Career Scope of Agriculture in India, Government & Private Career Opportunities
Riya Sharma17 Apr, 2025Share
Career Scope of Agriculture in India: Agriculture is one of the most important sectors in India, offering numerous career opportunities for students. It involves the cultivation of crops, livestock management, food production, and the development of agricultural technology. In India, agriculture is a major contributor to the economy and provides employment to millions of people.
Students interested in agriculture can pursue various degrees such as a Bachelor's, Master's, or higher education in fields like Agronomy, Horticulture, Agricultural Engineering, Entomology and many more. These programs help students gain the skills and knowledge required to work in the agricultural industry.
Agriculture offers both government and private sector job opportunities, including roles in research, farming, agribusiness, rural development, and education. Students aspiring to pursue agriculture as a career should check the complete details about the Scope of Agriculture as a Career in India, government and private opportunities, and more below.
Scope of Agriculture as a Career in India Overview
Agriculture in India has grown beyond traditional farming. It now provides many career opportunities in both government and private sectors. Students can choose from different agriculture-related courses, prepare for entrance exams, gain practical experience through internships, and explore a wide range of career paths in this growing field.
The table below provides an overview of Scope of Agriculture as a Career in India, covering entrance exams, courses, government exams, and salary prospects:
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Scope of Agriculture as a Career in India |
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Particulars |
Details |
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Entrance Exam Names |
ICAR AIEEA, CSIR NET, NABARD, IBPS SO, JEE, State CET, NEET, AIPVT, UPSC IFS, State PSC Exams & many more |
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Courses Offered |
B.Sc. Agriculture, M.Sc. Agriculture, B.Tech Agricultural Engineering, B.V.Sc & AH, MBA Agribusiness, Ph.D. Agriculture |
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Government Exam Names |
ICAR NET, ASRB ARS, NABARD Grade A, IBPS Agriculture Officer Exam, UPSC IFS, State PSC Exams & many more |
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Internship/Residency |
Research internships, field internships, greenhouse management, hospital rotations, industrial training in agricultural firms |
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Career Opportunities |
Agricultural research institutes, agribusiness companies, government agricultural departments, banks, private farms, veterinary hospitals, agricultural machinery firms |
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Average Salary |
₹3–12 LPA depending on the role and qualifications |
Scope and Career Opportunities of Agriculture in India
Agriculture in India offers various career opportunities in areas like farming, business, food technology, and research. With new technologies and better farming methods, there is a growing demand for skilled professionals in this field. Below are the educational options and job opportunities available in both the government and private sectors.
List of Courses and Specializations in Agriculture in India
Students interested in farming, agribusiness, food technology, or research can choose from various agriculture courses after Class 10, 12, or graduation. These programs are available at the diploma, undergraduate, postgraduate, and Ph.D. levels.
Admission to many agricultural degree programs is done through entrance exams like ICAR AIEEA (UG and PG), state-level CETs, and university-specific tests. The table below includes the list of courses and specializations across each level of education.
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List of Courses and Specializations in Agriculture in India |
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Level |
Duration |
Eligibility |
Entrance Exams |
List of Courses |
|
Diploma Courses |
1–2 Years |
Class 10 or 12 |
Institute-specific or merit-based |
Diploma in Agriculture, Horticulture, Animal Husbandry, Agricultural Engineering, Fisheries Science, Forestry |
|
Bachelor’s Degrees |
3–4 Years |
Class 12 (Science) |
ICAR AIEEA (UG), State CETs |
B.Sc. (Agriculture), B.Sc. (Horticulture), B.Tech (Agricultural Engineering), B.F.Sc. (Fisheries), B.Sc. (Forestry), B.Sc. (Agribusiness), etc. |
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Master’s Degrees |
2 Years |
Relevant Bachelor’s |
ICAR AIEEA (PG), CUET PG, Univ. Entrance |
M.Sc. (Agriculture), M.Sc. (Horticulture), M.Tech (Agricultural Engineering), M.F.Sc., MBA (Agribusiness), M.Sc. (Food Tech), M.Sc. (Forestry), etc. |
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Doctoral Degrees |
3–5 Years |
Relevant Master’s |
University entrance + Interview |
Ph.D. in Agronomy, Soil Science, Plant Breeding, Agricultural Economics, Forestry, Agricultural Biotechnology, Environmental Science, and more |
Government Sector Career Options in Agriculture in India
The government sector in India offers many career opportunities for agriculture graduates, encompassing roles in research, extension, administration, and policy-making. Below are the key positions, their primary responsibilities, and approximate salary ranges:
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Government Sector Career Options in Agriculture in India |
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Job Role |
Scope and Description |
Salary Range (Varies by role and experience) |
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Agricultural Officer |
Implements government schemes, advises farmers, and promotes sustainable farming practices. |
₹25,000 – ₹40,000 per month |
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Agricultural Research Scientist |
Conducts research on crop improvement, soil health, and pest control. Works in ICAR and agricultural universities. |
₹50,000 – ₹80,000 per month |
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Horticulture Officer |
Oversees fruit, vegetable cultivation, floriculture, and plantation management. |
₹30,000 – ₹50,000 per month |
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Soil Conservation Officer |
Works on soil health, erosion control, and sustainable land management. |
₹35,000 – ₹55,000 per month |
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Agricultural Extension Officer |
Educates farmers about modern farming techniques and government policies. |
₹30,000 – ₹45,000 per month |
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Food Safety Officer |
Ensures food quality and safety standards in agricultural products. |
₹40,000 – ₹60,000 per month |
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ICAR Scientist |
Conducts research in Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) institutes. |
₹60,000 – ₹90,000 per month |
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NABARD Officer |
Works in agricultural finance, rural development, and farmer support programs. |
₹50,000 – ₹80,000 per month |
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Forest Officer |
Manages forest conservation, wildlife protection, and afforestation projects. |
₹40,000 – ₹70,000 per month |
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Agricultural Marketing Officer |
Regulates and promotes efficient marketing of agricultural produce. Develops marketing infrastructure and implements agricultural marketing policies. |
₹4-7.5 Lakhs (depending on experience and state). Senior roles: ₹7.5-13 Lakhs+ |
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Officers in Public Sector Undertakings |
Various roles in organizations related to food procurement (FCI), seed production (NSC), and agricultural finance (NABARD). |
₹5-9 Lakhs (depending on the PSU and role). With experience, salaries increase |
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Teaching Faculty (Agricultural Colleges) |
Teaches agricultural courses, conducts research, and participates in academic administration. |
Assistant Professor: ₹6-10 Lakhs. Associate Professor: ₹10-15 Lakhs+. |
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Bank Officers (Agriculture) |
Works in agricultural lending divisions of banks. Assesses loan applications, provides financial guidance, and manages loan portfolios. |
₹4-7 Lakhs (entry-level). Salary increases with experience. |
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Officers in Rural Development |
Works on planning and implementing rural development programs, involving agricultural components. |
Varies based on role and experience (aligned with other Group A/B roles). |
Private Sector Career Options in Agriculture in India
The private sector in agriculture offers a wide variety of career options. These jobs are in areas like agribusiness, food processing, technology-driven farming, and sustainable farming. This sector is growing quickly due to new technologies, more demand for processed foods, and a focus on efficient farming practices. The table below includes the job roles in the private sector for agriculture:
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Private Sector Career Options in Agriculture in India |
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Job Role |
Scope and Description |
Salary Range (Varies by role and experience) |
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Agribusiness Manager |
Manages the supply chain, exports, and farm businesses. |
₹4 Lakh – ₹15 Lakh |
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Farm Manager |
Looks after farm operations, crop production, and managing resources. |
₹2 Lakh – ₹18 Lakh |
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Agricultural Consultant |
Gives advice to farmers and businesses on farming techniques and improvements. |
₹2 Lakh – ₹8 Lakh |
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Seed Production Specialist |
Works with seeds, focusing on improving them and distributing them to farmers. |
₹2 Lakh – ₹7 Lakh |
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Horticulturist |
Specializes in growing fruits, vegetables, and flowers, and helps with landscaping. |
₹2 Lakh – ₹6 Lakh |
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Agritech Professional |
Works with technology solutions like smart farming, drones, and data analysis for better crop management. |
₹5 Lakh – ₹20 Lakh |
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Food Processing Specialist |
Oversees the production, packaging, and quality of food products in companies. |
₹3 Lakh – ₹12 Lakh |
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Agricultural Export Manager |
Manages the export of agricultural products to other countries. |
₹6 Lakh – ₹15 Lakh |
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Organic Farming Entrepreneur |
Starts and runs an organic farm, focusing on sustainable farming practices. |
₹3 Lakh – ₹10 Lakh |
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R&D Scientist |
Works on developing new crops or farming technologies through research. |
₹4 Lakh – ₹18 Lakh |
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Agronomist/Crop Consultant |
Advises farmers on how to improve crops, soil, and pest control for better yields. |
₹3 Lakh – ₹12 Lakh |
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Precision Agriculture Specialist |
Uses technology like GPS and drones to help farmers manage their farms better. |
₹4 Lakh – ₹15 Lakh |
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Food Technologist |
Works in food processing to ensure food quality, safety, and packaging. |
₹3 Lakh – ₹12 Lakh |
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Agricultural Finance Expert |
Works with banks or insurance companies to help farmers with loans and insurance. |
₹3.5 Lakh – ₹14 Lakh |
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Agricultural Sales Executive |
Sells agricultural products like seeds or machinery and builds relationships with farmers. |
₹3 Lakh – ₹12 Lakh |
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Agriculture Entrepreneur |
Starts their own agricultural business, such as farming or selling farm products. |
Income highly variable |
List of Top Agricultural Recruitment Exams in India
In India, several recruitment exams are held for both government and private sector jobs in agriculture. Below is a list of some of the top agricultural recruitment exams for entering into various government and other sectors:
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List of Top Agricultural Recruitment Exams in India |
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Exam Name |
Conducting Authority |
Website |
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MP RAEO/RHEO/SADO |
Madhya Pradesh Professional Examination Board (MPPEB) |
www.mppeb.mp.gov.in |
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NHB SHO |
National Horticulture Board (NHB) |
www.nhb.gov.in |
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UPPSC Agriculture Services |
Uttar Pradesh Public Service Commission (UPPSC) |
www.uppsc.up.nic.in |
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Rajasthan RPSC AAO |
Rajasthan Public Service Commission (RPSC) |
www.rpsc.rajasthan.gov.in |
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UPSSSC AG TA |
Uttar Pradesh Subordinate Services Selection Commission (UPSSSC) |
www.upsssc.gov.in |
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UPCATET |
Uttar Pradesh Combined Agriculture and Technology Entrance Test |
www.upcatetexam.org |
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Bihar STET |
Bihar School Examination Board (BSEB) |
www.biharboardonline.bihar.gov.in |
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IDBI Grade 'O'-AAO |
Industrial Development Bank of India (IDBI) |
www.idbibank.in |
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Bihar Agriculture Coordinator |
Bihar Agriculture Department |
www.state.bihar.gov.in/agriculture |
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DSSSB SO Horticulture |
Delhi Subordinate Services Selection Board (DSSSB) |
www.dsssb.delhi.gov.in |
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IBPS AFO |
Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS) |
www.ibps.in |
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NABARD |
National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) |
www.nabard.org |
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FCI |
Food Corporation of India (FCI) |
www.fci.gov.in |
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ICAR JRF |
Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) |
www.icar.org.in |
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ASRB NET |
Agricultural Scientists Recruitment Board (ASRB) |
www.asrb.org.in |
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FSSAI |
Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) |
www.fssai.gov.in |
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IFFCO |
Indian Farmers Fertiliser Cooperative Limited (IFFCO) |
www.iffco.in |
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NSC Trainee |
National Seeds Corporation (NSC) |
www.indiaseeds.com |
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CCI |
Cotton Corporation of India (CCI) |
www.cotcorp.org.in |
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CWC Punjab ADO |
Central Warehousing Corporation (CWC) |
www.cewacor.nic.in |
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RSMSSB JE Agriculture |
Rajasthan Subordinate and Ministerial Services Selection Board (RSMSSB) |
www.rsmssb.rajasthan.gov.in |
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FCI Manager |
Food Corporation of India (FCI) |
www.fci.gov.in |
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FCI AG III |
Food Corporation of India (FCI) |
www.fci.gov.in |
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MPPSC FSO |
Madhya Pradesh Public Service Commission (MPPSC) |
www.mppsc.nic.in |
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HP HDO |
Himachal Pradesh Public Service Commission (HPPSC) |
www.hppsc.hp.gov.in |
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Bihar BAO, SDAO & BHO |
Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC) |
www.bpsc.bih.nic.in |
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Rajasthan Agriculture Supervisor |
Rajasthan Subordinate and Ministerial Services Selection Board (RSMSSB) |
www.rsmssb.rajasthan.gov.in |
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All State Agri Exams - HDO, AEO, HEO, ADO |
Respective State Public Service Commissions |
Varies by state |
Students can prepare for these exams by enrolling in PW Agriculture Wallah courses, which provide proper study materials, guidance, and improved preparation strategies.
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