How to become an Agriculturalist

Agriculture makes use of a wide array of techniques to simplify and facilitate their work. The field of agriculture has risen to such a level with the development of advanced techniques and equipment that not many things impact it as undesirably as they did in the past and crop yields are also rising. When anyone is looking for careers in agriculture, becoming an agronomist is one of the opportunities to consider. Agronomists, also known as crop scientists or agricultural scientists, use research to enhance the way we produce and harvest crops.

Agronomists are researching the various ways in which plants can be grown, genetically altered, and used to our benefit. Agronomists can specialize in a variety of fields, but most of them concentrate on improving the quality and quantity of plants produced-especially for food stores. The objective is to provide the lushest possible disease-free crops. Agronomy involves both the science and technology needed for plant growth for food, fiber, and fuel purposes etc.

Agronomy includes research in such areas as plant biology, soil science, and plant genetics. Thus, the scope of agronomy is very wide. Agronomists conduct experiments to determine the best methods for increasing crop quality and yield. Agronomists work with farmers to help them grow the best crops possible, such as corn, cotton, soybeans, and wheat, based on their experiments. They are well-versed in chemistry, biology, economics, earth science, ecology, and genetics.

An agronomist spends time in the lab reviewing crop data to determine how to improve the next generation. They must think critically and solve problems related to crop planting, harvesting, and cultivation. They also create methods to protect crops from weeds, pests, and harsh weather. If there is a problem with a crop, an agronomist will examine it for several hours to determine whether there is a sign of disease, an insect problem, a weed problem, or even a soil problem. In order to pinpoint the cause and find a solution for the farmer, the agronomist will compare and research scientific journals and reference books, as well as speak with his peers.

• To make visits to the clients, identify their needs and requirements and evaluate their business
• To apply the theoretical knowledge to the unique environmental conditions to yield effective production and animal nutrition and health
• To provide the farmers with adequate information and update them with recent developments and news.
• To clarify the clients, individual farmers, farming associations, government agencies and the public about the health of food, soil and environment and conduct information sessions through seminars, workshops etc.
• To assist the business clients with planning, government grant applications, legislative advice etc.
• To measure the performance through collecting and analyzing the data, crops and financial reports.
• To analyze and modify the existing plans when necessary.
• To conduct field trials to analyze the client’s problem at hand
• To communicate the issues at hand, the conclusions reached and possible alternatives effectively to the clients, colleagues and members of the public through reports, presentations and oral methods.
• To conduct research and be updated with the developments in the industry.

Farmers require a diverse set of skills to do their jobs efficiently and successfully. Here are some examples of the various skills required as a farmer: Problem-solving Farming, as a trial-and-error profession, necessitates strong problem-solving abilities. A farmer, for example, is constantly looking for the best ways to raise and harvest his crops. Unexpected weather events can cause harvesting delays. As a farmer, you must understand how to react and make sound decisions in this type of situation.

With strong problem-solving abilities, you can ensure a productive season regardless of the unexpected situations that arise. Mechanical maintenance and repair Farmers must keep a wide range of farming equipment and tools on hand to help them perform their duties. Because this task occurs at inconvenient times, general mechanical skills are required. Having the ability to repair things like buildings and equipment on a regular basis saves farmers from having to rely on a repair professional. This saves them money as well as the time they would have spent waiting for a repairman. Interpersonal As a farmer, you frequently guide farmhands through the completion of their tasks.

Effective communication and compassion aid in motivating them. Strong coaching abilities also assist them in carrying out their responsibilities. Farmers can also benefit from interpersonal skills when interacting with buyers. Their interpersonal skills, for example, enable them to negotiate better rates for their animals. Furthermore, their interpersonal skills assist them in developing a community that may provide them with access to things like loaner equipment or supplies as needed. Time administration Farmers may work from sunrise to sunset, depending on the season. You may miss out on a good harvesting opportunity if you take too much time off.

To meet market demand, good farmers must be able to manage their time effectively and consistently. Physical stamina and health Farmers spend a large portion of their day standing, lifting, hauling, and pulling various objects and machinery. As a result, in order to endure extremely strenuous activities, it is critical to have good physical stamina. You must also carry out these responsibilities in a variety of weather conditions, including extreme heat and cold. These temperatures may make these tasks even more difficult to complete. It is easier to complete these tasks efficiently if you are healthy and have strong physical stamina.

Organizational Farmers and organic farmers both require strong organisational skills in order to keep accurate records of a wide range of paperwork. Invoices, warranties, labour contracts, and payroll are examples of paperwork. It's especially important for organic farmers to keep track of their certification paperwork. While you can always hire someone to handle the paperwork, it's important to have these skills as part of your skill set, especially in the early years of farming. Management Even if you work on or own a small farm with few people to supervise, having strong management skills is beneficial. Management skills enable you to interact and supervise various parties with greater success and efficiency, from farmhands to business associates. Adaptability When confronted with unexpected conditions or scenarios, it is critical for a farmer to remain flexible and adaptable.

Remember that, while what you learn in school may help you prepare for a career as a farmer, it is not the same as hands-on farming experience. When it comes to farming, it's also critical to remain adaptable. Your ability in this area allows you to adapt to changing industry and consumer demands. Being adaptable ensures that you know how to deal with these new challenges by adopting new techniques or methods and anticipating upcoming challenges. Technology While you don't have to buy every new technological device that comes out, it's important to be aware of new technological advancements in agriculture.

For example, it's critical to be aware of new developments in pesticide use, irrigation, and methods to improve cultivation, harvest, storage, and transportation. Farming activities While it may appear obvious, it is critical for farmers to have a solid understanding of farming and the agriculture industry as a whole. Their general farming skills enable them to perform their day-to-day farm duties with ease. This can include responsibilities such as livestock raising or land cultivation.

• Clearing the entrance exam organized at national, state and university level does admission into the agriculture courses.
• Candidate eligibility criteria are completion of high school or at times colleges accept merit students.
• List of entrance exam:
• ICAR AIEEA (All India Entrance Examination for Admission)
• Bihar Combined Entrance Competitive Examination (BCECE)
• Jharkhand Combined Entrance Competitive Examination (JCECE)
• Kerala Engineering, Agriculture and Medical (KEAM)
• Madhya Pradesh Pre-Agriculture Test (MP PAT)

•     Agro-industry Sector
•     Estates and tea gardens
•     Agricultural Engineering
•     Agriculture Management
•     Services sector