Our country has been greatly dependent on agriculture for a major portion of its GDP, ever since the British colonised the country and turned it into their offshore cash crop plantation. Yet, for a country that has held on to its agricultural roots, the state of agricultural production in our country is fairly abysmal for a land with an abundance of rich soil.
This is mainly because while we’ve moved forward in other industries with the advent of new technologies, agricultural practices, still, in most parts of the country, have evolved little beyond what they might’ve looked like 200 years ago. Hence, it has become necessary for more people to take up higher education in modern agriculture, if we are to catch up with the rest of the developed world in terms of agricultural efficiency and output.
In this blog, we explore the MSc Agriculture course, and what you’ll learn if you choose to pursue this program at MSc Agriculture colleges in MP or elsewhere.
MSc Agriculture: Course Overview
MSc Agriculture is a 2-year postgraduate course in agricultural sciences that anyone with a Bachelor’s degree in agriculture or equivalent can pursue. This course builds upon what students learn in their undergraduate agriculture course at the best agriculture colleges in MP or elsewhere, adding in-depth knowledge and practical skill training to the course curriculum that spans 4 semesters.
This course, at the best MSc Agriculture colleges in MP, also involves practical sessions, field visits, seminars, projects, and a dissertation in the final semester to help you:
- Apply theoretical knowledge to real-world situations
- Develop your research and analytical skills
- Provide exposure to the latest technologies and innovations in the agricultural sector.
Check out the table below to get an overview of the main features of this course, usually common across MSc Agriculture colleges in MP and elsewhere.
| Course Name | Master of Science in Agriculture |
| Level | Postgraduate |
| Duration | 2 years |
| Mode of Examination | Semester System |
| Eligibility Criteria | BSc Agriculture/ Horticulture or equivalent with a minimum of 50% marks |
| Mode of Admission | Merit or Entrance exam |
| Average Course Fee | INR 50,000 – 5 Lakhs |
| Average Salary | INR 2 – 3.2 LPA |
Topics You’ll Learn in an MSc Agriculture Course
Some of the topics that you will learn while studying MSc Agriculture at Mansarovar Global University are:
Crop Production and Management
This subject teaches how to grow crops for different uses and grow them well in different places and situations. It also acquaints students at MSc Agriculture colleges in MP with the problems and solutions of growing crops in a way that is good for people, the environment, and the future.
Soil Science and Fertility
This subject covers the physical, chemical and biological properties of different kinds of soils and their role in crop production, while also exploring the various soil management practices for enhancing soil quality and fertility. The subject aims to equip students with the knowledge and skills to assess soil conditions, diagnose soil problems and recommend appropriate solutions for sustainable agriculture.
Plant Physiology and Biochemistry
This subject, at the best university in Madhya Pradesh, teaches MSc Agriculture students about how plants work and what they do with the chemicals they make or use. For example, topics like the chemical reactions of respiration, photosynthesis, pollination, germination, nitrogen fixation, etc., are discussed with the aim of growing plants healthier by understanding these processes.
Plant Breeding and Genetics
This subject covers the principles and methods of developing improved varieties of crops and plants. It involves the study of genetic variation, selection, hybridization, mutation, etc. with the aim of equipping students at MSc Agriculture colleges in MP with the skills and knowledge to apply plant breeding and genetics techniques for enhancing crop productivity, quality, and resilience.
Plant Biotechnology and Molecular Biology
This subject covers the principles and applications of biotechnology and molecular biology in the field of agriculture and explores the current trends in these fields. It introduces students at MSc agriculture colleges in Bhopal to concepts like:
- Genetic engineering
- Transgenic crops
- Bioinformatics, etc.
Horticulture and Floriculture
Horticulture and Floriculture deal with the study of flowers, fruits, vegetables, and ornamental plants. This subject focuses exclusively on the cultivation of these crops and the best practices and challenges in this field of agriculture.
Animal Husbandry and Dairy Science
This subject deals with the science of breeding and raising different kinds of livestock, including but not limited to cattle, sheep, poultry, etc. It also teaches MSc students at agriculture colleges in Madhya Pradesh and elsewhere how to harvest milk effectively and efficiently from milch animals by introducing them to the best practices in the industry.
Agricultural Economics and Marketing
This is a branch of applied social science that studies how producers, consumers, and societies allocate scarce resources in the production, marketing, and consumption of food and fibre products. It also teaches students at MSc Agriculture colleges in MP how to analyse the behaviour and performance of agricultural markets.
Agricultural Extension and Communication
This subject aims to improve the productivity, profitability and sustainability of agriculture through effective communication strategies and methods by focusing on the dissemination of agricultural knowledge and practices to farmers and rural communities. It covers topics such as:
- Extension theories and models
- Communication skills
- Participatory approaches
- Evaluation and impact assessment, and
- Extension policy and management.
The subject prepares MSc students from the top private university in Bhopal for careers in agricultural extension, research, education, development and consultancy.
MSc Agriculture Career Opportunities
After completing an MSc in Agriculture, you can pursue various career opportunities in both public and private sectors. Some of the job profiles that you can opt for are:
- Agricultural scientist
- Agricultural officer
- Agricultural teacher
- Agricultural journalist
- Agricultural entrepreneur
Conclusion
MSc Agriculture can be a rewarding course that can help you achieve your academic and professional goals if you are passionate about agriculture. The fact that the various topics that you’ll learn in this course at MSc agriculture colleges in MP will only help to contribute to the growth and sustainability of the agricultural sector in India, is only an added benefit.
FAQs
- Which entrance exam do I need to take to get admission to the MSc Agriculture course at Mansarovar Global University?
The admission process for the MSc Agriculture course at Mansarovar Global University is totally based on merit in the qualifying exam, so you don’t have to appear for any entrance exam.
- Does Mansarovar Global University offer other courses in agriculture?
Yes, other than the MSc in Agriculture, Mansarovar Global University also offers a diploma, BSc and BSc (Hons.) in Agriculture.
- Why is MSc Agriculture important in India?
MSc Agriculture is important in India because it teaches students about the latest advancements in agricultural technology, and how to implement them for better output and sustainability.
- Are there relaxation options for applicants belonging to the reserved categories at Mansarovar Global University?
Yes, there is a 5% relaxation in the minimum marks required for eligibility for students belonging to the reserved categories at Mansarovar Global University, as per the State government’s norms.
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