If you enjoy being outside and are interested in farming tools and technology, you could seek a career in agricultural engineering. This discipline entails developing and applying novel approaches to maintain farms sustainably, efficiently, and ecologically friendly.
Who exactly is an Agricultural Engineer?
Agriculture engineers are experts that create and design new agricultural goods and processes, as well as systems and equipment. Agricultural engineers combine technology with farming. To enhance efficiency and promote sustainable and ecologically friendly solutions, they integrate fundamental engineering concepts with an extensive understanding of agricultural operations.
Agricultural engineers' primary duty is to increase agricultural productivity through improved engineering methods, innovations, technology, and equipment, with the goal of making a positive intellectual and future change in farming. They also work on upgrading agricultural farm machinery, farm buildings, rural electricity, bio-gas, and innovative agricultural product design and production technologies. Agricultural engineers have excellent employment prospects, particularly in India.
These engineers may work in agricultural equipment and infrastructure design or building, such as dams and water reservoirs. Many agricultural engineers develop concepts and ways to address environmental issues, such as farm pollution control. Others may concentrate on finding new or improved agricultural practices to help feed the world's rising population.
Agricultural Engineer Eligibility
Aspiring candidates must have a Bachelor’s degree preferably in Agricultural Engineering or Biological Engineering from a recognized institute.
How to Become an Agricultural Engineer?
STEP - 1: Complete Higher Secondary Education (10+2)
Students who want to be agricultural engineers must study science in the 10th grade. Throughout their schooling, these professionals study a variety of courses, with a focus on physics, mathematics, chemistry, and engineering.
STEP - 2: Earn a Bachelor’s Degree
Students can pursue B.Tech / BE degrees in Agricultural Engineering after passing class 12th with obligatory subjects of Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, and preferably Biology. Because these occupations require a bachelor's degree in agricultural engineering, becoming an agricultural engineer takes at least three years.
Some of the Agricultural Engineering Degree Courses are:
- BE in Agricultural Engineering
- B.Tech in Agricultural Engineering
- B.Tech (Hons) Agricultural Engineering
- B.Tech (Agricultural Engineering) + MBA (Agricultural Engineering)
Candidates may have to take some Engineering Entrance Exams like Joint Entrance Exam to get admission to some of the best Engineering Institutes in India.
STEP - 3: Continue your Professional Development (Master’s Degree)
Following that, applicants can pursue an M.Tech or a Diploma in Agricultural Engineering to advance their careers or conduct research. If you opt to seek an advanced degree for higher-level employment, it may take longer.
Some of the Agricultural Engineering Postgraduate degree courses are:
- ME in Agricultural Engineering
- MBA in Agricultural Engineering
- M.Tech in Agricultural Engineering
- M.Tech (Hons) Agricultural Engineering
STEP - 4: Join a Professional Organization (Professional Experience)
- You may, however, consider joining a professional group. These enable you to broaden your understanding of new agricultural technology and establish strong industry ties.
- Professional groups can help you remain ahead of technical agricultural improvements so you can rapidly use them in your industry.
- Some professional organizations you can consider joining include:
- Indian Society of Agricultural Engineers
- Indian Agricultural Association
- International Commission of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering
Skills Required to Become an Agricultural Engineer
Excellent technical abilities and a wide understanding of engineering concepts are required for these roles. Project management and leadership abilities may also be beneficial when planning and carrying out complicated agricultural initiatives.
- To execute their job properly, agricultural engineers need to be knowledgeable in a variety of areas, including resource management, water conservation and storage, climatology, waste management, food engineering, soil management and conservation, land profiling, and surveying.
- They should also be knowledgeable about agricultural internal combustion engines, as well as any other agricultural equipment and machinery essential to their profession and the project at hand.
- They should be competent to design buildings, equipment, and procedures for the agricultural business.
- Agricultural Engineers must also conduct substantial research and development, monitor machinery manufacture, establish functional needs throughout the development process, and integrate components into the final design.
Agricultural Engineer Career Scope
The majority of agricultural engineers worked in architecture, engineering, and related fields. Some work for the federal government, while others engage in food manufacturing, agriculture, construction, and mining machinery manufacturing. Few of them worked as instructors.
Agricultural engineers operate both inside and outside the home. They work in offices developing plans and managing projects, as well as in agricultural settings examining sites, monitoring equipment, and supervising reclamation and water management initiatives. These occupations may need extensive travel. These engineers may also be found in labs and classrooms. They may plan and solve challenges in collaboration with others. They may collaborate with horticulturists, agronomists, animal scientists, and geneticists, for example.
The job prospects in this field are both demanding and exciting. Those interested in agriculture should choose this field. Agricultural engineers have a lot of potentials; they may work as technical specialists on engineering projects in banks and financial businesses. They can even start their own small unit or consulting after becoming engineers.
Agricultural engineers are required in the following sectors:
- Agricultural Universities
- Departments of Agricultural Engineering
- Farming Industry Consultancies
- Non-government Voluntary Organisations
Agricultural Engineer Job Profiles
After earning the necessary educational qualifications and abilities to become an agricultural engineer, you may choose from a variety of employment profiles in this industry based on your interests. Some of the job profiles accessible in the field of agricultural engineering are as follows:
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Agronomists |
Scientists that specialize in agricultural production, soil control, and soil management are known as agronomists. They strive to figure out how to get the most agricultural yield out of a given amount of soil. They also conduct tests to identify and optimize plant nutrients and soil health. |
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Agricultural Inspector |
An agricultural inspector evaluates food processing operations such as logging, fishing, and farming reports to ensure that the food acquired by customers is safe to eat. |
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Agricultural Specialist |
Farmers and livestock producers receive support and guidance from agriculture professionals. They provide advice on a variety of topics, including crop selection and rotation, cultivation and harvesting, soil and water difficulties, and animal husbandry and nutrition. |
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Farm Shop Manager |
Farm managers supervise employees, monitor crops and animals, and perform a variety of administrative duties. Budgets are prepared, goods are purchased, connections with vendors and clients are maintained, and optimum profitability is ensured. |
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Food and Beverage Supervisor |
The supervisor of food and beverage service oversees and schedules kitchen, bar, and food and beverage servers. During busy hours, they may assist in a seating or serving clients, as well as maintaining the cleanliness and overall appearance of the dining room. |
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A horticulturist is someone who grows flowers, fruits, vegetables, or decorative plants for a living. |
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Survey Research Agricultural Engineer |
Survey research agricultural engineers are in charge of assessing the environmental effect of various agricultural production practices. They not only examine but also manage suitable land drainage systems and a variety of other farming-related operations. |
Agricultural Engineer Salary Prospects
Agricultural Engineers in several fields make a good living. Most businesses or organizations will pay a premium for highly qualified and experienced agricultural engineers. An agricultural engineer's compensation will vary depending on their expertise, abilities, and experience.
However, the base monthly compensation in the government sector is from roughly Rs. 40,000 to Rs. 50,000, depending on the position and seniority, but it ranges from Rs. 60,000 to Rs. 75,000 in the private sector, depending on the business.
For an experienced expert in a reputable organization, the wage structure of agricultural engineers might go up to 16 lakhs or more.
Top Recruiting Companies Looking for Agricultural Engineers
- Amul Dairy
- Food Corporation of India
- ITC Nestle India
- Indian Council of Agricultural Research
- Mother Dairy
- NABARD
- National Seeds Corporation
- National Dairy Development Board
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