The Prime Minister Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana has been approved by the Union Cabinet, headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, to run over an approximate 6-year duration starting in the 2025-26 financial year. This scheme, which was in the Union Budget 2025-26, will catalyze the expansion of agriculture, and allied occupation in 100 pre-designated districts in India. It is the first one in its kind that focuses on directly enhancing agriculture and its peripheries by overcoming the existing inefficiencies in output, crop diversification, and access to credits.

In this plan, 100 districts shall be picked according to three key indicators namely; low agricultural productivity, low cropping intensity and inadequate disbursement of credits. In order to provide representation, at least one district each of all the states as well as Union Territories will be chosen and the number will represent the proportionate share of net cropped area and the number of operational agricultural holdings.

The programme will run through amalgamation and convergence of 36 of the existing central government schemes spread over 11 ministries and departments, and assisted by corresponding schemes on the state level, as well as the involvement of the partners in the private sector. The main targets are to increase crop productivity, encourage sustainable and diversified cropping, scale up post-harvest storage facilities at panchayat/block-level and extension of irrigation infrastructure and to provide long-term as well as short-term credit to farmers. 

District, state, and national committees will be formed to facilitate implementation and monitoring of the policies. A District Dhan-Dhaanya Samiti (which will consist of progressive farmers) at the district level shall develop a District Agriculture and Allied Activities Plan, that suits its local needs and yet based on the national goals. Among them are water and soil conservation, increasing organic and natural agriculture and wide crop diversification. 

In order to measure the scheme progress, 117 key performance indicators will be monitored, and implementation will be done on a monthly basis on a digital dashboard. They will give recommendations to NITI Aayog, who will direct and review district plans after some time. Also, it will appoint central nodal officers to each district that will monitor the implementation of the scheme and present periodic reports.

The total outlay by the PM Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana is 24,000 crore annually and the Cabinet are hoping that about 1.7 crore farmers will reap the benefits of the coordinated efforts, enhanced facilities, and wider coverage that PM Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana will have. The government hopes that with such indicators improving in these selected districts, the overall agricultural indicators of India will also have a positive upward shift which can be utilized to realize the bigger aspirations of self-reliance and increased livelihoods in the countryside.

To conclude, the Prime Minister Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana is a purpose-specific, multi-pronged initiative that aims at aligning the laggard agricultural districts with the national measures of productivity and sustainability in a closely coordinated, monitored system.

Do you want a future-proof and sustainable job in environmental management or agriculture? Agroforestry is becoming a dominant land-management practice in India as well as the rest of the world. It is an inviting and prosperous field in the 21st century. 

What is Agroforestry?

Agroforestry is a term used to describe the production of trees and non-tree crops or animals on one land. The aim of doing this is to integrate trees, plants, and animals in conservative, long-term, productive systems. Unlike traditional farming, agroforestry creates a diverse ecosystem, boosting productivity, profitability, and sustainability. It is recognized as a key solution for climate resilience, land restoration, and rural livelihoods.

The key features of it are that it integrates agriculture and forestry to their advantages, improves soil moisture and fertility, slows down erosion and boosts biodiversity, and somewhat counters climate change through carbon sequestration. 

Why should Agroforestry be important?

• Climate Change Mitigation: Trees capture carbon dioxide, making agroforestry a natural climate solution.
• Improved Farm Income: Diversification with timber, fruits, and medicinal plants increases farmer earnings.
• Biodiversity Conservation: Mexican laws can create a habitat of wildlife and contribute towards ecological balance.
• Soil & Water Health: It decreases soil loss, enhances water absorption, and reuses nutrients.
• Food Security: Contributes to sound food production and weather shock resilience

Popular Courses

• B.Sc. /B.Tech Agroforestry
• Agroforestry in M.Sc.
• Diploma and Certification programs
• Short-term Online Courses (covering principles, systems, and management) 

Best Colleges of Agroforestry in India

• GB Pant University of Agriculture & Technology
• Banaras Hindu University (BHU)
• Mizoram University
• Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology & Sciences (SHUATS)
• Dr. Y.S. Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry

Admission eligibility, admission

• Undergraduate: 10+2 (Science stream preferred)
• Postgraduate: Bachelor degree in agriculture, forestry or allied subjects 

The best universities can require aspirants to take entrance exams like AIACAT or other agriculture entrance exams. 

You will learn the following: 

• Agroforestry systems and designs 
• Tree-crop-livestock interactions
• Management of soil and water
• Climate-smart agriculture
• Rural development and project planning

Career Opportunities in Agroforestry

Agroforestry offers diverse job roles in both public and private sectors:

1. Research Scientist (ICAR, ICFRE, CIFOR-ICRAF)
2. Field Officer/Consultant (NGOs, government projects)
3. Agroforestry Project Manager
4. Agroforestry Extension Specialist
5. Environmental Consultant
6. Sustainable Agriculture Advisor
7. Entrepreneur (tree nurseries, organic products)
8. Teaching & Academia (universities, training institutes)

Most Recent Advent and Government Causes

• National Agroforestry Policy (2014): India was the first country to design a national policy, where it is planned to expand the area in plantations to help farmers.
• Sub-Mission on Agroforestry: Started to encourage farmers to plant trees by the Ministry of Agriculture.
• State Policies: Agroforestry investment and promotion: Odisha and Tamil Nadu States have initiated special policies to encourage investment and promotion of agroforestry.
• Skill Development: Trainers are offering hands-on courses, workshops on the ground or online courses that are made available to students and practitioners.

Valuable insights for Students and Aspirants

The field offers a blend of science, technology, and traditional knowledge, making it ideal for those passionate about nature and innovation. As climate change and sustainability remain on top of the agenda, there is a great demand for agroforestry professionals to work as researchers, policy makers, and implementers. Practical skills acquired by the students of land management, environmental assessment and rural development lead to possible careers in the national and global scope.

In short, Agroforestry is shaping the future of sustainable agriculture in India and beyond. For students and aspirants, it offers a meaningful, future-proof career with opportunities to make a real difference. Whether a student is interested in research, policy, entrepreneurship, or hands-on fieldwork, agroforestry education opens the door to a greener, more resilient world, as well as offers a lucrative career. 

India is a country that runs on agriculture. Majority of the population in India is either into business, service or agriculture. Agriculture remains one of the most significant career sectors in India. Some pursue this out of curiosity while others pursue it out of need. However, the skill set and need differs. 

The decision of selecting the career after the 12th is a very important one especially in agriculture, considering the fact that agriculture in a country like India forms the backbone of the economy. Bsc in agriculture, an interdisciplinary course that comprises agricultural sciences and modern practices, is a course that is gaining all the attention in 2025 by genZ. This generation is inclined towards a good-cause career , leading them to choose a career in agriculture. However, to pursue the same, is BSc Agriculture the right choice? 

What is bsc agriculture?

BSc agriculture is a four year undergraduate course having a broad scope of studies including crop production, dairy farming, food technology, plant breeding, animal husbandry, horticulture, soil science, genetics and microbiology agricultural fields. The course aims at equipping students with knowledge and practical skills required in contemporary agriculture.

Eligibility Criteria

• Completed 12th from a recognised board from PCM or PCB
• Aggregate marks of at least 50 percent are required to enable admission therein
• They are typically selected on the basis of merit, direct interview or entrance examinations

Overview of the BSc Agriculture Course

Career prospects and Scope

The BSc Agriculture does not only offer job opportunities within the private sector, but also in different posts within the government. The grads can be offered a place in:

• Research Institutes of Government.
• State Agricultural Universities (SAUs)
• Seed Making Firms
• Microfinancing Institutions

Job Roles after BSc Agriculture 

• Agriculture Research Scientist: Research into improvements of practices in the fields of agriculture and food production.
• Extension officer: Ensure that there is a connection between farmers and researchers and farmers make knowledgeable decisions.
• Agriculture Officer: Provide quality control on crops, audit activities as well as enforce regulations to agriculture.
• Quality Assurance Manager: Scrutinize standards and food production testing.
• Plant Breeder: Employ breeding methodology to increase the productivity of the crop, as well as their resilience.
• Farm Manager: Deal with day to day running, personnel and equipment in farms.
• Agriculture Loan Officer: Financing farmers and enterprises in the countryside.
• Food Processing Manager: Repeat and enhance the standards of food processing and production.

Why Pursue BSc Agriculture?

• Increasing Demand: As the world pays additional attention to food security, sustainability and agri-tech, the requirements of quality agriculture professionals are proliferating both within the Government and non-government sector.
• Various Specializations: The course includes modules in some of the current fields in the planet like food technology, genetics, plant pathology, so the graduates are ready to have many duties.
• Government Support: Various projects of modernizing Indian agriculture and enhancing the level of employment in the country are opening more opportunities to the qualified graduates.
• International scope: People of India with expertise in the field of agriculture are required by countries, which are interested in food production and agri-business.

Integrated and Dual Degree

The students who might require a wider range of knowledge have integrated dual degree programs (i.e. B.Sc.-M.Sc.) offered at certain universities. These programs facilitate an easy movement to higher studies and research which improves employment opportunities.

The Indian farming industry is fast-changing and emerging issues such as food security and sustainability have now become a major concern; this is a fact that makes BSc Agriculture graduates more important now than ever before. The profession does not only provide employment stability and diversity, but there also exists an opportunity to make a difference in the society. Additionally, if you are interested in science, innovation, and rural development are your areas of concern, then BSc Agriculture is the career route to follow in 2025 and beyond.

 Have you ever wondered what stands between a catastrophic situation and India’s food crops? It is undetected-plant diseases! But do you know the comrades who are struggling with these enemies? They are known as plant pathologists or in simpler terms, plant doctors. 

Being a plant pathologist is no  different than being a doctor because these people are the ones who ensure we are eating good food. In 2025, this career is seeing a good trend. Students are searching for jobs and doing their research regarding agriculture careers. 

What is Plant Pathology?

Plant pathology is the study of diagnosis and interpretation of plant disease, and control of them. It can be called a medical field but for crops that is a trending career in agriculture after 12th. Plant pathologists instead of curing human beings ensure that rice, wheat, fruits and vegetables are healthy. They investigate fungi and bacteria, viruses and even stress in the environment that can adversely affect plants.

This is something that may shock you; India records around 20%-35% loss of crops annually owing to plant diseases. That is not a mere statistic, that is food that does not get to our plates and money that does not get to farmers. The financial loss? It incurs lakhs of crores every year. If even half of these losses could be prevented then IIndia would have greater food security and more prosperous farmers. 

It is not only the matter of today that plant Pathologists are needed. New diseases are increasingly appearing with the phenomenon of climate change. People are exposed to danger to crops that were initially safe. The increase in population of India demands more not less production of food. This is the reason why plant pathologists are needed so much; they are the people who find answers to the emerging problem.

What is the Scope? Which job can you have?

• Research and Teaching: Work in the best universities or research centers, or even study PhD.
• Government Jobs: Become part of the agriculture departments or regulators in order to assist in controlling outbreaks of the disease and establish policies.
• Private Sector: Join leading agrochemical companies like UPL Limited, Syngenta, or Bayer CropScience, or work with agri-tech startups such as CropIn and AgroStar that are innovating in disease management.
• Field Work: Urge farmers and conduct disease surveillance directly as well as facilitate the design of practical solutions.
• International Projects: Work with international agencies over food security and sustainable farming. 

What are you going to study?

Plant pathology courses are practical and encompass momentous choices. Here you will study about:

• Nematodes, bacteria, viruses and fungi
• Cutting edge diagnostic technology (one thinks of DNA analysis of plants!)
• Field disease management in the world
• State of art research projects 

Note that agricultural, botany and related fields bachelor degrees are required in most universities if you wish to pursue this course. The investment is modest compared to the vast career opportunities available. 

Why Now? What’s Trending?

1. Food Security: A growing population of India will surpass 1.7 billion in 2050. Meanwhile, food production ought to be increased by 50% and more. It cannot be possible without improved control of diseases.
2. Climate Change: Diseases are arising at record-setting pace. The plant pathologists are on the forefront towards creation of climate resilient crops.
3. Tech and Innovation: Cutting-edge research in India now uses CRISPR gene editing to develop disease-resistant crops. Startups and research labs are deploying AI-based apps, like Plantix, to help farmers diagnose diseases instantly using smartphone photos.
4. Job Market: experienced and competent plant pathologists are in short supply. Yet very few universities have specialized courses and as such, potential skilled graduates are grabbed within no time.

What Is The Way To Start?

There are more than 30 agricultural universities as well as some of the Best institutes (such as ICAR-IARI, PAU Ludhiana and TNAU) that provide undergraduate and postgraduate education in plant pathology in India.

Plant pathology would probably be the best career in agriculture after 12th if you are wishing to have a future-proof profession, one that is meaningful, and has a lot of opportunities. You will be working right at the center of addressing one of the greatest questions India faces in feeding its growing nation sustainably. 

Thus, in case you love science and agriculture or simply wish to contribute to the real world, you can consider pursuing a career in pathology. The nation needs you more than ever before. Pursue a career that is not just rewarding but has an actual impact. Do your research about plant pathology programs at top Indian universities and be part of the next generation of plant doctors.