Students who wish to pursue a career in agricultural economics should
possess a strong base in botany, physics, chemistry and mathematics. Various
agricultural universities and colleges in India offers Under-graduate,
Post-graduate, Diploma and Doctorate courses in agricultural economics.
To be an Agricultural economist at least a masters degree is required.
Educational: The basic eligibility criteria for a bachelors programe
in Agriculture is a pass in 10+2 or equivalent in science subjects (with
Physics, Chemistry, Biology or Mathematics) with a minimum of 50% marks.
Minimum duration is 4 years. Most of the universities/institutes offer
agricultural economics as a subject or specialisation of B Sc. agricultural
science courses. Applicants must possess a Bachelors degree in agriculture
or an equivalent qualification for studying M.Sc. in Agricultural Economics
which is of 2 years duration. Ph. D. Degree Programme in Agricultural
Economics requires a master degree.
Agricultural Economics imparts students with the knowledge about agricultural
production, finance, marketing and policy. The study focuses on crops,
animal health, prices, buying pattern, weather cycles, imports and exports,
agricultural equipment and techniques of production.
For a career as an agricultural scientist, a master's degree is necessary
and Ph.D in agriculture is needed for the post of a senior researcher
and teaching profession. Those with post graduate diploma and degree in
agriculture and related subjects can become an agriculture technologists.
Those with masters degree in agricultural economics can apply for Agricultural
Research Service and National Eligibility Test conducted by Agricultural
Scientists Recruitment Board (ASRB) for appointment as Scientists in the
Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR).
Personal attributes: Agricultural economist should
have a keen and analytical mind, a high level of concentration, an aptitude
for research, ability to work as part of a team, positive and optimistic
attitude, ability to foresee future trends in market, ability to conduct
statistical analysis, make effective decisions based on patterns and trends,
an interest in scientific developments. Other needed attributes are good
observation skills, communication skill, organizing skills, written and
oral skills, problem solving skills. Computer knowledge is also essential
to analyze data. This profession demands hard work, commitment and a high
level of patience.
