AGRICULTURE
AGRICULTURE
AND ALLIED FIELDS
THE
WORK
AGRICULTURAL
SCIENTISTS
AGRICULTURE
OFFICERS
DAIRY
TECHNOLOGISTS
FISHERY
SCIENTISTS
HORTICULTURISTS
POULTRY
FARMING
JOB
OPPORTUNITIES
AGRICULTURE
HORTICULTURE
SERICULTURE
FISHERIES
FORESTRY
AGRICULTURIST
DAIRY
TECHNOLOGIST AND POULTRY SUPERVISORS
FISHERY
SCIENCE
HORTICULTURIST
VETERINARY
DOCTOR
Agriculture
And Allied Fields
Agriculture is a vast and diversified field, offering numerous
career options. Other than those directly engaged in farming and other such
activities, the industry needs people in areas of research and development and
agro industry. Then there are specialized areas, with good career prospects,
like Horticulture, Floriculture, Dairy and Poultry Farming and Fishery.
Various
courses on agriculture and allied activities are meant for those aspirants who
are interested in this particular field by way of their studies, research,
training and development, by going through a rigorous training in universities
and Institutes. Aspirants can shape their career in the field of agricultural
and allied fields as Agricultural Officers, scientists, researchers,
developers, advisors for the industry, which is engaged in the related
activities. Opportunities and avenues are always available in government and
private sectors.
The agricultural education system in the country
offers degree programmes in 11 specific disciplines viz. agriculture,
veterinary science, agricultural engineering, forestry, home science, dairy
technology, fisheries, sericulture, marketing, banking and co-operation,
horticulture and food science with a total intake of about 11,000 students. It
also offers postgraduate programmes in more than 55 fields of specialization
with a total intake capacity of about 5,000 students. ICAR offers about 1200
scholarships and fellowships from the undergraduate to post-doctoral levels.
Special fellowships are also offered for socially and economically weaker
groups.
There are 29 agricultural universities spread in the
different parts of the country and around 60 to 70 colleges in India, of
various universities offering graduate, post graduate and diploma courses in
these fields with various specializations in a particular field like
Horticulture, dairy, poultry farming, plantations and orchards, floriculture
and sericulture, agricultural chemistry, agricultural economics, animal
husbandry, bio-technology, genetic engineering etc.
Candidates need to have passed 10+2 with science and
clear an entrance exam for the admission to the graduate courses in agriculture
and its allied fields. Subjects for entrance exam include Physics, Chemistry
and Biology or Mathematics or Agriculture.
In addition the Indian Agricultural Research
Institute, New Delhi, the Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar
(Bareilly), the National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal and the Central
Institute of Fisheries Education, Bombay fall in the category of deemed
universities.
After
successful completion of the course they can choose either teaching profession
or go to the industry.
THE WORK
The nature
of work differs depending upon the field of specialization. In agriculture the
person has to be actively involved in
planting, harvesting, marketing and other aspects of field work. Horticulture involves doing research
work on plants and is a very applied field. It is a science which includes floriculture or cultivation
of flowers, pomology or cultivation of
foods, olericulture or cultivation of vegetables. Animal Husbandry and Veterinary
Science and Dairy Science is a
scientific management and caring for animals for maximum production. The
veterinary science people look after the medical requirements of animals. Sericulture involves rearing for silk
worms through various scientific and
indegenous methods to produce silk fibres. Forests
help in stabilizing soil and regulating the flow of water into streams
and rivers and checking aridity. It is also
concerned primarily with the
production of timber for sale, and is involved with the development of
landscape, conservation of wild life and public recreation.
The work of an agriculture scientist is generally
research oriented and would depend on the area of specialization. They work
towards developing better varieties of seeds and plants (agronomy), which are
high yielding and have greater resistance against pests and diseases
(entomology). They may also work in any other area having connection with
agriculture like, improvement in quality of soil, food processing and
preservation, agriculture by-products, farm animals, soil and water
conservation etc.
Graduate/Postgraduate in Agriculture
There are ample employment opportunities in this
sector. As indicated earlier specialists in this field can work in Central and
State Departments of agriculture, Government organisations like the Indian
Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), in food processing industry, as
teachers.
They deal with agriculture machinery and power, soil
and water conservation, rural electrification and other technical aspects of
farming as well as in processing of farm products. Since their role is very
vital for reconstruction of rural areas, this area of specialization in
engineering has extremely good career prospects in our country.
Graduate/Postgraduate in Agricultural Engineering
Agricultural Engineers find employment in government
sector, water management projects, area development projects, minor irrigations
projects, Food Corporation of India, National Seeds Corporation, Dairy and Food
Industries, National Dairy Development Board and many research organisations.
They also have ample opportunities in private sector.
The Department of Agriculture in every state handles
all the development schemes relating to agricultural crops, seeds and yields as
well as fixes targets and does the monitoring. These departments recruit
gazetted officers e.g. District Agriculture Officer, Assistant Director of
Agriculture, through the State Service Commission. Various other government
departments and banks also recruit officers with an academic background in
agriculture.
Graduates/postgraduates in Agriculture/Agricultural
engineering
Employment avenues are available in government
department and in some private organizations.
There are two main types of jobs in dairy industry-
the first pertains to production and the second to processing. Processing
involves handling of milk for distribution or its conversion into dairy
products. Dairy Technologists mainly deal with processing aspect and
also work to develop improved methods in production, preservation and
utilization of milk, and milk products.
BTech/Diploma In Dairy Technology
Opportunities for dairy technologists exist in both
the public as well as in the private sector. In the public sector
co–operatives, Federations and Rural Banks provide ample scope for the dairy
technologists. In the private sector, openings can be available with private
enterprises that manufacture and market milk products. A large number of dairy
technologists also own dairy business or work as consultants.
Fishery Scientists are usually engaged in the
development of fish breeding farms, head a research team, undertake surveys of
streams and lakes, quality of waters to determine the quantity of fish as well
as to prevent pollution and spread of disease. They also work in factories
engaged in preservation and canning of fish products for exports. Prawn and
shrimp farming has come in a big way in our country, and is an area with huge
job potential.
It is pertinent to note that India has a natural
advantage for fisheries. Its coastline stretches more than eight thousand
kilometres and it also has a huge inland fish potential with a well spread
location of rivers, canals and reservoirs. The country has an estimated fish
production potential of 8.5 million tonnes. Besides being a source of cheap and
nutritious food to a large section of poor population, fisheries sector has
been a major contributor of foreign exchange earnings through export. During
1997-98 the earnings from export fishery products amounted to about Rs. 47
billion, i.e., about US$ 1.12 billion.
Earlier the foreign exchange earnings were largely from shrimp exports
and diversification of the products being exported is gradually taking place.
All these therefore make prospects in this area very bright.
BF Sc/ MSc Fisheries Science
Job openings are available in Sea Food companies and government
breeding and training organizations. Own enterprise can be a viable option for
professionals in this area.
The work for a horticulturist is to supervise and
suggest adoption of better agricultural practices for enhancing yield as well
as getting desired quality. Horticulturists are also involved in processing,
preservation and marketing of fruits and vegetables. In the area of research,
horticulturists look for ways to improve and breed new varieties of fruits and
vegetables or flowers by the application of scientific techniques such as
tissue culture, micro-propagation, embryo culture etc. Some take up cultivation
of plants and flowers including cultivation of decorative plants for sale.
Graduate/Postgraduate Degree in Agriculture, with
specialization in areas like pomology (cultivation of fruits), floriculture and
food processing.
Horticulturists find job in the government sector for
development and maintenance as well as landscaping of public parks, gardens,
golf courses etc. They also, work in botanical gardens, tea gardens and other
such large plantations and supervise the entire operation. Openings are also
available in the Government agencies like Indian Council of Agriculture
Research (ICAR) and Institute of Horticulture Research; Nationalised
Banks, National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD); Corporate
Houses with interests in the areas of food processing or marketing of food
products; farm/estate managers at horticultural farms or estates; research
openings particularly in the areas of genetic engineering, bio–technology etc.;
self employment.
The growing consciousness about diet and requirement
of protein and other such nutrients in food, especially among the people living
in urban and semi urban areas has brought about a change in dietary habits.
Chicken and eggs, at affordable costs, are most easily available source for
such nutrients. This factor, as well as the fact that breeding chickens is comparatively
easy and profits substantial has contributed to the rapid growth of poultry
farming in the last couple of decades. Today poultry farming has developed into
a huge industry involving approximately seven lacs people.
Poultry farming encompasses breeding and rearing of
chicks for different purposes, feed formulation, preventing and controlling
disease and overall management of the farm including finance and marketing
functions. Success in this field demands a combination of good managerial
skills and specialized knowledge about the job.
Graduates/postgraduates In Veterinary Science;
Institute of Poultry Management in Pune also offers basic poultry management
and other courses related to the field. Government Poultry Farm, near
Chattarpur in Delhi also offers short duration training for poultry farming to
entrepreneurs and workers.
Graduates in Poultry Farming finds employment in
large poultry farms, feed production industries, government poultry extension
cells involved in large scale of marketing of poultry products.
State Deptt. of Agriculture :
Agriculture is a state subject and is administered by the Department of
Agriculture in States headed by a full time Director.
Organizations working in the field of Agriculture : The
following organizations recruit junior scientists as technical assistants:
National Seed Corpn., State Farm Corpn., Ware-housing Corpn. and Food Corpn. of
India.
Business Occupations : Firms
today employ young people who have combined agricultural education with studies
in Economics and Business Administration in jobs such as agricultural finance, insurance, transportation, storage,
wholesale and retail marketing of agricultural products.
Banks : Nationalised banks and financial institutions such as NABARD provide
employment opportunities
for agricultural graduates. They are recruited as Field Officers, Rural
Development Officer, Agricultural Probationary Officers etc.
Farming : Farming is a profession open to
persons even without a professional degree. However, agricultural graduates and
postgraduates have a distinct advantage over their other counterparts because this is now big business and a growing
enterprise which is becoming very competitive and requires specialised
knowledge to be a successful farmer.
Research : Agriculture research or education
and extension work is available at central and
state levels at :I.C.A.R., Agricultural Universities and State Directorates of
Agriculture.
Self Employment is available by setting up
farms, production and marketing of foodgrain and other farming activities.
Industry, Holiday Resorts, Hotels and Health Farms : They
employ Resident Horticulturists and Consultant Landscapers as Supervisor, Farm
Manager, Estate Manager etc.
Teaching : Teachers in schools /colleges.
Horticulture Department : In the
department of horticulture one can work as Director, Deputy Director, District
Horticulture Officer, Horticulture Assistant, Mechanic, Gardner.
Self Employment : To be self employed one
can set up nurseries for growing and breeding plants and Garden Shops as well
as florist shops for selling seeds, fertilizers and plants, or be employed in
an advisory capacity.
Self Employment : Self employment exists in
growing mulberry, weaving, reeling and in cottage & small-scale industries.
Government Posts : In the State Ministry
of Sericulture there are positions at
Supervisory, Technical and Administrative level.
Self Employment : For example setting up dog
and cat clinics, cattle dispensaries, oultry farms etc.
Pharmaceutical Companies : also
employ veterinary science personnel eg. Sarabhai Chemical Ltd., Bombay, Aries
Agro-Veterinary Industries Pvt. Ltd., Bombay, Warner Hindustan Ltd., Bombay,
etc.
Government Posts : In the Central and State Govt. a person can join as a Veterinary Doctor
in Veterinary Hospitals. Besides these jobs also exists in State Sector
Corporations as well as Municipal Corporations.
Armed Forces :The Indian Army employs veterinary
personnel who are recruited into its Remount Veterinary Corps (R.V.C.). Those
finally selected are sent to the R.V.C. centre at Meerut Cantt. for six months
training. During the training period they are given the rank of Lieutenant.
Dairy Development Projects : Such as
Public and Cooperative Dairies, Public Sector Dairy Farms as Assistant Milk Procurement Officer, Junior Dairy
Bacteriologist, Project Manager, Dairy Development Assistant .
Self Employment in the form of opening
one's own Dairy farm .
Teaching and Research : in
teaching and research as Technical Assistant, Research Assistant etc.
Government Posts : In State and Central
Government departments.
Employment Organizations : Central
Cattle Breeding Farm, National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal, Delhi Milk
Scheme, New Delhi, Central Sheep Breeding Farm, Hissar, Central Training
Institute for Poultry Production, Bangalore.
Government Posts : In Government Fisheries
Organisations.
Research : In research institutes as research
scientist.
Other Areas : Fish Reproduction and Genetics
Breeding; Soil Water and Productivity Management; Fishing, Processing and
Product Development; Fisheries, Oceanography and Management
Government Posts : Forest Corporations, Social Forestry Directorates, National astelands
Development Board, State Forest Departments, Departments of Rural Development
and Soil Conservation, Environment Ministry.
Indian Forest Service : Officers
recruited into the I.F.S. are appointed as Assistant Conservator of Forests. They are posted in the fields with Range
Officers, Foresters and Forest Guard under their supervision.
Other Areas : Jobs are also available in
Non-governmental organizations and forest based industries.
Agriculturist
Does the
term agriculture flood your mind with black and white frames from Mother
India? Or that famous Manoj Kumar song "Mere desh ki dharti?"
Then, welcome to the world of knowledge. Agriculture is not all about
ploughing, sowing and reaping. On the contrary, it’s a very tech-savvy
profession which involves a lot of research. Ready to reap a lot of money?
Here’s more…
‘Jai Jawaan! Jai Kisaan!’ goes the
slogan coined by the founding fathers of India. Half a century later,
agriculture still remains our mainstay. New advances in Biotechnology and
Genetic Engineering have thrown up many opportunities in this field. And with
government support came tax benefits and even more money.
The field
of agriculture includes farm management, businesses and industries that
manufacture agricultural machinery, industries that buy and process the farm
products, banking activities for financing and developing farms, research for
improving quantity and quality of farm products, so on and so forth.
As an
Agricultural Scientist you will work in the following areas:
You can
specialise in a variety of areas, including the study of such relationships as
organisms and their environments, soil and water, structures and the
environment, genetics and plant breeding, seeds and quality of crops, or plant
diseases and micro-organism. To succeed in this field you need innovation and
precision.
Requirements
To make a
mark in this field you need:
You have to
be at least a B.Sc. in Agricultural Science to get a job. To be eligible for
B.Sc. in agriculture after a 10+2 in Science, you are required to clear an
entrance exam, which includes Biology, Chemistry and Physics.
After M.Sc.
in Agriculture you could get into Agricultural research. A Ph.D. will ensure a
very good career as an agricultural scientist.
Job
Opportunities
An agricultural
scientist finds opportunities in:
As an
Agricultural Scientist you could work in industries that are into vegetable and
crop production, processing farms, food freezing and storage plants, poultry
farms, grain mills, semi processed, fully processed food plants, etc.
Opportunities also exist in the farming, processing, research &
development, and marketing functions.
Government
agencies like Food Corporation of India and various Central and State
government ministries and directorates employ agricultural scientists.
Recruitments are generally made by Union Public Service Commission and State
Public Service Commission.
Some of the
job positions could be Agricultural Extension Officer, Seed Production
Officers, Agricultural Assistants, Plant Protection Officer, Soil Conservation
Officer, Farm Superintendents or Technical Assistants.
Opportunities
in Banks
Nationalised banks employ Agricultural Extension Officer, Rural
Development Officer, Field Officer, Agricultural Credit Officers and others
with qualifications in Agricultural Science.
You'll be
inducted as an Agricultural Probationary Officer. Apart from the nationalised
banks agricultural graduates are also employed by Gamin Banks under NABARD,
Co-operative banks, Small Industries Development Banks, etc.
Opportunities
in the non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and co-operatives working in the
rural and agricultural sector. Various non-profit organisations and
co-operatives like Agha Khan Rural Support Programme involved in the rural and
agricultural sector employ agriculture graduates.
Money
& Other Benefits
In the
farming and processing industry: Rs 5,000-8,000 a month or more.
Research
& Development position after M.Sc: Rs 6,000-8,000 a month.
Agricultural
research after Ph.D: Rs 12,000-13,000 per month
Lecturer:
Rs 13,000-14,000 per month (starting salary)
In a
marketing function of an agri company: Rs 4,500-7,000 or more per month, plus
various allowances and incentives.
Career
Prospects
This is a
technologically sophisticated and ever expanding field, which needs more and
more people each day. Currently, in India the research done in agriculture is of
international standard. So, agricultural engineers have very good career
prospects.
The green
revolution has in its wake brought numerous job opportunities in all the above
fields. Government ministries and departments, research institutions, agricultural
universities and various agricultural service organisations hold immense job
opportunities for agricultural scientists.
With the
entry of several corporate houses in the area of food processing, researchers
are in great demand in new areas such as Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering.
And with Indian-made wines and champagnes finding favour in the west,
agriculture is fast becoming an export industry, opening up doors for would be
entrepreneurs.
Dairy
Technologist and Poultry Supervisors
The fundamentals
of dairy technology are based on the science of Biochemistry, Bacteriology and
Nutrition. Dairy farming includes breeding and care of high yielding cattle,
procuring and processing milk into a variety of dairy products like cream,
butter, cheese, ghee, biscuits, ice-cream, puddings, custards, etc.
We also
get various types of milk like whole milk, double toned milk, toned milk,
skimmed milk, etc. Milk is also processed to produce various products like
yogurt, butter, ghee, ice-cream, etc. This production process requires
engineers for the maintenance of processing plants and dairy technologists for
overseeing the processing of milk products.
Dairy
technologists work in procuring milk from rural dairy farmers or as supervisors
in large dairies, monitoring the procurement and collection process. Marketing
of the dairy products is handled by marketing and sales professionals.
Poultry
farming encompasses the breeding and rearing of chicken, feed formulation, feed
substitutes/additives and prevention and control of diseases. It also involves
the overall management of the farm including finance and marketing functions.
Dairy
Technologists are needed to run these ultra modern firms that process milk in
semi automatic or fully automatic systems. They also man the analytical and
quality control laboratories. There is even scope to branch into marketing.
The dairy
industry can be split into two broad categories viz. production and processing.
Milk production involves collection of milk for which breeding and rearing of
high yielding cattle is involved. The Procurement Officer carries out this
procurement or collection of milk from various sources.
You will
also be required to come up with ways to utilise waste products and produce
better products with increased shelf-life for human consumption. You will check
the quality and packaging as well. Organising the distribution of products and
maintaining records will keep you busy.
Dairy
Technologists also work as milk procurement officers. In the processing industry,
you could work as a consultant or as an Engineer and look after plant
maintenance, fabrication, equipment, plant design and project execution.
Different
types of poultry farms cater to different segments of the market. Breeding
farms are set up for the sole purpose of hatching and raising poultry for sale
to other farmers. The farmers who buy poultry from these farms set up broiler
farms. Broiler chickens are reared just for their meat.
The common
practise is to procure day-old chicks, keep them for six weeks and market them.
During the time that they are in the farm, their feeding, supplements, etc. is
closely monitored. Another type of poultry farm is layer farm, where the
chicken is raised only for egg production. In a breeding farm or hatchery the
work will involve procurement of eggs, ensuring proper conditions for hatching,
etc.
Feeding is
an important aspect of the work at the farm. The birds need a balanced diet in
the right quantity for a disease-free growth. So the feed should be specially formulated
keeping various factors in mind. This, in fact, is such a specialised area that
large corporate houses are now manufacturing animal feed. A lot of planning and
research goes into the manufacture of animal feed, to suit specific areas and
ensure optimal production.
Another
important aspect of poultry farms is disease control. Adequate precautions need
to be taken to keep diseases at bay. You will have to be well informed about
vaccines, deficiencies and how to counteract them, basic hygiene, etc.
Ensuring
adequate water supply and the right amount of feed supply to the birds, keeping
a lookout for any sick bird, etc. are all a part of the daily work which goes
on in a poultry farm.
You could
specialise in areas like vaccinations, artificial insemination, research on
feed formulation, use of feed additives, even managing the amount of light the
birds are exposed to, etc. Once you graduate to being in charge of quality
control, you have pressures like maintaining quality standards of perishable
items.
Requirements
For a
successful career in this field you need to have a scientific temper. This job
calls for field work. So you have to have good stamina. Strong management
skills are some other requirements.
A Dairy
Technologist needs to have sound understanding of the principles of
Bacteriology, Chemistry, Physics, Engineering and Economics too. The study of
Dairy Technology involves Dairy Engineering (applied to production processes),
Dairy Chemistry dealing with composition of products, etc.
You can do
a B.Tech. in Dairy Technology or B.Sc. in Dairy Technology after 10+2 level
with Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics. These courses are of four-year
duration. Admission is through an All India Entrance Examination conducted for
selection to courses in Veterinary Sciences, Dairy Technology and Agricultural
Sciences.
Alternatively, you could even do your Engineering in Agriculture or an M.Tech
specialising in any of the following: Diary Microbiology, Dairy Chemistry,
Dairy Technology, Dairy Engineering, Animal Genetics and Breeding, Livestock
Production and Management, Animal Nutrition, Animal Physiology, Biochemistry,
Dairy Economics, Dairy Extension Education, Animal Biotechnology and allied
fields.
The
Master's course is also open to graduates in pure sciences, agriculture,
veterinary science, animal sciences, food technology, engineering and home
science. Training courses in poultry farming include practical aspects such as
conducting analytical and diagnostic tests related to animal feed and disease control.
There are
basic courses meant for people who are new to the concept of poultry farming.
Then there are courses that are aimed at updating existing skills to help keep
abreast with new advancements in technology. Besides comprehensive courses on
poultry farming, there are basic and refresher courses as well.
Job
Opportunities
Opportunities
in poultry farming are far too many. You could start off working in a large
poultry farm or hatchery. After gaining enough experience, you could start out
on your own.
Dairy
Technologists find employment opportunities in public and privately managed
dairy farms, co-operatives, rural banks, milk products processing and
manufacturing industries. They work in quality control departments and in
biotechnological research labs.
Graduates
in poultry farming find employment in large poultry farms, breeding farms,
laboratories working on feed formulation and analysis, pharmaceutical firms and
in large scale marketing divisions of poultry products.
Many
graduates also set up their own venture like small-scale milk plants,
creameries, ice-cream units, etc. Teaching and research is another option that
you can milk for all that it is worth.
Animal feed
is a very specialised area and people trained in poultry farming can find employment
with companies engaged in the manufacture of animal feeds. Here you will
oversee manufacture and also act as consultant to farmers.
Feed
analysis laboratories also require your services as also veterinary hospitals
and pharmaceutical concerns. You also have technical consultant outfits that
are known to provide consultancy services to various hi-tech dairy farms.
Money
& Other Benefits
Trainees in
this field generally receive a stipend of Rs 1,200 per month. In the beginning
you can expect a salary of Rs 6,500-8,500 per month depending on the
organisation.
The
remuneration increases proportionately as one rises higher in the organisation.
A General Manager would easily have his account credited with a five-figure
salary. Mind you, it is a long and arduous journey to the top.
Entrepreneurs
on the other hand reap the maximum benefits. You could almost be earning 10
times as much.
Career
Prospects
The growing
consciousness among people for protein rich food has given a much-needed boost
to the dairy industry. Preservation of milk is an area of specialisation, where
dairy technologists need to come out with new ideas every day. Dairy and
poultry industries now-a-days are much more organised and centralised. There
are many co-operative dairies and poultry firms.
Both the
private and public sector have openings for those who specialise in Dairy
Technology. In the area of processed dairy products, specialists like dairy
technologists are always in demand.
The emergence
and popularisation of an urban lifestyle has also led to an ever-increasing
demand for poultry products. Hence the potential in this field is tremendous.
There are new avenues in the processed food industry.
The going
might be tough initially. Managing on a stipend you will have to work long
hours in remote areas. The risk factor for a poultry farmer is also high. Out
breaks of diseases can completely ruin your business. It is safe to say that it
is not for the faint hearted.
Fishery
Science
There is
nothing fishy about a career in Fishery Sciences.
Developing
and maintaining the sea wealth is what fisheries aim at. This involves the
breeding of good quality fishes, ensuring the continuance of genetic specie
strengths, securing the non-extinction of species and implementing scientific
methods of fishing.
With
scientific fish culturing the quality of fishes can be improved and the
unpredictability of the catch be minimised. This way fishing as an occupation
can be made more viable. This is all the more significant considering the
increased global demand for quality fishes and canned foods.
Your job
will involve not just experimenting in a laboratory, but also working in fish
farms. You will strategise aquatic systems through fish community management.
Assessing the impact of change in habitat on fishes and reviewing the
experiment methodology is also your job.
You will
study fish and fauna and research projects mainly focused on the effects of
human activities on aquatic systems. For e.g. impact on fish breeding due to
manmade structures such as dams.
A major
branch of Fishery Science is Aquaculture. This is mainly farming of aquatic
organisms (e.g., fish, aquatic plants, etc.) in natural or controlled marine or
freshwater. You will create commercial hatcheries and breed fishes in grow-out
ponds and see to it that they reach good marketable size. Developing novel and
innovative technologies for use in aquaculture, for example aerators, pumps,
feeding equipment etc. will also be done by you.
You will
develop new aquacultural species and also create innovative and cost effective
solutions in aquaculture. You will then market the products and even export it
abroad. Another good option is to offer expertise from project formulation
stage to the implementation and successful operation of hatchery and farming.
Requirements
A curious,
inquisitive mind would help you in research areas. Quick thinking and the
ability to come up with new and more advanced ideas are a must. You need to
have high stamina and energy levels, able to work even in disagreeable weather
conditions. This is important as you cannot afford to turn down a project just
because you get seasick or because you are afraid of sharks.
Fishery
Science can be studied at the B.Sc. level after completing 10+2 with Biological
Science as one of the subjects. You can also do your M.Sc in Fishery Science
after completing your BSc. in Zoology. Your understanding of Biology, Chemistry
and Physics will constantly be drawn upon in your study of Fishery Science.
Job
Opportunities
Career
avenues are numerous in Fishery Science. Opportunities lie in government
agencies, State Departments of Agriculture and organisations such as the
Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI). Recruitment to these institutions
is through the State Public Service Commission. Private research companies in
India and abroad are also entering this area with large investments.
Several corporate houses have also entered the area of fish food processing and
marketing, for which persons specialised in Fish Processing Technology or
Fisheries Resources and Management are preferred.
Apart from
these, you also have academic options. Fisheries and Aquatic Resource research is
conducted in many institutions across the country. If you have good research
skills, then you can find employment in organisations such as the Central
Institute of Fisheries Technology (CIFT), the National Fisheries Development
Board and others.
Your services
will also be sought in building an Oceanarium or a Public Aquarium.
Self-employment
. set up your own private hatchery. The population of fish and water animals is
fast depleting with industrial and urban wastes polluting seawater. This has
given rise to hatcheries who to fill the gap between supply and demand.
Other opportunities include:
Money
& Other Benefits
Your
starting salary will be in the range of Rs 5,000-7,000 a month.
Government jobs don't offer much growth but offer stability, something you
would not get especially in the fish farming industry. Research positions
especially in private firms are more lucrative in the range of Rs 18,000-20,000
per month. But these are usually reserved for doctorate holders with
experience. Money for studies that are carried out by teams of fishery experts
is usually on a project to project basis.
Career
Prospects
India is 4th
largest shrimp supplier to the US market (19,000 tons last year). India holds
the seventh position in the world as regards to the value of fish exports. But
Agriculture is not considered 'hot' and fishery science is almost unheard of.
But the fact remains that demand is not able to meet supply. So opportunities
are there for the taking.
Horticulturist
A career
in horticulture is your best bet if you love being closer to nature - plants,
fruits, flowers and what have you. If gardening is your favourite past time you
can now extend it as a career and develop virus resistant potatoes, or simply
increase the yield of your favourite fruit.
Career
Overview
Horticulture
is the science and art of producing nutritious food for the body - fruits, nut
and vegetable crops - and beautiful food for the soul - flowers, ornamental
plants and lawns. It trains students in many aspects of plant science-physiology,
nutrition, identification, soils, disease and insect control. If you choose to
be a horticulturist you could even try your hand at landscaping. Creative
horticulturists are needed to design and plan interior and exterior landscapes
for homes, office buildings, parks, campuses and golf courses.
The four
main specialties in horticulture include:
Pomology:
Cultivation of fruits, shrubs and vines.
Olericulture: Plants raised for use as vegetables.
Floriculture: Production and use of flowering and foliage
plants.
Ornamental Horticulture: Plants grown outdoors for
landscaping.
You'll be
involved in everything - creating and maintaining horticultural and
floriculture farms, parks and gardens, plant pathology, fruit and vegetable processing,
preservation and marketing of fruits, vegetables and flowers, etc. You will
also manage and supervise agricultural practices and maximise yields.
The main
areas of work in horticulture are:
Farming - Here
you'll work on soil preparation, sowing, harvesting, testing and usage of
fertilisers and nutrients, scientific management of the environment, etc. Mind
you this is not a cushy job. You'll have to get your hands dirty, literally.
It's a lot of physical labour and as such not for everyone.
Gardening - Here
you'll take care of flowers, trees, shrubs, ornamental trees, etc. Grafting,
collecting seeds, de-budding, etc. also fall under gardening.
Processing - Your main
aim is to increase the shelf life of food items. It's a detailed process that
starts from raw material to the final distribution of the end products (which
is either packaged or kept in original form).
Research - This
involves investigating and creating new and improved varieties of flowers,
fruits and vegetables with the help of state-of-the-art machines and techniques
like the tissue culture, embryo culture, micro-propagation. You'll work mainly
at the government-funded research institutions as well as research and
development laboratories owned by private sector companies (that handle the
processing and marketing of horticultural foods).
Teaching/Advisory
Arena - You could be teach in colleges and universities or take up
an advisory position in a company.
Requirements
You will at
least need a 4 years' degree course in Horticulture which is offered at almost
all the Agricultural Universities in India. One can also enter the field with a
degree in Agricultural Science or an M.Sc. in Agricultural Science. M.Sc. in
Horticulture is another route to enter this field. A diploma in Horticulture is
also a good option.
Job
Opportunities
Qualified
horticulturists and floriculture specialists can be employed at various levels:
* As
Horticulturists, Supervisors, Farm Managers and Estate Managers at
horticultural farms and estates.
* In
government organisations like the Department of Agriculture in every state,
ICAR (Indian Council of Agricultural Research) and the Institute for
Horticulture Research appoint horticulturists, assistants, etc.
* In private organisations involved in the processing, marketing and export of fruits,
vegetables or flowers.
* Various
avenues for self employment are open including setting up one's own farm for
growing fruits, vegetables or flowers, or ornamental plants
* Running nurseries
in an advisory capacity with an organisation that deals with horticultural
activities.
* Research
openings, particularly in the area of genetic engineering.
* You could
also work as a Quality Inspector for commercial canning in quick-freezing stations
or packaging for the domestic and export market.
* There are
even some industrial houses, which handle large-scale scientific cultivation of
fruits and vegetables. Opportunities exist here too.
Money
& Other Benefits
You would
begin with Rs 4, 000-8, 000 per month in a farm. With experience it would grow
to Rs 8,000-20,000 or more per month.
Career
Prospects
Horticulture
is no longer a leisurely avocation and is fast assuming the status of a vibrant
commercial venture. The annual demand for flowers in the domestic market
continues to grow. The demand in the international market for Indian flowers is
growing too. Therefore the prospects for horticulture specialists are extremely
bright.
Technological
advancements in this field have laid great emphasis on improving regular
varieties of fruits and vegetables for processing purposes, creating exotic
species for decorative and commercial purposes and mass scale multiplication of
species for increased productivity. So, the demand for Horticulturists is
growing.
Veterinary
Doctor
Veterinarians
are doctors who not only diagnose and control animal diseases, but also
prescribe medical or surgical treatment for diseases in animals. They prevent
transmission of disease and advise on pet care and farm animals.
Veterinarians not only deal with household pets but also work for the care,
sustenance and breeding of animals in the agricultural sector.
Your job as a vet will involve investigation, diagnosis and treatment of
injuries and ailments in animals. If you choose research, you will work in
laboratories on subjects such as Pathology, Bacteriology, Genetics, Physiology,
Anatomy, etc. You will also conduct innovative research on biological products,
food, pharmaceuticals and also work in animal genetics and breeding.
Animal Genetics is an interesting topic of research which deals with problems
concerning the evolution of new breeds, rearing of livestock, genetically
controlling diseases, artificial insemination, sterilization, etc. You will
also study inherent traits of animals and conduct analytical studies for
tracing the genesis of these in environment, food, colour, growth, maturity,
sterility, disease, etc.
Conducting experiments to come up with improved breed of animals that have
better resistance to diseases, higher yield in products such as milk, meat,
eggs, even silk, wool, etc. is the job of a Veterinarian.
Requirements
It goes
without saying that you got to have a love for animals of all kinds (and not
just your cute Dalmatian). Good communication skills come next. No, you won't
have to talk to the pets as did Dr Dolittle, but gift of the gab will be
resourceful when dealing with pet owners.
"A vet's job does not end with just treating the animal. It also involves
talking to the pet owners about their pet, the treatment and the follows ups.
And this has to be skilful talking as you are constantly dealing with over
sentimental owners," says Dr. Nehete, Senior Professor, Parel Veterinary
College.
Patience is a virtue as you are dealing with mute animals here. So a
veterinarian needs to be extra sensitive, patient and perceptive. You got to be
physically strong with good stamina and quick reflexes as your job will involve
dealing with animals of all sizes. You should be quick to gauge t he animal's
mood. Willingness to work in uncomfortable surroundings is a must.
If anything a veterinarian's job is more difficult than that of a doctor
dealing with humans. This is because a veterinarian's patients cannot communicate
verbally. After all Dr. Dolittle happen only in fiction!
As for the educational qualifications the base as in all fields of medicine is
a 10+2 (Physics, Chemistry and Biology). You can choose a graduate or
postgraduate course in Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry.
The graduate course known as B.V.Sc is of four years duration followed by
one-year of practical internship. You can go for a Masters course M.V.Sc after
this. You can specialise in Animal Anatomy, Animal Biotechnology, Animal Husbandry,
Animal Economics, Animal Husbandry Extension, Animal Reproduction, Livestock
Extension, Animal Genetics and Breeding, Dairy Science and Technology, Dairy
Chemistry, Dairy Engineering, Dairy Microbiology, Food Hygiene, Feed and Fodder
Technology, Meat Science and Technology, Animal Nutrition, Poultry Science and
Technology, Piggery, Preventive Medicine, Toxicology, etc.
After B.V.Sc. students can also appear for Biotechnology entrance
test for a future in this branch.
Selection
Procedure: The Veterinary Council of India, Karol Bagh, New Delhi
- 110005 conducts an All India Common Entrance Examination for admission to 15
per cent seats in each veterinary college for B.V.Sc. or AH (Animal Husbandry).
A minimum of 50 per cent aggregate marks in PCB and English is required in the
qualifying examination for taking the test.
The Indian Council for Agricultural Research, Krishi Anusandhan Bhavan, Pusa,
New Delhi - 110012 conducts an All India Entrance examination for filling up 15
per cent of the total seats in State Agricultural universities and 100 per cent
seats in National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal and Central Agriculture
University, Imphal in several subjects related to this field including
Veterinary science.
Job
Opportunities
Veterinary
scientists work both in the rural and urban setting. Dairy farms, stud farms,
poultry farms, and agriculturists employ veterinary scientists to care for the
animals.
Veterinarians work in the agricultural sector in rural areas, in government
animal husbandry departments, poultry and dairy farms, private and government
veterinary hospitals and clinics. Veterinary scientists also work with the
government, the Armed Forces and the Border Security Forces for the care of the
mounted regiments.
With the trend of keeping pets at home Veterinarians are much in demand in the
urban areas. Private practices flourish in these areas. Vets are also employed
in colleges for teaching purposes.
Other areas of functioning include vaccination of animals, providing
information on nutrition and health, scientific breeding using methods like
in-vitro fertilisation and artificial insemination, experiments on animals in
or der to control diseases spread by them, research involving animals for
various purposes like vaccine production, animals genetics and so on.
Money
& Other Benefits
If you are
into private practise, the money will actually depend on your area of practise.
On an average a vet charges Rs 75-100 per visit (excluding the cost of
medicines). And for a home visit it shoots up to Rs 150-250. They generally
work in two shifts - mornings and evenings. So that's a lot of money. On an
average a veterinarian can earn in the range of Rs 30,000-50,000 per month.
Career
Prospects
For those
who love animals this is the best career choice. The scope for veterinarians is
a swell. Your area of work will not be restricted to zoos, national parks and
wildlife sanctuaries. Various organisations employ veterinarians in their
research and development departments. Postgraduates in the field of veterinary
science can go in for research.