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What do you want become in life? Ask this question to any young bloke today and the answers you'd get would be as conventional as they come. Everybody wants to either become a doctor, engineer, artist, writer or manager but very few want to delve into agriculture. Have you come across anyone who dreamed of becoming a farmer or an agriculturist? Very few, right?
It's a shame that agriculture is, these days, associated with struggle, lack of opportunities, and sadly, an economic downfall that's resulting in widespread farmer protests. It's a misconception that has plagued a sector that has been the biggest GDP contributor since the inception of our country, albeit being cloaked by the media's dark presentation. An 18% contribution to the total GDP along with 50% of the Indian workforce being agro-based should give you a clear picture of the importance of the industry.
However, there are issues in production, marketing, and technology currently being used that need to be addressed, and the only way it can happen is by having a young and motivated workforce step in to bring about a change.
In all honesty, you can have a great career in the agricultural sector irrespective of what you've heard. The demand for agriculture studies has grown in recent years with the increase in the number of job opportunities.
An advancement of technology, the need to guide the farmers on efficient agricultural practices, the government's policy changes and various R and D programmes have skyrocketed the need for trained agriculture professionals.
There are 3 central, 4 deemed and 60 state agricultural universities across India apart from the countless private institutes that offer a wide range of courses that cover all aspects of agriculture and livestock farming. Additionally, almost all the seats get filled in each academic year, further proving the positive shift in the mindset of the upcoming manpower towards agriculture.
This is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the so-called shift.
The Indian Economic Survey of 2018 has brought to light the feminization of agriculture wherein more women have entered the agro spectrum by becoming an active part of the cultivation and entrepreneurship. The survey has also noted the fact that the ICAR has invested almost Rs. 6800 crores in the giving impetus to R and D in agriculture.
The demand is all there to be seen if given the right attention and all that's required is active participation. Now I'm sure you're wondering about the scope, jobs and pay scale in a diverse field such as agriculture. Read on...