joint Entrance Examination)

West Bengal Joint Entrance Examinations Board

2 hours

Once a year

UPCET (Uttar Pradesh Combined Entrance Test)

National Testing Agency (NTA)

3 hours

Once a year

KCET (Karnataka Common Entrance Test)

Karnataka Examinations Authority

1 hour 30 minutes

Once a year

AUCET (Andhra University Common Entrance Test )

Directorate of Admission Andhra University

1 hour 30 minutes

Once a year

AP EAMCET (Andhra Pradesh Engineering, Agriculture & Medical Common Entrance Test)

JNTUK Kakinada 

3 hours

Once a year

3. University-level exam

Exam Name

Conducting Body

Duration

Frequency

BITSAT (Birla Institute of Technology and Science Admission)

BITS Pilani

3 Hours

Once a year

BHU UET (Banaras Hindu University Undergraduate Entrance Test)

Banaras Hindu University

3 hours

Once a year

VITEEE (Vellore Institute of Technology Engineering Entrance Examination)

VIT University, Vellore

1 hour 30 minutes

Once a year

SRMJEEE (SRM Joint Engineering Entrance Exam)

SRM Institute of Science and Technology

2 hour 30 minutes

Once a year

MET (Manipal Entrance test)

Manipal Academy of Higher Education

2 hours 18 minutes

Once a year

Job Profiles

Job name

Job description

Soil Scientist

Soil scientists investigate the physical composition and chemical characteristics of various soils from a wide range of terrains and geographical locations.

Agronomy officer

Plant and soil scientists who research and strive to enhance the process of cultivating crops are known as agronomy officers. They assist farmers in making better use of their land and offer suggestions for increasing production. Agronomists also assist in the diagnosis and prevention of soil and agricultural issues.

Agricultural Consultant

Agricultural consultants or advisors provide support, solutions, and guidance to their customers to guarantee that their organization or business runs as smoothly as possible.

Plant scientist

Plant scientists are working to increase the quantity and quality of food supplied by national food providers.

Subject matter specialist

Subject matter experts are in charge of beekeeping training, mushroom growing, vermin composting, and the creation of a biogas unit, all of which influence farmer decisions. Farmers’ problems are reduced as a result of the on-farm trial. Seed production benefits farmers by increasing the pace of seed replenishment.

Rural practice surveyor

They provide a wide variety of clients with strategic and practical advice on rural land and property.

Corporate agronomist

Agronomists working for corporations are concerned about the health and well-being of crops used for food, fuel, and land reclamation. Agronomists research to find the most effective techniques for improving crop quality and yield.

Rice breeder

Rice breeders choose parental material to produce genetic diversity for variety development, which is one of the most important breeding accomplishments. They understand how biotechnology has been integrated into breeding programs, genetic seed production strategies, and other aspects of the world’s rice breeding capability.

Agriculture manager

Dairy, crop, and animal producers are the most common types of agricultural production. Planning tactics/strategies for optimal output, farm administration, functioning machinery, organization of connected companies, and personnel management are all part of their job.

Cons

FAQs

What is an Agronomist?

An agronomist is a professional who specializes in agronomy, the science of utilizing plants for food, fuel, and land reclamation.

What does an Agronomist do?

Agronomists work on improving food and fiber crop production by developing new techniques and strategies.

What subjects are important for an Agronomist?

Key subjects for an agronomist include plant physiology, soil science, meteorology, and plant genetics.

What is the cost of studying Agronomy?

Key subjects for an agronomist include plant physiology, soil science, meteorology, and plant genetics.

What is the average pay for an Agronomist in India?

The average yearly starting pay ranges from INR 4 lakhs to INR 28 lakhs, based on the candidate’s competence.

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