Agriculture Courses

AGRICULTURE

"Some of us grew up playing with tractors; the lucky ones still do."

After 12th grade, students often worry about their next career step. They seek advice on courses like engineering, medicine, or management. But there's a better option. Think about it: the basic needs of any person are food, clothing, and shelter. A career in agriculture directly addresses the first and most fundamental of these needs.

India's agricultural history stretches back to the Indus Valley Civilization. Since its inception, India has been an agricultural country. Agriculture remains the backbone of our economy. Even today, more than half of India's population is linked to agriculture, which is why India ranks second globally in this field. The agriculture sector, including forestry, animal husbandry, and fisheries, contributed 16.7% to the GDP in 2016, highlighting its critical role.

When people hear 'agriculture,' they often think it just means becoming a farmer. This article aims to change that perception. Agriculture is far more than just farming.

What is Agriculture?

The word 'agriculture' comes from Latin. It combines two words: 'Ager' (soil) and 'Culture' (production). In simple terms, it's the cultivation or production of plant or animal products. Agriculture is a collective term encompassing crop production, animal husbandry, dairy science, agricultural chemistry, soil science, horticulture, agricultural economics, agricultural engineering, botany, plant pathology, and pesticide science. These areas have now expanded into distinct branches.

Agriculture is a blend of science, art, and commerce.

• Science: It uses modern technology, breeding, and genetics to develop new and better crop varieties and livestock breeds.
• Art: Managing crops and livestock effectively is an art form.
• Commerce: The entire agricultural production chain is linked to marketing, which determines profit or loss.

Thus, agriculture is a broad field that includes all aspects of crop production, animal farming, fisheries, and forestry.

The Agriculture Industry: A Statistical View

Agriculture is a vital sector in the Indian economy. India has the second-largest agricultural land area in the world, earning it the title of an agricultural country. A significant population (62%) depends on agriculture for employment. India plays a crucial role in the global agricultural market. The sector contributes nearly 18% to the GDP and accounts for about 11% of total exports. Today, India is the largest exporter of rice and the second-largest exporter of wheat. Data from 2013-14 shows the agriculture sector growing at 5.2-5.7% annually, with organic farming growing at 20-25% per year. The organic food market is valued at over Rs 2000 crores.

Fields of Study in Agriculture

Students pursue agriculture courses for various careers, including Animal Husbandry, Farming, Agricultural Science, or Horticulture Management. Courses range from Diplomas to Graduate and Post-Graduate degrees. Students learn the basics of agriculture and horticulture, as well as how to run an agricultural business.