Chapter 16: Agricultural and Animal Sciences

Introduction

Agriculture is the mainstay of the Indian economy. The agricultural sector today provides livelihood to about 64 percent of the labour force, contributes nearly 26% of Gross Domestic Product and accounts for abut 18% share of the total value of the country’s exports. It supplies bulk of wage goods required by the non-agricultural sector and raw materials for large sections of industry. It is but natural, therefore, that facilities for agricultural education are expanding at various levels. The Government had also created a Department of Agricultural Research and education (DARE) in the Ministry of Agriculture to coordinate educational and research activities. As an apex body of the National Agricultural Research System (NARS), the Indian Council of Agriculture Research (ICAR) located in this Department is entrusted with national agricultural research agenda.

Education in the area of Agricultural and Animal Sciences covers Agricultural Sciences, Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry (which along with Animal Product Technology such as Dairying is now known as Animal Science), Fisheries, Horticulture, Sericulture, and Forestry and Wild Life. Home Science is also considered a part of agricultural education and, therefore, most of the Home Science Colleges are affiliated to Agricultural Universities (See Chapter 33). In addition, Food Science and Technology is also treated as a subject allied to agricultural science.

Organised education in agriculture started in India only in the beginning of the 20^th century, when six agricultural colleges were established in undivided India, at Kanpur (1906), Lyallpur (1906), Coimbatore (1906), Nagpur (1906), Pune (1907), and Sabour (1908). Establishment of the Indian (1893), and Madras (1903). When India attained Independence in 1947, there were about 15 institutions in the country providing agricultural and veterinary education with a total intake capacity of around 1500 students. These institutions were established by the State governments and were managed by the respective departments of agriculture and animal husbandry of the concerned States.

In 1954, the Government of India appointed a Joint Indo-American Team to make a comparative study of the institutions dealing with agricultural education research in the United Stated and India. The Team which submitted its report in 1955, made recommendations, among others, the adoption of the pattern of higher education as in Land Grant Colleges of American Universities. This recommendation led to the establishment of separate agricultural universities. The first agricultural university, Govind Ballabh Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, modelled after the Land Grant Colleges of USA was set up in 1960 at Pantnagar in Uttar Pradesh. This was followed by the establishment of State Agricultural Universities (SAUs) in other States.

At present, there are 29 agricultural universities located in 18 States (including one Central University in Manipur) ( Annexure 1) of which three are specialized in nature-Dr Yashwant Singh Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Tamil Nadu Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, and West Bengal University of Animal and Fishery Sciences. Besides, there are six deemed University of Animal and Fishery Sciences. Besides, there are six deemed universities viz., Allahabad Agricultural Institute, Indian Agricultural Research Institute (New Delhi), Indian Veterinary Research Institute (Izatnagar, UP), National Dairy Research Institute (Karnal, Haryana), Central Institute of Fisheries Education (Mumbai), and Forest Research Institute (Dehra Dun, UP). Except the Allahabad Agricultural Institute and the Indian Agricultural Research Institute, all deal with specialized areas.

All the agricultural colleges and colleges in specialized areas like, fisheries, forestry, animal sciences, horticulture, dairy science and technology and home science earlier affiliated to general universities had been transferred to agricultural universities as their constituent colleges. Nine general universities also have agricultural faculties, viz., Allahabad University, Annamalai University, Banaras Hindu University, Bundelkhand University, Chaudhari Charan Singh University, Meerut, Dr Bhim Rao Ambedkar University, Agra, Maharshi Dayanand Saraswati University, Ajmer, Mahatma Gandhi Chitrakoot Gramodaya Vishwavidyalaya, Nagland University, and Visva-Bharati.

Educational Opportunities

Education is offered by agricultural universities at graduation, post graduation and doctoral levels in eleven fields: (1) Agriculture, (2) Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry (Animal Science), (3) Agricultural Engineering, (4) Home Science, (5) Fisheries Science, (6) Dairy science and Technology, (7) Agricultural Management (including Marketing, Banking and Cooperation), (8) Forestry, (9) Horticulture, (10) Sericulture, and (11) Food Science and Technology.

Of the six deemed universities, four viz., Indian Agricultural Research Institute, Indian Veterinary Research Institute and the Central Institute of Fisheries Education and Indian Forest Research Institute offer only postgraduate and doctoral courses. The other two, viz., the National Dairy Research Institute and the Allahabad Agricultural Institute have courses at all the three levels and also at the diploma level.

A few general universities offer postgraduate courses in biological sciences which have a bearing on agricultural and animal sciences, such as, agricultural botany, agricultural zoology, agricultural biochemistry, forestry, fisheries, sericulture, food sciences.

Each state has its own system of admission to the first degree programmes e.g., in Andhra Pradesh there is a common entrance test EAMCET for the selection of candidates for engineering, agriculture and medical courses. The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) conducts an All-India Entrance Examination for filling up 15% of the total number of seats in all branches except Veterinary Science in State Agricultural Universities (SAUs), and the Central Agricultural University, Imphal (Manipur) and all seats in National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal (Haryana). From 2000 AD the system of direct nomination of candidates by the Council had been abandoned.

To encourage students to opt for pursuing courses in any State other than their home State, National Talent Scholarship of Rs.800.00 per month is awarded on the basis of the results of the Entrance Examination (See also Chapter 9). The IARI also conducts a Combined Examination for the award of Junior Research Fellowships and admission to Master’s Degree programmes in SAUs, Central Agricultural University (CAU), Imphal (Manipur) and the four deemed universities viz., the Indian Research Institute. Twenty five% of the seats in SAUs and the CAU and all the seats in the four deemed universities are filled up on the basis of this examination.

Students who opt to join Master’s Degree programmes in universities and institutions other than from where they have obtained the Bachelor’s degrees are awarded Junior Research Fellowships. The value of the fellowship is Rs.5,000.00 per month for graduates in Veterinary Science and Rs.3,600.00 per month for graduates in other disciplines. In addition, a Contingent Grant of Rs.6,000.00 per annum is also given. The Veterinary Council of India also conducts an All-India Common Entrance Examination for filling up 15% of total number of merit seats in veterinary colleges for the first degree programme (See also Chapter 9 – Admission Procedures). Till 1999, the examination used to be conducted by the ICAR.

The duration of the courses is four years except animal sciences and home science. In some universities Honours degree course in Agriculture needs six months of internship. The duration of animal science courses is five years including a compulsory internship of six months. Home Science course is of three-year duration. All the colleges follow either semester or trimester system. All universities follow grade point average (GPA) system for grading students qualifying in the examinations.

The entry requirement for all the first degree programmes, except dairy technology and agricultural engineering, is a pass in 10+2 examination with physical and biological sciences or vocational courses in agriculture, fisheries, veterinary science instead of either biological science or physical science. Mathematic and physical sciences are essential qualification requirements for dairy technology and agricultural engineering. Most universities insist on a minimum of 55% marks in the aggregate. Minimum age of entry is generally 17 years.

In this chapter are discussed all the branches of agricultural and animal sciences except Home Science and Dairy Science and Technology, which have been dealt with in Chapters 33 and 27 respectively.

Agricultural Science

There are at present 66 colleges and university agricultural faculties within the agricultural university system. Besides, eight general universities also offer agricultural science courses. Most of the colleges and agricultural faculties provide first degree, postgraduate degree and doctoral degree progrmmes in agricultural sciences. The nomenclature of the first degrees awarded by most of the universities is either B.Sc (Agriculture) or B.Sc (Agriculture) (Honours). Only two universities, viz., Chandra Sekhar Azad University of Agriculture and Technology and Govind Ballabh Pant University of Agriculture and Technology award B.Sc (Agriculture & Animal Husbandry), incorporating the Animal Husbandry component in the course.

At the Masters and Doctoral levels courses are available in a wide range of specialisations. M.Sc (Agriculture) course is of two-year duration. Annexure 2 gives an illustrative list of subjects offered at the Master’s degree level. Non-agricultural graduates are also admitted to the M.Sc (Agriculture) programmes in some universities (e.g., Indira Gandhi Krishi Vishwavidyalaya, Jawaharlal Nehru Krishi Vishwavidyalaya and Indian Agriculture Research Institute) in some selected specialisations, such as, agricultural physics, agronomy, agro-meteorology, agricultural economics, biotechnology, plant pathology, plant breeding and genetics, agricultural botany, agricultural biochemistry, agricultural chemistry, entomology. They must, however, have studied the cognate branches of natural sciences, social sciences and technology. In some universities they are also required to take stipulated remedial courses in Agricultural disciplines for Master’s degrees. Courses in M.Sc in Agricultural Biotechnology are now being introduced in several universities exclusively for agriculture graduates with the standard financial assistance of the Department of Biotechnology (DBT). (See Chapter 40: Life Sciences)

Animal Sciences

The number of universities offering courses in animal sciences is 27 (See Annexure 3). They include two universities exclusively devoted to animal sciences viz., Tamil Nadu Veterinary and Animal Sciences University (Chennai) and West Bengal University of Animal and Fisheries Science (Calcutta), and the Indian Veterinary Research Institute (IVRI) (Izatngar, UP), IVRI offers only postgraduate and doctoral courses. Like agricultural sciences, most of the animal science colleges offer, besides first degree programme, Master’s Degree programme is of two-year duration. The nomenclature of the first degree award is either Bachelor in Veterinary Science (BVSc) or Bachelor in Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry (BVSc & AH).

Though the term Animal Husbandry does not occur in the nomenclature BVSc, the subject indeed is a part of the course. At the Master’s and Doctoral degree levels a large number of specialisations are offered by most of the colleges. (See Annexure 4 for an illustrative list). Several universities offer omnibus M.Sc degree courses in Animal Sciences, e.g., Bharathiar University, Hyderabad University (Life Science – Animal Science), MJP Rohilkhand University (Plant and Animal Sciences). Although there are now separate colleges for dairy science and technology, traditionally, several Veterinary Science colleges have been offering MVSc courses in dairy related subjects. This has been discussed in Chapter 27 (Dairy Science and Technology).

Poultry Science

Poultry Science is one of the subjects of study in the BVSc & AH courses. It is also offered at the Master’s level (MVSc & AH or M.Sc) in a number of universities, e.g., Acharya N G Ranga Agricultural University, Hyderabad, Chandra Sekhar Azad University of Agriculture and Technology, GB Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Jawaharlal Nehru Krishi Vishwavidyalaya, Kerala University, Konkan Krishi Vidyapeeth, Rajasthan Agricultural University, Tamil Nadu Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, and University of Agricultural Science, Bangalore. Dr BV Rao Institute of Poultry Management (Pune) is a specialized institution recognized by the Konkan Krishi Vidyapeeth.

Agricultural Engineering

Agricultural engineers apply engineering principles to problems in agriculture. They design and develop agricultural equipment and machinery and also work on soil and water conservation, irrigation and drainage systems. Agriculture engineers contribute to making agricultural farming easier and more productive and profitable through the introduction of new farm machinery and through advancements in soil and water conservation. There are 19 universities which offer agricultural engineering courses at the first degree level. Of this 10 offer postgraduate degrees in the subject. The only institution outside the agricultural university system which has introduced the course is the Indian Institute of Technology (Kharagpur). The nomenclature of the degree is either BE (Agriculture) or B.Tech (Agricultural Engineering) at the first degree level and ME/M.Tech at the postgraduate level. Annexure 6 gives an illustrative list of subjects offered at the postgraduate level. Unlike Master’s degree courses in other agricultural disciplines which are of one and a half-year duration, ME/M Technology courses in agricultural engineering (Nabi Bagh, Berasia Road, Bhopal-462038) under the ICAR conducts research in the subject.

Fisheries Science

There are 12 agricultural universities which offer first degree course in Fisheries Science of four-year duration (BFSc of B.Sc Fisheries). Six universities have introduced Master’s degree course of two-year duration (MFSc). Only two universities offer PhD course. The list of universities which offer fisheries courses at all the three levels is given in Annexure 7. Outside the agricultural university system several institutions also offer Master’s degree courses in fisheries – some specialized in nature. The most important one is the Central Institute of Fisheries Education and research in fisheries. Two other institutions – Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI) at Kochi and Inland Fisheries Training Centre (IFTC) at Barackpore (West Bengal) are associates of CIFE.

All the three institutions offer only postgraduate programmes. CIFE offers MFSc courses in Fisheries Resources Management, and Inland Aquaculture while the CMFRI offers MFSc course in Mariculture. IFTC offers PG Certificate Course in Fisheries Development and Administration of one year duration. Admission to all these programmes are made on the basis of an All-India Competitive Examination. Entry requirement is BFSc as well as B.Sc (Fisheries) degree with zoology, botany, chemistry and fisheries. CIFE earlier used to offer a two-year PG Diploma course in Fisheries Science which had been discontinued since 1998. Only three universities had introduced PhD programmes.

Universities outside the agricultural university system conducting fisheries science courses are: (1) Barkatullah Vishwavidyalaya (Bhopal)-M.Sc (Fish Genetics), MFSc (at its Department of AppliedAquaculture), and (2) Cochin University of Science and Technology (Kochi- M.Sc (Industrial Fisheries), M.Sc (Marineculture) (at its Faculty of Marine Sciences); (3) Andhra University (Vishakapatnam)- M.Sc (Capture and Culture Fisheries), and M.Sc (Coastal Aquaculture and Marine Biotechnology), Kerala University-M.Sc (Aquatic Biology and Fisheries) and (4) Annamalai University (Annamalai Nagar) – M.Sc (Coastal Aquaculture). In all thee course, students possessing B.Sc degrees with biological sciences are also admitted.

Other Courses in Fisheries Science: A subject which has a bearing on fisheries science is Limnology is the study of freshwater ecosystem (specially in lakes and ponds) including its chemical, physical and biological aspects. Although traditionally, Limnology is closely related to Hydrobiology, it has a great bearing on fishery. Barkatullah Vishwavidyalaya has set up a Department of Limnology. The Department offers two M.Sc courses in Applied Limnology and Fishery Technology and Aquatic Environmental Science (Water Resource Management and Pollution Control). The other university which offers M.Sc (Limnology) course is the Rajasthan Agricultural University.

Fisheries Science is also offered as one of the subjects in the vocational stream at the 10+2 and B.Sc degree levels.

Central Institute of Fisheries Nautical & Engineering Training (CIFNET) at Kochi, Chennai and Visakhapatnam offers career training to candidates to become Master of Fishing Vessel and Engine Driver of Fishing Vessel. The course of 18 months duration leads to the award of Certificate of Competency.

Forestry

B.Sc (Forestry) degree course of four-year duration is offered by 12 agricultural universities. M.Sc (Forestry) course is available both in agricultural and non-agricultural universities (See Annexure 8). Master’s degree course is of two-year duration.

Forest Researchh Institute (FRI), (ICFRE, New Forest, Dehra Dun-248195), a deemed university offers six forest related courses: (1) M.Sc Forestrry (Economics and Management), (2) M.Sc (Wood Science and Technology), (3) M.Sc (Environmental Management, (4) PG Diploma in Plantation Technology (one-year duration), (5) PG Diploma in Pulp and Paper Technology (one-year duration), and (6) Postgraduate Diploma in Biodiversity Conservation.

Admission to all the courses is made on the basis of an entrance test conducted on an all-India basis. The eligibility requirements are:

1.  M.Sc Forestry (Economics and Management) – Bachelor’s degree in Science with at least one of t he subjects, viz., Botany, Chemistry, Geology, Mathematics, Physics and Zoology or a Bachelor’s degree in Agriculture or Forestry.

2.  M.Sc in Wood Science and Technology – Bachelor’s degree with Physics, Mathematics and Chemistry or B.Sc degree in Forestry.

3.  M.Sc in Environment Management – Bachelor’s degree in any branch of basic or applied sciences or Bachelor’s degree in Forestry or Agriculture or BE in Environment Science.

4.  Postgraduate Diploma in Plantation Technology: (one-year duration) – Postgraduate degree in Chemistry or Applied Chemistry or Industrial Chemistry and must have studied Botany at the graduate level or M.Sc in Agriculture.

5.  Postgraduate Diploma in Pulp and Paper Technology: (one-year duration) – Postgraduate degree in Chemistry or Applied Chemistry or Industrial Chemistry and must have studied Physics at the graduate level.

6.  Postgraduate Diploma in Biodiversity Conservation: (one-year duration) – M.Sc in any discipline.

Two universities, viz., Birsa Agricultural University (Ranchi) and Gujarat University offer diploma level course in forestry. The two-year diploma course of the Birsa Agricultural University is open to candidates who have passed 10+2 examination. The qualification requirement for the one-year diploma course of the Gujarat University is a B.Sc degree. Forestry, as a subject is also available for study in the vocational streams both at 10+2 and B.Sc levels.

Forestry, Ecology and Environment: Wildlife Science and certain aspects of ecology and environment are closely related to forestry. (See also Chapter 32 – Environmental Science). Such courses are mostly offered by the universities outside the agricultural university system. The Wildlife Institute of India (Dehra Dun), affiliated to Saurashtra University (Rajkot) has introduced an M.Sc degree course in Wildlife Science. The courses in this area are: PG Diploma in Social Forestry – School of Life Sciences, Dr B R Ambedkar University, M.Sc (Wildlife) – Aligarh Muslim University, M.Sc (Forestry, Wildlife and Ecodevelopment) – Guru Ghasidas University, MVSc (Wildlife Science)- Madras Veterinary College, Tamil Nadu Veterinary and Animal Science, Dr B R Ambedkar University, PG Diploma (Forestry Management) – Department of Environmental Biology, A P S University, (Rewa-480003), M.Sc (Agroforestry) – Bundelkhand University (Jhansi-284128), M.Sc (Forestry) – Pt Ravishankar Shukla University (Raipur-492010).

As stated above, the FRI has two environment oriented forestry courses, viz., M.Sc (Environment Management), and PG Diploma in Biodiversity Conservation.

Forestry Management: It may be mentioned here that besides the M.Sc Forestry (Economics and Management) offered by the FRI, the Indian Institute of Forest Management (IIFM), Bhopal, a specialized management institution set up by the Government of India has introduced a unique postgraduate diploma course of two-year duration. The award is equivalent to Master’s degree in the subject.

Food Science and Technology

As stated earlier, Food Science and Technology is considered as a subject allied to agriculture science. Courses in Post harvest Processing and Food Engineering is offered at the Master’s Degree level in several agricultural engineering colleges. This course is also offered as a branch of technology in several non-agricultural universities. (See Chapter 30 Engineering and Technology).

At the first degree level, the College of Agriculture Technology (Parbhani-431402) of the Marathwada Krishi Vidyapeeth offers B.Tech (Food Science). The College of Agriculture Engineering (Coimbatore-641003) of the Tamil Nadu Agricultural University offers B.Tech (Food Processing Engineering).

At the Master’s degree level four courses are available in: (1) Allahabad Agricultural Institute- M.Sc (Foods, Nutrition and Dietetics), (2) Kerala Agricultural University – M.Sc (Food Science and Nutrition), (3) College of Agricultural Technology (Parbhani) – M.Tech (Food Science), (4) Govind Ballabh Pant University of Agriculture and Technology – M.Tech (Postharvest Process and Food Engineering). (5) Marathwada Krishi Vidyapeeth – M.Tech (Food Science), (6) Allahabad Agricultura Institute M.Sc (Food Science & Applied Nutrition), (7) Maharshi Dayanand Saraswati University – M.Sc (Food and Nutrition), (8) Tamil Nadu Agricultural University – M.Sc (Food Science and Nutrition), and (9) Bundelkhand University – M.Sc (Food Science and Technology). In a number of Home Science Colleges, Food and Nutrition is one of the specialisations in the Master of Home Science programmes.

Horticulture

Dr Y S Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry is the only University exclusively devoted to horticulture and forestry. Horticulture courses are offered both at first degree (B.Sc Forestry) levels. The duration of the courses are four years and two years respectively. Dr Y S Parmar University of Horticulture which is open to candidates qualified in vocational courses in horticulture, and food preservation and processing. The Annexure 7 gives a list of universities which offer the courses. It includes two universities viz., Chaudhary Charan Singh University, Meerut and Nagland University, outside the agricultural university system which offer M.Sc degree course in the subject. Horticultural Science (BHSc) course through distance learning mode. The course is open to candidates who have passed the Class 10 examination. The course consists of three diploma courses in Fruit Production, Vegetable Production, Floriculture and Landscape Gardening. The degree is awarded on successful completion of all the three diploma courses.

Floriculture

This subject is included in the B.Sc (Horticulture) curriculum. Only a small number of agricultural universities offer the course at the Master’s degree level, e.g. Dr Y S Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry (also a PhD course), Punjab Agricultural University (Landscaping and Floriculture), University of Agricultural Science, Bangalore (Floriculture), Allahabad Agricultural Institute.

Sericulture

Course in Sericulture is available both at the agricultural and non-agricultural universities. Sri Padmavati Mahila Vishwavidyalayam (Tirupati) and the University of Agricultural Science, Bangalore offer B.Sc (Sericulture) course. M.Sc (Sericulture) courses are available at the Assam Agricultural University, Karnataka University, Central Sericulture Research and Training Institute (Mysore) affiliated to the Mysore University, Sri Padmavati Mahila Vishwavidyalam. Sri Krishna Devaraya University, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, and University of Agricultural Sciences, Bangalore (at its College of Sericulture). Diploma level courses are offered by Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University (Lucknow), and Tamil Nadu Agricultural University. Sericulture is also offered as a subject of study in vocational stream at 10+2 and B.Sc levels.

Agricultural Management

A new development in the field of agricultural education is the introduction of master’s degree programmes in agricultural management which is known in USA as agribusiness management. Two universities- Universities of Agricultural Sciences (Bangalore and Dharwar), made a beginning by offering B.Sc courses in agricultural marketing and cooperation. Kerala Agricultural University introduced B.Sc and M.Sc courses in Cooperation and Banking. The Indian Institute of Management (Ahmedabad) was the first to introduce Postgraduate Diploma in Agribusiness Management (earlier known as Specialisation Package in Agriculture). A number of agricultural universities have now introduced management courses in agriculture and related subjects.

Annexure 10 gives a list of the universities which offer courses in agricultural management.

Other Agricultural Courses

While many non-agricultural universities offer postgraduate courses related to agriculture, a number of agricultural universities have introduced agricultural courses related to other disciplines. Some of the important ones are: agricultural Chemistry (oriented to soil science ( Annexure 11), agricultural economics ( Annexure 12), agricultural statistics ( Annexure 13), and agro meteorology ( Annexure 14).

Career Opportunities

On obtaining a graduate or a postgraduate degree in a discipline of agriculture and allied sciences, there are a wide range of options and opportunities of a career in teaching, research and transfer of technology areas in SAUs, State Departments of Agriculture and Animal Husbandry, NGOs and in industry. Even banks which advance credit and loans for agro-based projects employ agricultural specialists. The Union Public Service Commission conducts an annual competitive examination for recruitment in the Indian Forest Service. The employment opportunities are really multifaceted for competent persons. The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) (Krishi Anusandhan Bhavan, Pusa, New Delhi-110012), an autonomous body under the Department of Agricultural Research and Education (DARE) is one of the largest employers of scientific manpower in the country.

The research set-up includes 45 Central Institutes, four National Bureaux, 10 Project Directorates, 30 National Research Centres and 80 All-India Coordinated Research Projects. For effective communication of research findings among farmers, the ICAR maintains a network of 261 Krishi Vigyan Kendras, along with eight Zonal Coordinating Units. More than 6,500 research scientists work directly in ICAR’s research establishments and about 5,000 work in SAUs, and projects funded directly by the ICAR.

Recruitment to these positions constituting the Agricultural Research Service (ARS) are made by the Agricultural Scientist Recruitment Board (ASRB) in 61 disciplines through a nation-wide competitive examination followed by a personal interview. These 61 disciplines apart, agricultural, animal and allied sciences include basic and fundamental sciences, home science and engineering. This is, however, a combined competitive examination not only for recruitment in ARS but also used as National Eligibility Test (NET) for appointment of Assistant Professors and Lecturers in SAUs and for awarding Senior Research Fellowships. Generally, the competitive examination is held in October every year for which notification is made latest by April. The National Academy off Agricultural Research Management (NAARM) at Hyderabad imparts foundation training to new entrants in the ARS.

Scientific placements in ICAR are classified into Scientists, Scientists (Selection Grade). Senior Scientists and Principal Scientists. Promotion from Scientists to the level of Senior Scientists is through performance appraisal and the length of service in the previous grade. Lateral entry into these positions is open to scientists from other organisations and the SAUs. There is also ample opportunity for training and skill upgradation and active participation in research both within the country and abroad. Opportunities are also available for obtaining higher degrees for in-service candidates with study-leave benefits.

Update

Both the Chapter 16 (Agricultural and Animal Sciences and Chapter 41- Management) refer to management programmes in a Agricultural related areas. Annexure 10 to chapter 16 provide a list of institutions offering such courses.

Plantation Management: The Indian Institute of Plantation Management (Bangalore 560056) established at the initiative of the Ministry of Commerce offers a course in plantation management of one year duration open to graduates in any discipline. The selection is made on the basis of Professional Aptitude test (PAT) conducted by the Institute. The Objective of the course is to provide career opportunities in plantation management and agro-industries management. The Institution has the support of Commodity Boards (Tea Board, Coffee Board, Spices Board, Rubber Board) Plantation Associations, and leading companies, such as Tata Tea, Warren Tea, Williamson Magor Group.

Agribusiness Management: The National Institute of Agricultural Marketing (Jaipur 303906) established by the ministry Rural Development Offers a three-months certificate Course in Agribusiness Management designed for young entrepreneurs and professionals who into look self-employment in agribusiness. The programme is open to graduates in any discipline.