Career in Agriculture

Agriculture is the mainstay of our economy. It provides food to our millions and raw materials for our industries. India also has enormous potential as an exporter of agricultural commodities. The variety of climatic types and natural conditions offer a conducive environment for the cultivation of a large variety of agricultural produce.
Work in agricultural sectors ranges from the totally academic pursuits of research and teaching to inspaction and other supervisory work to commercial activities of establishing farms, plantations, orchards and carrying on exports of produce from them.
Agriculture is no longer practised by rule of thumb, instead it has become highly scientific, sophisticated and mechanised and consequently, very profitable too. Horticulture, dairying and poultry farming are allied agricultural activities that have become economically viable opportunities today.
The impact of agriculture is not only on the production of food grains, vegetables and fruits, but on so many agriculture dependent industries which get its raw material from agriculture sector. A good monsoon would drive the sensex raging as bull, while floods or other such calamities would bring it to a grinding halt.
Following are major career areas in the field of agriculture:
  • Agricultural Research
  • Agri-Business
  • Agro Industry
  • Agricultural Education
  • Agricultural Journalism
  • Services in Agriculture
  • Banking
  • Farming
  • Conservation
  • Agricultural Engineering
  • Management
Agriculture Job Descriptions

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the agricultural field employed around 1.22 million workers as of May 2008. Within the agricultural sector are a number of different jobs with their own functions and responsibilities.

Farmers and Ranchers: Farmers are landowners who grow crops for consumption and use in the production of goods. Ranchers also own land, but they raise livestock for the production of meat, dairy products, eggs and other products made from animals.

Agricultural Managers: Agricultural managers work on large farms, ranches, fisheries and timber tracts, supervising the day-to-day activities of laborers and overseeing the operation of the business.

Laborers: Laborers who work in agricultural fields, such as lumbering or farming, prepare soil, plant seeds, spread fertilizer and harvest crops. Those who work in ranches or fisheries feed and care for animals or fish and may responsible for milking cows, gathering eggs or shearing sheep.

Fishers: Fishers work on boats in the ocean or rivers, using nets to catch wild fish and seafood. On the boat, the captain and first mate supervise the fishers.

Agricultural Scientists: Agricultural scientists are biochemists who research ways to increase agricultural output. Some areas they focus on include making plants resistant to disease and pests and increasing nutrients in soil.

Foresters: Foresters help organize reforestation efforts to keep lumbering from squandering important resources. They also help treat diseases that affect trees and determine what pesticides are appropriate for killing particular pests.

Types of Jobs in Agriculture

Agriculture is a booming industry with a wide variety of jobs to choose from. Across the globe, in a number of different job sectors, those in the agricultural business work to cultivate, experiment with, and market food products. The industry incorporates many different skills and employ people with a wide variety of interests, which shows that there is a job for everyone in agriculture.

Independant Farmer: Independent farmers run their own farm, or sometimes a small chain of farms. This job has fallen onto some hard times, but they are looked to for locally grown, often organic produce in many cities.

Horticulturalist: Many plants and vegetables are scientifically altered or crossbred to make them better for consumption or to offer unique features. It is the job of the horticulturalist to experiment with plants.

Agricultural Manager: Agricultural managers run offices for large farming businesses. These farms have locations across the country or the world, and do business far and one, therefore they need business-minded people to run logistics and manage workers.

Food Scientist: Whether you are an assistant with an undergrad or a PHD wielding master, food scientists work round the clock to make agricultural products healthier and easier to grow.

Graphic Designer: Graphic designers often find work in agriculture as well. They are typically hired to design appealing packages for food in order to entice and attract buyers.

By TechSUM.

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