Agronomy is a discipline of Agriculture that focuses on the study of crops and their growth, development, and production. It involves the application of scientific principles and techniques to improve the quality and quantity of crop production. Agronomy covers a wide range of topics, from the genetics of plants to soil science, from crop management to environmental impacts.

The scope of Agronomy (Agriculture) covers the following areas of study:

1. Crop Physiology: Studies the processes and mechanisms involved in plant growth, development, and reproduction.
2. Crop Genetics: This explores the genetic makeup of crops and how it affects their growth and productivity.
3. Soil Science: Focuses on the properties, composition, and structure of soils, and how they affect crop growth and productivity.
4. Agroecology: Examines the relationship between crops and their environment, including the impact of human activities on the ecosystem.
5. Crop Management: Studies the methods and techniques used to manage and optimize crop production, including planting, harvesting, and pest control.
6. Environmental Science: Looks at the impact of agriculture on the environment, including soil and water conservation, land degradation, and greenhouse gas emissions.
7. Agroforestry: Studies the integration of trees and other crops into agricultural systems to improve productivity, biodiversity, and ecosystem services.

For those who wish to pursue a PG or PhD in Agronomy (Agriculture), these fields of study provide a wide range of topics for further research and exploration. By specializing in one of these areas, students can gain expertise and make significant contributions to the field of agriculture.

The field of Agronomy (Agriculture) encompasses the study of crops and their growth, development, and management. It encompasses a wide range of topics, including plant genetics and breeding, soil science, crop physiology, pest management, and agro-ecology. PG and PhD programs in Agronomy (Agriculture) provide students with advanced knowledge and research skills in these areas, preparing them for careers in academia, government, and industry.

Some of the core areas of study in PG and PhD in Agronomy (Agriculture) programs include:

1. Crop Physiology: The study of the growth and development of crops and how they respond to environmental factors such as light, water, and temperature.
2. Plant Genetics and Breeding: The study of the genetic makeup of crops and how to breed new varieties with improved traits.
3. Soil Science: The study of the physical, chemical, and biological properties of soils and how they affect crop growth.
4. Pest Management: The study of the biology and control of pests and diseases in crops.
5. Agro-ecology: The study of the interactions between crops, the environment, and human society.

Agronomy Curriculum (General)

Agronomy is the science of managing and improving the productivity of agricultural crops. It is a discipline that encompasses the study of the physical, chemical, biological, and economic aspects of crop production. In India, several institutions and universities offer postgraduate and PhD programs in Agronomy to equip students with the knowledge and skills needed to tackle the challenges faced in modern agriculture.

Postgraduate (PG) Programmes in Agronomy:

The PG program in Agronomy is usually a two-year program offered as Master of Science (M.Sc.) in Agronomy. The standard curriculum of the program covers a wide range of subjects aimed at providing students with a comprehensive understanding of crop production and management. Some of the common subjects offered in the PG program in Agronomy include:

1. Soil Science
2. Agronomic practices
3. Crop Physiology
4. Crop Ecology
5. Agricultural Meteorology
6. Seed Technology
7. Plant Nutrition
8. Agricultural Statistics
9. Plant Breeding and Genetics
10. Agricultural Economics

PhD Programmes in Agronomy:

The PhD program in Agronomy is a research-oriented program that aims to provide students with the necessary knowledge and skills to conduct independent research in the field of crop production and management. The standard curriculum of the program includes courses in various aspects of agronomy and research methods, as well as a thesis component that requires students to conduct original research and defend their findings. Some of the common subjects offered in the PhD program in Agronomy include:

1. Soil and Water Conservation
2. Agroforestry
3. Crop Diseases and Pests
4. Crop Physiology and Metabolism
5. Agricultural Microbiology
6. Agricultural Biotechnology
7. Agricultural Information Technology
8. Advanced Agricultural Economics
9. Climate Change and Agriculture

The PG and PhD programs in Agronomy offered by institutions and universities in India provide students with the knowledge and skills needed to tackle the challenges faced in modern agriculture. The standard curriculum of these programs covers a wide range of subjects aimed at equipping students with a comprehensive understanding of crop production and management. Whether you are looking to advance your career in agriculture or make a significant contribution to the field, the PG and PhD programs in Agronomy are a great choice.

Core Skills

For PG and PhD graduates in Agronomy, it’s essential to have a clear understanding of the skills that are in high demand by industries. This knowledge can help guide their learning path and ensure they are well-equipped to make a positive impact in the field of agriculture.

1. Crop Science: A thorough understanding of the biology and physiology of crops, including the factors that influence their growth and productivity.
2. Soil Science: Knowledge of the physical, chemical, and biological properties of soils and how these properties affect crop growth and productivity.
3. Agro-meteorology: Understanding of the interaction between weather and crops, including the influence of climate and weather on crop growth and productivity.
4. Agricultural Biotechnology: Knowledge of the use of biotechnology in agriculture, including genetic engineering, tissue culture, and molecular biology.
5. Agricultural Economics: Understanding of the economic principles that govern agriculture, including market demand, supply, and pricing.
6. Agricultural Extension: Knowledge of the principles and practices of agricultural extension, including the development and dissemination of agricultural information to farmers.
7. Agricultural Water Management: Understanding of the principles of water management in agriculture, including irrigation, drainage, and groundwater management.
8. Plant Nutrition: Knowledge of the role of nutrients in plant growth and productivity, including the management of soil fertility and the application of fertilizers.
9. Agroforestry: Understanding of the integration of trees and agriculture, including the benefits and challenges of agroforestry systems.
10. Sustainable Agriculture: Knowledge of sustainable agriculture practices, including organic agriculture, conservation agriculture, and integrated pest management.

Core Industries

Agronomy is the science and technology of producing and using plants for food, fuel, fibre, and land reclamation. As a PG and PhD graduate in Agronomy, you can explore a wide range of career opportunities in the field of agriculture and other industries.

• Agriculture research and development organizations
• State and Central government agriculture departments
• Seed companies
• Fertilizer companies
• Pesticide companies
• Agricultural machinery manufacturers
• Agricultural input suppliers
• Agricultural commodity trading companies
• Agricultural consultancies
• Agricultural insurance companies
• Agri-business firms
• Non-government organizations (NGOs) working in agriculture and rural development
• Agricultural media and journalism
• Biotechnology companies
• Pharmaceutical companies
• Food and beverage companies
• Environmental consulting firms
• Academic and research institutions

In these organizations, you can work as a research scientist, extension specialist, product manager, sales and marketing professional, and many more. With your advanced knowledge and skills, you can make a significant impact on the sustainable development of agriculture and the improvement of food security.

Here are some additional state-owned departments in India that employ PG and PhD graduates in Agronomy:

• State Agriculture Universities
• State Agriculture Research Institutes
• State Horticulture Departments
• State Cooperative Departments
• State Soil and Water Conservation Departments
• State Forest Departments
• State Disaster Management Departments

With your advanced knowledge and skills in Agronomy, you can play a critical role in shaping the future of agriculture and making it more sustainable, productive, and profitable. So, don’t wait and join the PG and PhD graduates in Agronomy program today!

Career opportunities

Career Opportunities for PG and PhD Graduates in Agronomy in India

As a PG and PhD graduate in Agronomy, you have a wealth of career and job opportunities at your disposal. With your advanced knowledge and skills in the science and technology of producing and using plants, you can play a critical role in shaping the future of agriculture and making it more sustainable, productive, and profitable.

Here are some of the popular job positions available to PG and PhD graduates in Agronomy in India:

1. Research Scientist
2. Extension Specialist
3. Product Manager
4. Sales and Marketing Professional
5. Agricultural Consultant
6. Agricultural Extension Officer
7. Agriculture Business Development Manager
8. Academician and Researcher
9. Agriculture Journalist and Media Professional
10. Non-Government Organization (NGO) Worker

In these positions, you can work with leading agriculture research and development organizations, seed companies, fertilizer companies, pesticide companies, biotechnology companies, pharmaceutical companies, food and beverage companies, environmental consulting firms, academic and research institutions, and more.

So, if you are passionate about plants and their production, join the PG and PhD graduates in Agronomy program and embark on an exciting journey of discovery, innovation, and impact. With your advanced knowledge and skills, you can make a positive difference in agriculture and rural development and contribute to the overall growth and prosperity of the country.

Recruiters

As a PG and PhD graduate in Agronomy, you have a wide range of career and job opportunities in both the private and public sectors. With your advanced knowledge and skills in the science and technology of producing and using plants, you can play a critical role in shaping the future of agriculture and making it more sustainable, productive, and profitable.

Here is a list of private and public sector industries that employ PG and PhD graduates in Agronomy in India:

Private Sector:

1. Syngenta India Limited – Mumbai
2. Monsanto India Limited – Mumbai
3. Bayer CropScience Limited – Mumbai
4. Dow AgroSciences India Private Limited – Mumbai
5. DuPont India Private Limited – Mumbai
6. BASF India Limited – Mumbai
7. Nuziveedu Seeds Limited – Hyderabad
8. Kaveri Seed Company Limited – Hyderabad
9. Nath Seeds Private Limited – Hyderabad
10. Rasi Seeds Private Limited – Chennai
11. JK Agri Genetics Limited – Hyderabad
12. Prabhat Agri Biotech Limited – Mumbai
13. NSL Agri Genetics India Limited – Hyderabad
14. Rallis India Limited – Mumbai
15. Krishidhan Seeds Private Limited – Pune
16. Indus Seeds Private Limited – Hyderabad
17. MAHYCO Monsanto Biotech (India) Limited – Mumbai
18. Sarson Foods Private Limited – Delhi
19. Kreative Agri Biotech India Limited – Hyderabad
20. Preet Agri Seeds Private Limited – Delhi
21. Om Agro Biotech Private Limited – Ahmedabad
22. Chetak Seeds Private Limited – Jaipur
23. Ashoka Seeds Private Limited – Delhi

Public Sector:

1. Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI) – New Delhi
2. National Rice Research Institute (NRRI) – Cuttack, Odisha
3. Central Soil and Water Conservation Research and Training Institute (CSWCRTI) – Dehradun, Uttarakhand
4. Central Institute for Cotton Research (CICR) – Nagpur, Maharashtra
5. Indian Institute of Maize Research (IIMR) – Ludhiana, Punjab
6. Central Institute for Arid Horticulture (CIAH) – Bikaner, Rajasthan
7. Indian Institute of Spices Research (IISR) – Calicut, Kerala
8. National Institute of Plant Health Management (NIPHM) – Hyderabad, Telangana
9. Central Institute for Subtropical Horticulture (CISH) – Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh
10. National Research Centre for Grapes (NRCG) – Pune, Maharashtra
11. Indian Institute of Vegetable Research (IIVR) – Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
12. Central Institute of Post Harvest Engineering and Technology (CIPHET) – Ludhiana, Punjab
13. National Research Centre for Banana (NRCB) – Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu
14. Indian Institute of Millets Research (IIMR) – Hyderabad, Telangana
15. Central Institute of Agricultural Engineering (CIAE) – Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh
16. National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources (NBPGR) – New Delhi
17. Indian Institute of Horticultural Research (IIHR) – Bengaluru, Karnataka
18. Central Institute for Temperate Horticulture (CITH) – Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir
19. National Research Centre for Cashew (NRCC)

FAQs

Q: What is Agronomy?

A: Agronomy is the science of cultivating crops and the growth and management of plants. It encompasses various fields such as soil science, plant genetics, plant physiology, and agroecology.

Q: What is a PG/PhD in Agronomy?

A: PG/PhD in Agronomy is a postgraduate/doctoral degree program that focuses on the study of crops, their growth and management, and related fields. It provides students with in-depth knowledge and hands-on experience in the field of Agronomy.

Q: What are the eligibility criteria for PG/PhD in Agronomy?

A: To be eligible for PG/PhD in Agronomy, candidates must have a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Agriculture or a related field with a minimum aggregate score of 55% to 60%.

Q: How can I apply for PG/PhD in Agronomy?

A: Applications for PG/PhD in Agronomy can be made online or offline, depending on the institute/university. Candidates should check the admission requirements and procedures of the institute/university they wish to apply to.

Q: What is the admission process for PG/PhD in Agronomy?

A: The admission process for PG/PhD in Agronomy usually involves the submission of the application form and relevant documents, followed by an entrance exam and personal interview. Some institutes/universities may also consider the candidate’s previous academic record and work experience.

Q: What is the fee structure for PG/PhD in Agronomy?

A: The fee structure for PG/PhD in Agronomy varies depending on the institute/university and the type of program (private or government). On average, the fee can range from INR 50,000 to 2,00,000 per annum.

Q: What are the career opportunities after PG/PhD in Agronomy?

A: Graduates with a PG/PhD in Agronomy can pursue a career in a variety of fields, including agriculture, research and development, agribusiness, seed production, and education. They can work in government or private sector organizations, research institutes, universities, and international organizations.

Q: What are the top institutes/universities offering PG/PhD in Agronomy in India?

A: Some of the top institutes/universities offering PG/PhD in Agronomy in India include the Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI), Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Indian Institute of Spices Research (IISR), Central Institute of Agricultural Engineering (CIAE), and National Bureau of Soil Survey and Land Use Planning (NBSSLUP).

Q: Is credit transfer possible for PG/PhD in Agronomy?

A: Credit transfer, also known as advanced standing, refers to the recognition of previous study or work experience toward a new program. The possibility of credit transfer depends on the institute/university and the specific program. Candidates should check with the institute/university they wish to apply to for more information on credit transfer.

Q: Do state governments provide scholarships or financial assistance for PG/PhD programs in agronomy?

A: Some state governments in India offer scholarships or financial aid for students pursuing higher education, including a PG/PhD in Agronomy. Eligibility criteria, application procedures, and the amount of financial aid vary depending on the state government. Candidates should check with their state government for more information.

Q: Are there any central government education policies for PG/PhD in Agronomy?

A: Yes, the central government of India has several education policies and schemes for students pursuing higher education, including PG/PhD in Agronomy. These policies and schemes are aimed at providing financial assistance, support for research and development, and other benefits to students. Candidates should check with the relevant government departments for more information on central government education policies.

Q: Are there any job opportunities abroad after PG/PhD in Agronomy?

A: Yes, graduates with a PG/PhD in Agronomy can explore job opportunities abroad in countries with a strong agriculture sector. These opportunities include working in research and development, agribusiness, seed production, and education. Candidates should check with international organizations and government agencies for more information on job opportunities abroad.

Q: Can I specialize in a specific field within Agronomy during my PG/PhD program?

A: Yes, students pursuing PG/PhD in Agronomy can specialize in a specific field such as soil science, plant genetics, plant physiology, or agroecology, among others. The specific fields of specialization and the requirements for specialization depend on the institute/university and the program. Candidates should check with the institute/university they wish to apply to for more information.

Dr Suresh R K