Archive for February, 2021

A Career in Agriculture and Forestry

February 4th, 2021

Agriculture is an important field of study. Being the largest sector of Indian economy, it is the prime occupation of a majority of Indians who entirely rely on it for livelihood. Study in agriculture involves a wide range of activities like research, teaching and certain supervisory works which are being done in the field. Forestry constitutes a part of the study in the agricultural science and technology field. It is also a popular academic discipline. Study in forestry encompasses affairs like global warming, deforestation, natural disasters etc.It focuses on the conservation of forests to ensure a healthy Eco system.

Agricultural courses are available at undergraduate and post graduate levels. For undergraduate course, the basic qualification is 10+2 in science with 50 % marks while for post graduation it is a graduate degree with 60% marks. Doctoral studies are also offered in this field.

Agricultural farming is becoming hi- tech now a days. The number of people engaged in agricultural farming are relatively lower though this sector presents opportunities ranging from government, non-profit organizations and private multinational companies. Major career areas in the field are includes: Agricultural Research, Agri – Business, Agricultural journalism etc. Many sub-sectors in agriculture could also offer employment prospects.

Salaries in this sector are good enough. It can be from 7,000 in the beginning to increase upto 20,000. Agricultural scientists normally earn between Rs.18, 000 and 25, 000.

Professionals in the field of forestry can be divided as Forester, Dendrologists, Ethnologists Entomologists: Forest Range Officers etc. who are involved in various kind of works.

To pursue a course in B.Sc in Forestry, the eligibility requirement is Physics, Chemistry and Biology at the intermediate level. Post graduate studies in forestry is available in various disciplines. Even one can opt for diploma courses in forestry.

Professionals in forestry can work in both government and non governmental offices, industries, organizations, or they can take up teaching also. More importantly they can appear in Indian Forest Service exams conducted by Union Public Service Commission every year which is considered as one of the lucrative career option.

Salary at an entry level is around 8,000, after experience it can go upto 26,000, the salaries are varied according to rankwise in this sector.

Many good colleges in India offer Bsc in Agriculture & Forestry course. Interested Students can opt for this course for which the eligibility is 10+2 (P.C.B./P.C.M.) or equivalent with 45% marks

Some of the premier institutes to pursue courses in the field of Agriculture & Forestry
The College of Technology and Engineering Rajasthan
University of Petroleum & Energy Studies (UPES) Uttarakhand
Orissa University Of Agriculture And Technology Orissa
The Indian Institute of Forest Management Madhya Pradesh Forest Research Institute (FRI) Dehradun
Agricultural College and Research Institute (AC & RI) Coimbatore
Association of Fisheries College Maharashtra
The Central Institute of Fisheries Technology (CIFT) Keralathe

Agriculture and Forestry Trade Fairs

February 4th, 2021

Since the industrial revolution took over the world a long time ago, there has been a clear disparity between the progress of modern industries and agriculture. On one hand the number of industries has increased exponentially while on the other the development in agricultural techniques and methods has moved at a snail’s pace. Due to this misbalance in the progress of these two very important aspects of human needs, we find ourselves in a situation where food grains are in smaller supplies as compared to industrial goods. In today’s time, the need to promote agriculture and forestry has become essential for the survival of mankind. There are different ways through which we can solve this issue, but one of the most innovative way of addressing this problem is- Trade Fair.

Trade fairs can act as the best possible tool to address this important issue of depleting food grains and forest resources. The power of a trade fair to assemble a large producer and consumer base under one roof, can be used to achieve the ultimate objective of spreading awareness about agriculture and forestry amongst the masses as well as classes. Trade associations and organizers need to join hands, and come together in an effort to solve this issue. Some important points which should be taken into considerations before organizing fairs dedicated to Agriculture & Forestry Trade Shows are-Welfare of farmers-At such fairs, the welfare of the farmers should be kept in mind. A farmer is the smallest unit in the overall agricultural machinery. These farmers are normally taken for granted and never credited for their efforts. Special efforts should be made to involve the farmers in such fairs and they should be informed about newer technologies. Spread of new techniques amongst the farmers can give a real impetus to the overall production of the crops.Knowledge of food grain storage-Food grain storage is one of the most important areas that needs to be improved in the agricultural industry. Awareness about modern day methods and practices related with food grain storage should be spread at these fairs.Organization of Seminars and conferences- Agriculture & Forestry Trade Fairs are normally attended by the complete agricultural industry as well as the decision makers. A well-organized seminar or conference at a trade fair can really help the whole industry. Through discussions, people can put their issues in front of the decision makers and government officials. This can speed up the formulation of solutions which can go a long way in the welfare of the industry.