Indian Agriculture Sector – The Indian agriculture market is expected to reach USD 581 billion by 2028. With the growing population and changing consumption patterns, the Indian agriculture market has been witnessing growth in recent years. The agriculture sector is one of the largest and contributes significantly to the country’s GDP, employment, and export earnings.
WHAT KIND OF PRODUCE DOMINATE THE AGRICULTURE MARKET?
Sixty percent of the market is dominated by the crop segment. The crop segment includes – cereals and grains, such as rice, wheat, and maize.
Experts forecast that the livestock and fisheries segments are also expected to witness significant growth. This will be driven by increasing demand for meat, dairy, and fish products.
HOW MUCH AGRI PRODUCE ARE EXPORTED?
During the financial year (Apr. 2022 – January 2023), the agricultural exports have amounted to USD 43.37 billion, registering an increase of 6.04% over the exports of USD 40.90 billion during the corresponding period of the previous financial year i.e. April 2021 to January 2022.
WHAT ARE THE KEY DRIVERS OF GROWTH IN THE INDIAN AGRICULTURE MARKET?
The key drivers of growth in the Indian Agriculture market include increasing population, rising demand for food and agricultural products, government initiatives to promote agriculture, and increasing use of technology in agriculture.
WHAT ARE THE GROWTH OPPORTUNITIES IN THE INDIAN AGRICULTURE MARKET?
- There are several growth opportunities in the agriculture sector. They are increasing exports, improving supply chain infrastructure, promoting agro-processing industries, and investing in research and development.
- The organic food segment in India is expected to grow at a CAGR of 10% during 2015-¬25 and is estimated to reach Rs. 75,000 crore (US$ 9.1 billion) by 2025 from Rs. 2,700 crore (US$ 386.32 million) in 2015.
- Over the next 3 years, government is set to facilitate 1 crore farmers for adopting Natural Farming
- The processed food market in India is expected to grow to Rs. 3,451,352.5 crore (US$ 470 billion) by 2025, from Rs. 1,931,288.7 crore (US$ 263 billion) in FY20 on the back of government initiatives such as planned infrastructure worth US$ 1 trillion and Pradhan Mantri Kisan Sampada Yojna. The food processing industry employs about 1.77 million people. The sector allows 100% FDI under the automatic route.
- Government plans to triple the capacity of the food processing sector in India from the current 10% of agricultural produce and has also committed Rs. 6,000 crore (US$ 729 million) as investments for mega food parks in the country, as a part of the Scheme for Agro-Marine Processing and Development of Agro-Processing Clusters (SAMPADA).
- The Government of India has allowed 100% FDI in the marketing of food products and in food product E-commerce under the automatic route.
- To enhance the income of farmers, the government has taken initiatives across several focus areas. Income support is provided to farmers through PM KISAN Scheme, crop insurance is assured through the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana, and irrigation facilities are ensured under Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana.
- As per the economic survey 2022-23, Rs. 13,681 crore (US$ 1.6 billion) were sanctioned for Post-Harvest Support and Community Farms under the Agriculture Infrastructure Fund.
- Capacity Enhancement: In order to build capacity of the farmers and ensure due credit for the huge service of the farmers:
WHAT ARE THE OPPORTUNITIES IN MILLETS PRODUCTION?
India is at the lead of popularising Shree Anna (Millets) for ensuring food security and welfare of farmers. Currently, India is the largest producer and second largest exporter of millets. Several steps are being taken to make India a global hub for Shree Anna (Millets) to enhance profitability for farmers growing Shree Anna.
JOBS AND CAREER OPPORTUNITIES AFTER B.SC AGRICULTURE
Jobs for B.Sc Agriculture students span a variety of industries and geographic locations around India and the world. Here are the career options for you –
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AGRICULTURE FIELD OFFICER (ORGANIC FARMS)
- Create awareness/training program of organic farming to farmers.
- Search and contact new farmers, make new ICS by Farmers meeting, regular Follow Up and resolving the queries of the Farmers to convert non organic to organic.
- Supervise the farmers and crops of concerned projects from time to time.
- Supervise harvesting and proper dispatches as per company’s production.
- Implement the Internal Controls for organic production.
- Schedule and maintain liaison for the farmers and purchase directly from them as per requirement and quality specifications.
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GERMINATION SPECIALIST
JOB RESPONSIBILITIES –
- Management of Germination Lab Activities: Give direction to the local germination lab team
- Ensure timely delivery of QC results to inventory management team
- Responsible for people management and resource management in the laboratory
- Manage all technical aspects of standard seed testing methods used to assess seed quality including: germination, viability, vigour, physical purity, and moisture tests.
- Special projects such as seed quality studies and customer-specified experiments
- Implementation and validation of new tests and process improvement through continuous improvement
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AGRICULTURE FIELD OFFICER
JOB RESPONSIBILITIES –
- Good Knowledge of Agricultural input products is a must.
- As Area sales manager you will be responsible for expanding your business area, recruiting new reseller, retaining existing one.
- Maintain positive relation with Supplier.
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PROCUREMENT MANAGER
JOB RESPONSIBILITIES –
- Act to make key decisions and impact all tactical objectives in real time. Buying and building assortment, selecting the target market, shaping pricing strategy, planning promotional events and sales
- Ensure efficient and timely forecasts for product demand to ensure the sustainability of inventory
- Ability to get best in class pricing through strategic alignment and strong negotiation and stakeholder management skills
- Place appropriate orders to ensure product availability that meets retailer demands
- Follow up with suppliers as needed, to confirm or change orders
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AGRICULTURIST – HORTICULTURE
JOB RESPONSIBILITIES
- Visit to villages and meet to farmers for agriculture related activities.
- Provide such information about farms, bagayat kheti, Fertilizer,
- Gardening, organic farming, harvesting, farm equipment,
- Government policies, kishan yojna, Schemes, government subsidies,
- Machine loans, science and technology.
- The role of Agri Advisor will be to answer farmer queries over the call,
- Provide right farming decision and solution,
- Guide them to select the right product and driving sales.
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TERRITORY MANAGER
JOB RESPONSIBILITIES –
- Advising farmers on the best practices of agriculture through various farmer meetings
- Training FCMs over providing quality advisory on Agronomy, Crop Management and Irrigation management.
- Planning, Monitoring and Supervising the work of FCMs and ensuring they conduct the DemoÂ’s effectively and provide quality advisory on farming.
- Guiding the Rental Managers for Rental Entrepreneur enrolments.
- Provide support to Rental Managers for effective customer services to the farmers in case there are product complaints from the farmers.
- Monitor and Ensure the Demos are conducted effectively and the leads are routed to the Rental Entrepreneurs
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AGRONOMIST
JOB RESPONSIBILITIES –
- Understand the needs and requirements of farmer in the region under supervision
- Identify crop patterns
- Identify and document current parcel of practice
- Identify agro input requirements
- Find gaps in availability
- Map process of procurement
- Per season spending analysis
- Map agro-economics
- Crop balance sheet per season
- Earning of Farmers
- Cost analysis of crop
- Recommendations and Advisory
- Create GAP based parcel of practice
- Identify agro inputs most beneficial to farmers
- Map seasonality of agro input which are required
- Create agro input recommendation basket
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AGRICULTURE ANALYST
JOB RESPONSIBILITIES –
- Agri Research Analyst is responsible for tracking the supply and demand trends in the agri commodities market.
- The analyst also assists in developing price forecast models and analyzes the price patterns.
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FARM MANAGER
JOB RESPONSIBILITIES –
- Forward planning in Farm
- Making farm policy decisions
- Budgeting and maintaining accurate financial records in farm
- Organising sales and purchases of livestock, farm equipment, crops and agricultural products
- Handling paperwork and keeping administrative records
- Recruiting, training/instructing and supervising farm workers
- Making sure that work progresses satisfactorily
- Ensuring compliance with government regulations and health and safety standards
- Keeping an up-to-date knowledge of pests and diseases
- Ensuring that the farm is profitable and meets projected financial targets
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STATE HEAD – AGRO
JOB RESPONSIBILITIES –
- Channel partner development – must be able to develop a strong dealers/distributors network in the MP market for our Agri products (biological/organic products).
Channel sales – sales planning and revenue generation through channel partners in different districts of MP (currently operating in Khargone / Khandwa / Badwani / Ratlam/ Indore).
- Farmer connect – to build rapport with local farmers, understand their crops/ issues and suggest customized biological solutions for the same.
- Conceptual selling – to understand the product details and application, to take up concept selling/solutions to farmers.
- Team management – ability to lead, monitor & manage the performance of a team of field assistants to generate sales, manage day to day team operations and work planning.
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AGRICULTURE EXPERT & ANCHOR
JOB RESPONSIBILITIES –
- To handle creative activities in field work.
- As a anchor, you will work closely with our farmers and will be responsible for gathering information, shooting testimonial videos throughout the day and interviewing guests.
- You have to work on field for anchoring and shooting testimonial videos at farms.
- You have to communicate and strategize the outcome of shooting videos.
- You have to make scripts
- Interview guests and other members involved in particular stories
- Introduce farmers correspondents reporting on scene and ask them relevant questions.
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ORGANIC FARMING TRAINER FOR SKILL DEVELOPMENT
JOB RESPONSIBILITIES –
To create awareness of Plantation, Hydroponics organic farming. Search and contact new farmers for Organic farming in respective area.
- To supervise the farmers of concerned project. Supervise crops from time to time.
- Supervise harvesting and proper dispatches as per company s production schedule and maintain liaison for the farmers and purchase directly from them.
- To implement the Internal Controls for organic production.
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HORTICULTURAL MANAGER
JOB RESPONSIBILITIES –
- The role includes Nursery Management, Plantations & Research and Seedling Production.
- Should have experience of handling team.
- Should manage complete operations entailing planning, resource utilization, garden maintenance, manpower management and sapling production.
- Design, plant and evaluate plant trials of new hybrids in coordination with the growers and nurseries that develops them.
- Perform pruning, fertilization, manicuring of grass, soil aeration, seeding, top dressing, planting, propagating, and transplanting of annual and perennial plants.
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FARM TECHNICIAN – SEAFOOD
JOB RESPONSIBILITIES –
- Students with a fisheries degree/B.Sc agriculture/diploma/training or, enthusiasts with a passion for growing seafood can find this job interesting.
- Farm operations across the nursery and grow out lifecycles in a multi-phase production system utilizing heterotrophic and mixotrophic systems
- Assessment and management of pond and animal health
- Collaborating with experienced farm managers and aquaculturists
- Using digital and IOT-based technologies to take data backed decisions
- ASSISTANT MANAGER – PRODUCTION
JOB RESPONSIBILITIES –
- To ensure that operational parameters are managed for Safe and efficient operation of food processing unit.
- Ensure Safety and conservation of environment as per prevailing norms.
- Collects all relevant information required for the preparation of the annual plans, including historical production data, capacity utilization bottleneck information etc.
- To ensure compliance of Safety/Process Safety Management/Quality management system norms falls under purview.
- Provide information/data required for preparing ATR Schedules.
- Participate and work along with the maintenance department in carrying out the ATR.
- To provide the management information necessary for carrying out the audit and to ensure the maintenance of safety standards required by BSC
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QUALITY ASSURANCE EXECUTIVE
JOB RESPONSIBILITIES –
- Implementation of Quality and safety protocol for fruits and vegetable processing unit
- Conducting internal audits and trainings
- Audit quality control of raw materials, packaging components, labels, and finished products to ensure compliance with established specifications and regulatory standards.
- Follow up with implemented programs (GMPs, Good Hygiene Practices, HACCP, Allergen Control, Cleaning and Sanitation, Pest Control, Equipment Calibration, Organic Certification, etc.)
- To ensure compliance by all employees and other personnel in the manufacturing facility.
- Assist in investigating and correcting quality-related issues (including customer complaints) through collaboration with other departments.
- PRODUCTION MANAGER
JOB RESPONSIBILITIES –
- Manage the production in the processing unit support, assessment, etc.
- Develop and lead technical training sessions for local team.
- Supervise and help to drive the production plan according to the quantity and quality requirements, cost, and deadlines established by the suppliers
- Spearhead strategic business partner relationships with third parties and drive internal production capacity and grower network development through an optimized mid-term capacity allocation strategy.
- Research and develop potential new areas for seed production for assigned species.
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SOURCING EXECUTIVE – SUPPLY CHAIN STANDARDISATION
JOB RESPONSIBILITIES –
- To establish the required systems and processes to source Farmer produced products directly
- Develop a system of Governance and management for production, quality, and compliance.
- Prepare a business development proposal and detailed road maps for FPO’s.
- Building linkages with stakeholders relevant to the FPO ecosystem
- Setting system for input procurement and distribution, output aggregation and training formers on primary processing such as grading, sorting, and packaging
- Establishing system and processes for Product cleaning, sorting, packaging at the inhouse facility. Training to the provided to workers regarding product process stages and inventory management.
- Facilitating process and develop systems for regular improvement (Technical or non-technical) in the Process.
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QUALITY ASSURANCE EXECUTIVE – POST HARVEST
- Implementation of Quality and safety protocol for fruits and vegetable processing unit
- Conducting internal audits and trainings
- Audit quality control of raw materials, packaging components, labels, and finished products to ensure compliance with established specifications and regulatory standards.
- Follow up with implemented programs (GMPs, Good Hygiene Practices, HACCP, Allergen Control, Cleaning and Sanitation, Pest Control, Equipment Calibration, Organic Certification, etc.) to ensure compliance by all employees and other personnel in the manufacturing facility.
- Assist in investigating and correcting quality-related issues (including customer complaints) through collaboration with other departments.
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AGRI ADVISOR
JOB RESPONSIBILITIES –
- Communicate with farmers as agricultural advisor
- Provide appropriate solutions regarding crop and crop related problems,
- Provide solutions by sharing proper information of the related products.
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MARKETING FOR INTERNATIONAL SALES – AGRICULTURE
JOB RESPONSIBILITIES –
- Prepare Bio-Efficacy Data for Products
- Literature of Products with Data
- Demo Plot Development & 1 Visit / Week
- Domestic New Party Visits
- Customer Relationship Visit Domestic
- Web Calls with International Parties or Personal Visit
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FIELD OPERATIONS EXECUTIVE
JOB RESPONSIBILITIES –
- Service Planning & Scheduling
- Quality Assurance & Complaint Handling
- Identifying Materials and Costing
- Service Monitoring and Customer
- Relationship Management
LAUNCH YOUR ORGANIC FARMING BUSINESS BY STUDYING B.SC AGRICULTURE
In India, about 5.91 million hectares of land are under organic farming. Currently the country has 4.43 million organic farmers, according to the Economic Survey 2022-23. The government aims to help 10 million farmers to adopt natural farming over the next three years.
7 REASONS WHY THE TIME IS RIGHT FOR STARTING ORGANIC FARMING BUSINESS?
Here are the answers and facts –
Reason 1 – The India organic food market reached a value of USD 1238 million in 2022.
Reason 2 – In comparison to non-organic crops, organic crops can fetch you a much better price in the market.
Reason 3 – The organic food market is projected to grow at a CAGR of nearly 22% in the forecast period of 2023-2028.
Reason 4 – Most organic farming methods have lesser water requirements which could be crucial given the shortage of water in most areas
Reason 5 – The market is estimated to reach a value of about USD 4082 million by 2028.
Reason 6 – The major drivers of the industry include rising disposable incomes, increasing population, rising health consciousness, and consumer spending on health and wellness products.
Reason 7 – The Government of India is encouraging organic farming through financial assistance to farmers who are implementing organic farming under various government schemes.
HOW B.SC AGRICULTURE CAN PREPARE YOU FOR ORGANIC FARMING ENTREPRENEURSHIP?
One of the best ways to get a deep understanding about plant anatomy, agriculture, farming and its related business is to study B.Sc Agriculture.
The course curriculum consists of topics such as agriculture science, use of modern scientific equipments, farming systems and sustainable agriculture, cultivation of fruits, vegetables, spices and flowers, land surveying, soil science, water resource management, dry land agriculture, integrated nutrient management, integrated pest management and animal and poultry management.
The curriculum provides knowledge of basics of Plant Biotechnology. The knowledge of agriculture study comes in handy in many ways starting from identifying your organic business to expansion of your business.
WHAT LICENSES ARE REQUIRED TO START ORGANIC FARMING BUSINESS?
The licenses required to run an organic farming business are –
Organic farming certification by NPOP
FSSAI registration/state/central license
GST registration
MSME registration
GOVERNMENT SUPPORT FOR ORGANIC FARMING IN INDIA
The National Centre of Organic Farming, the Department of Agriculture, and NABARD offer multiple capital-intensive subsidies for organic farmers. Several other subsidies also exist to help transition from non-organic to organic farming.
In view of increasing demand of organic agricultural product, Government has been promoting Organic farming as a chemical free farming through dedicated schemes namely Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY) and Mission Organic Value Chain Development for North Eastern Region (MOVCDNER) since 2015-16. Both the schemes provide support to organic farmers from organic production to certification and marketing including post-harvest management like processing, packaging etc.
IS SELLING ORGANIC PRODUCTS PROFITABLE?
YES!
The Expert Market Research report shows that the organic food market alone will reach a value of approximately Rs 19,500 crore by 2026, with a CAGR value of 20.5%.
So, selling organic food products is profitable, especially as an online business.
HOW TO DO MARKET RESEARCH FOR ORGANIC FARMING BUSINESS?
You need to find out the demand for your organic products in the market. Here are some steps you can take to analyse supply-demand:
One of the best ways to get an idea is to use online marketplaces to find popular organic products.
There are existing successful organic products brands. You can research their existing organic products and see which ones are successful
Once you identify and decide on a product, run a survey to find out if it has enough demand
HOW TO SOURCE ORGANIC PRODUCTS?
There are two options. One is to produce/manufacture your own organic products; the second is to source them externally. If you want to source the products then there are many wholesale dealers in Bharat from where you can get organic products in bulk.
If you decide to sell products online, simply select finished products from organic brands and stock them in your eCommerce store.
Another idea is to start your own organic brand. If you decide to start your own brand, select wholesale suppliers with contract manufacturing or private label facilities and you can go ahead.
You can also source organic products locally for your eCommerce store.
LICENSES AND LEGAL REQUIREMENTS FOR ORGANIC BUSINESS/FARMING
Some organic products accreditations by the government of India are National Programme for Organic Production (NPOP), PGS, and NOP.
The NPOP certification has been recognised by the European Union and Switzerland which enables India to export unprocessed plant products to a list of countries without the requirement of additional certification.
You will need organic certifications if you want to create your own brand of organic products. And you will need to contact an authorised organic certification agency for the same.
Also, if your organic business is in the category of “organic food business”, you’ll need an FSSAI certification. Additionally, you need to register your organic business on the Udyog Aadhar through MSME Online Registration portal.
HOW TO START SELLING ORGANIC PRODUCTS ONLINE?
So you want to sell organic products online to a wide customer base?
The best way to do business online is by starting your own online store. There are several platforms that can help you set up online store for free. Read below.
HOW TO START YOUR OWN ONLINE STORE / ECOMMERCE WEBSITE FOR FREE?
Here are the best eCommerce platforms that can enable you to setup a beautiful website easily and some of the offer free services too.
Instamojo is a platform that helps you to create online store so that you can start selling products online easily. It has powerful features designed specifically for small business owners to start their online business journey. You get a store that comes with a payment gateway with no additional costs. Many MSME owners have started and grown their businesses online by creating professional storefronts. . Instamojo platform has SEO features to help you make your store search engine friendly and increase traffic.
Magento is another platform that can help you build your ecommerce website. It has a seven percent eCommerce market share globally. It started in 2007 as an open-source platform, so its users can develop eCommerce websites with ease.
Zoho has its presence in seven locations having a global headquarters in Chennai. It has reached more than 50 million customers and is expanding its venture. It is a supportive platform for creating your own online store.
At kharedi.in you can create Website in 2 Minutes. They provide a complete hosted ecommerce solution with design support. The best free website builder.
Try Builder.ai. Build your eCommerce site and app from scratch with Builder.ai. This software company won several awards for their initiative to make eCommerce businesses easier.
ANSHU BHARTI, B.Sc AGRICULTURE, FRESHER 2020 – 21
When Anshu Bharti completed her class 10th, she got 10 CGPA. It means, the student has got A1 in all the subjects. And A1 means, a score of more than 90% in all subjects. For her perfect score of above 90% in all the subjects, she received many prizes from her school.
Here’s more – Anshu is a gold medallist in Maths Olympiad and English Olympiad, both. She completed her Class 10th from Sacred Heart School, Telaiya and Class 12th from Grizzly Vidyalaya, Telaiya Dam, Koderma.
At Jharkhand Rai University (Ranchi), she has joined B.Sc Agriculture, Batch – 2020.
“One of the best facilities for Agriculture study is available in JRU. Some of my friends recommended this University for agriculture study,” Anshu adds.
At Namkum Campus, Ranchi, the Jharkhand Rai University has a setup of 1600 sq. m. of fully automatic state-of-art greenhouse as agriculture research center. It is the first of its kind in the State. Moreover, this facility embraces the latest technology available internationally. The green house is completely automated with internal and external shading provision. Besides, it has different types of hydroponic systems with fully automated fertigation equipment and water filtration plant.
Anshu asserts that the demand for trained professionals in Agriculture sector is very high. Graduates have career prospects in both public and private sectors.
She encourages students to pursue Agriculture studies because the demand for agriculture inputs and allied services are increasing. The Indian food industry is poised for growth, and Anshu wants to contribute meaningfully to this sector by studying B.Sc Agriculture at Jharkhand Rai University, Ranchi.
A studious girl like Anshu is equally creative. Her hobby is dancing and singing.
“When I want to calm my mind, I sing. I love listening to soothing music whenever I have time,” she says.
“And dancing for me was helpful during this lockdown period. It is like a time for me to exercise and stay healthy.”
A girl of many talents, Anshu has also won an award at inter-school badminton competition.
She is happy to be a part of JRU family and is participating in ROOTS 2020, the orientation program organised for all the freshers.