How to Become an Agricultural Officer in India: A Quick Guide

The desire to live in a greener, sustainable and peaceful world is universal. In order to achieve this utopia, we require agriculturists who would make a positive change. Working as an agricultural officer, you will be a key person in developing the agricultural sector in India that will eventually lead us to this universal dream.

So, do you love farming and would like to contribute seriously to Indian agriculture? Being an agricultural officer might be the right choice for you. This is not only a position with a secure government employment but also allows you to interact with farmers directly, introduce new methods, and watch over food safety nationwide. 

Who is an Agricultural Officer?

Agricultural Officers are government professionals who visit farmers and help them to improve their crops, combat pests and diseases, and adhere to the new laws of farming. They examine crops and livestock, take samples, and offer the best farming practices. Their efforts make food production safe and qualify to all the standards of production. 

If you love the thought of being in the fields, getting a chance to solve real life problems and benefit the rural communities, then this might just be the right job opportunity that you have been looking for. 

Here are the agriculture officer eligibility that you must fulfill: 

• Nationality: You should be an Indian citizen.
• Age Limit: You must be aged 18 to 40 (relaxation of age rules, in case of reserved categories).
• Educational Qualification: It requires a bachelor degree in agriculture or other related courses. 

Courses to pursue After 12th

In school, when pursuing this career, make sure you do science subjects, and most importantly, Biology and Chemistry. These are the best undergraduate (UG) courses you can choose after your 12th.

• B.Sc. Agriculture
• B.Sc. Horticulture
• B.Sc. Forestry
• B.Tech. Agriculture Engineering
• B.Sc. Dairy Science
• B.Sc. Soil Science
• B.Sc. Plant Science
• B.Sc. Agriculture Biotechnology
• B.Sc. Agribusiness Management
• B.Sc. Home Science

These are the courses, which are provided by the reputed universities and agricultural colleges throughout India. The admission is generally based on entrance examination, such as AIACAT, ICAR AIEEA, AGRICET, CUET and state level examinations.

Specialisation Postgraduate (PG) Courses

Once you complete your bachelor degree you may pursue a masters degree to enhance your knowledge and employment opportunities. Here are some of the degrees: 

• M.Sc. Agriculture
• M.Sc. Horticulture
• M.Sc. Soil Science
• M.Sc. Plant Breeding and Genetics
• M.Tech. Agriculture Engineering
• MBA in Agri-Business (for those interested in the business side of agriculture)

Note: A postgraduate qualification is not often compulsory but will place you at an advantage, particularly in senior jobs and research posts.

Top Agriculture Colleges in India

• Parul University
• VGU
• LPU
• Rai Technology University
• Starex University
• Maya Devi University
• Chandigarh University 

Entrance Exams You Need to Take

One has to pass competitive exams to become an Agricultural Officer. Some of the key ones are as follows:

• AIACAT (All India Agriculture Aptitude Test): For undergraduate, postgraduate, and diploma courses. 
• ICAR AIEEA (All India Entrance Examination for Admission): Undergraduate and postgraduate agriculture courses.
• State Public Service Commission Exams: for the state-level jobs of agriculture officers (such as Maharashtra Agriculture Officer Exam).
• SSC (Staff Selection Commission): To several central government agricultural positions.
• NABARD Exams:  To work in the national bank for agriculture and rural development.
• Food Corporation of India (FCI) Exams: To get technical and officer jobs in FCI. 

Key Skills You need to Have 

• Deep knowledge of agricultural science and its technology
• Good communication skills, especially in local languages
• Analytical and problem-solving skill
• Experties in working in rural area 
• Attention to detail and a scientific approach

Career Path and Growth 

You may enter as an agricultural officer in state/ central government departments/banks/allied areas after passing the necessary exams and interviews. Through experience, one can be promoted to senior positions such as District Agriculture Officer, Regional Manager or even a Director in the agriculture department.

India is an agricultural country, and working as an agricultural officer, you are directly involved in the food security of the nation and improvement of rural areas. The work is respectful with job security and an opportunity to work at the grassroots level. As an agriculture student in India, you need to plan earlier, select the proper course, and take the right agriculture entrance test to gain admission at the top agriculture university. However, if you have any confusion regarding pursuing an agriculture course, connect with us for a free career consultation at 9124705559 or https://aiacat.com/