Career as Agricultural Engineer
Agricultural engineers design and develop innovative solutions to improve agricultural productivity and efficiency. This field encompasses several aspects of agriculture, namely irrigation systems, animal feed and nutrition, agricultural machinery, water conservation and food processing.
The ever growing demands for agriculture engineers in India is the result to the country's large agricultural sector, its promotion and the need for increased productivity and efficiency. To become an agricultural engineer in India, you typically need to complete a bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Engineering or a related field. Renowned universities like include Indian Agricultural Research Institute, Punjab Agricultural University, and Tamil Nadu Agricultural University offer remarkable courses in Agricultural Engineering.
Beginner’s salary for agricultural engineers in India can range from INR 3-4 lakhs per annum with rapid potential growth with increasing experience. Some key skills for this career include problem-solving, analytical thinking, creativity, and strong communication skills. Above all, agricultural engineers need to stay updated with the new technologies and practices and the latest developments in their field.
The rich career opportunities include roles in research and development, manufacturing, consulting, and government agencies. A career in agricultural engineering can be highly fulfilling by allowing us to make real impact on the lives of farmers. It helps contribute to the overall growth and development of the agricultural sector in India.
Overall, agricultural engineering is an exciting and rewarding field that offers excellent career prospects in India.
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Eligibility Criteria
B.E. along with B.Tech in Agriculture Engineering are undergraduate courses that are gaining immense popularity among students who are passionate about agriculture and want to contribute towards sustainable development. The eligibility criteria for the same is as under:
- Academic Qualification: To pursue a B.Tech or B.E. in Agriculture Engineering, candidates must meet certain eligibility criteria. First and foremost, the candidate must have passed their 10+2 examinations with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics as their main subjects. The minimum aggregate score required may vary from institution to institution, but it usually ranges from 50% to 60%.
- Age Limit: Another important eligibility criterion is the age limit. The candidate must be at least 17 years of age at the time of admission. It is also essential for candidates to be medically fit to pursue the course.
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- Problem-Solving
- Attention to detail
- Analytical Skills
- Technical aptitude
- Mechanical Skills
- Innovative Mindset
- Communication Skills
- Environmental Knowledge and Awareness
- Project Management
- Adaptability
Types of Job Roles
Once they complete their degree, Agriculture Engineers can pursue various job roles in the agriculture sector. Some of the common job roles and responsibilities of an agriculture engineer:
- Agricultural Equipment Manufacturing Companies: One of the primary job roles for Agriculture Engineers is to work in agricultural equipment manufacturing companies, where they can design and develop new agricultural machinery and equipment. These professionals work on improving existing machines and systems making them further more efficient and cost-effective.
- Government Organizations: Agriculture Engineers can also work in government organizations, such as the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, where they can contribute to the development and implementation of new policies and initiatives to support sustainable agriculture practices.
- Research Organizations: These professionals pay heed to research organisations where they can conduct research and development activities to improve improve crop yield, reduce crop damage, and develop new agricultural products.
- Private Sector: Another job role for Agriculture Engineers is to work in the private sector, where they can provide consulting services to farmers and agricultural businesses. They can advise on issues such as soil health, water management, and pest control, and help farmers adopt new technologies and sustainable practices to improve their yield and profitability.
- Academia: Agriculture Engineers can also pursue careers in academia, where they can teach and conduct research in the field of agriculture engineering. They are also eligible to work in NGOs and non-profit organizations where they can help with rural development projects and support sustainable agriculture practices.
Admission
The admission procedure for B.Tech in agriculture engineering in IITs (Indian Institutes of Technology) and NITs (National Institutes of Technology) is through the Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA). Steps involved in the admission process:
- Percentile: The candidate must have passed the 10+2 examination with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics as mandatory subjects. The candidate must also score at least 75% marks in the 12th board examination or be in the top 20 percentile of their respective boards.
- JEE Main: The candidate needs to appear for the JEE Main exam, which is conducted twice a year (in January and April). The JEE Main exam consists of two papers - Paper I (for B.Tech and B.E. courses) and Paper II (for B.Arch courses).
- JEE Advanced: Only those candidates who qualify for the JEE Main exam are eligible to appear for the JEE Advanced exam. The JEE Advanced exam is to be conducted by any one of the IITs. The exam consists of two papers, and the candidates need to qualify for both papers to be eligible for admission.
- Counselling and Seat Allotment: The counselling process is conducted by JoSAA (Joint Seat Allocation Authority) for admission to IITs and NITs. The candidates are allotted seats based on their rank in JEE Advanced, the choices they have filled, and the availability of seats.
- Document Verification: After the seat allotment, the candidates need to visit the allotted institute for document verification and fee payment. The candidates need to carry their original documents, including the JEE scorecard, 10+2 mark sheet, category certificate (if applicable), and other relevant documents.
- Reporting to the Institute: Finally, the candidates need to report to the allotted institute and complete the admission process by submitting the necessary documents and paying the admission fee.
Exam
B.Tech in agriculture engineering covers various essential subjects such as:
- Irrigation and Drainage Engineering: It is crucial in efficiently utilizing water resources for agriculture.
- Soil and Water Conservation Engineering: Teaches students how to protect and manage soil and water resources.
- Farm Machinery: Covers the design, selection, and maintenance of farm equipment.
- Land Surveying and Levelling: Students are taught the techniques used to measure and level agricultural land.
- Dairy and Food Engineering: This deals with processing and preservation of dairy and food products.
- Food Processing and Quality: This covers the processing techniques and quality control that is used.
- Farm Power: Students are taught about different types of farm power equipment.
- Agricultural Business and Marketing: This covers the principles of agricultural business management and marketing.
- Soil Mechanics: Students are taught about soil behaviour and properties.
- Water Resource Management: The subject focuses on efficient water use and management.
- Agricultural Machinery: Covers the design, selection, and maintenance of various types of agricultural machinery.
Overall, B.Tech Agricultural Engineering offers students a diverse range of topics to prepare them to contribute to the advancement of agriculture through the application of engineering principles.
Prep Books
These books can be valuable resources for expanding your understanding and enhancing your skills in the field of agriculture engineering:
- "Fundamental Food Engineering" created by Subir K. Chakraborty.
- "Objective Agricultural Engineering" by M.S. Supe
- "Farm power and machinery management" by Donnell Hunt.
- "Irrigation and Agricultural Drainage Engineering" by R. K. Biswas.
- "Principles of Agricultural Engineering Vol.I" made by Am Michael and T. P. Ojha
FAQ's
In India, Agricultural Engineers apply engineering principles to agricultural practices and technologies. They design and develop efficient farming systems, machinery, and equipment to improve crop yields, optimize irrigation methods, and enhance agricultural sustainability. Agricultural Engineers also work on post-harvest processes, storage, and food processing technologies to reduce wastage and improve food security. Their role focuses on bridging the gap between engineering and agriculture, contributing to the modernization and advancement of the Indian agricultural sector.
The scope of Agricultural Engineering in India is promising due to the country's heavy reliance on agriculture. Agricultural Engineers play a significant role in improving productivity, sustainability, and mechanization of farming practices. With the need for efficient water management, soil conservation, and technology adoption, there is a growing demand for skilled professionals who can contribute to the development of the agricultural sector. This scope extends to research institutions, government agencies, private companies, NGOs, and agricultural universities, where Agricultural Engineers can find diverse opportunities to make a positive impact on Indian agriculture.
To pursue a career in Agricultural Engineering in India, you typically need to complete a bachelor's degree in Agricultural Engineering or a related field from a recognized university or institution. The degree program covers subjects like crop production, irrigation, farm machinery, soil science, and more. After completing your degree, you can explore job opportunities in government departments, research institutions, agricultural companies, and academic institutions. Further specialization or higher education, such as master's or doctoral degrees, can open doors to advanced roles and research opportunities.
Agricultural Engineering plays a significant role in rural development in India. By introducing efficient farming techniques, mechanization, and technologies to rural areas, Agricultural Engineers enhance agricultural productivity and income for rural communities. They design and implement irrigation systems, develop farm machinery suitable for small-scale farmers, and promote sustainable practices that improve livelihoods. This contribution not only increases rural income but also supports overall economic growth and empowers rural communities.
