Overview

Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries is that branch of science that deals with plants, animals, and their environment.  It includes the raising, producing, maintaining, managing, conserving and, marketing of agricultural resources, forest resources, and marine resources. 

Agriculture involves the study of various subjects related to plants and crops, plant genetics and breeding, soil science, poultry farming, and many other related fields of study. Forestry deals with the study and management of forests and woodlands, plantations, and other resources. Fisheries is a branch of science that deals with the study of fish, their ecosystem, food, and the diseases they struggle with.

The main objective of pursuing a degree in any of these fields is to gain knowledge of the topic and to develop a connection between theoretical and practical solutions. Graduates are also encouraged to promote sustainable utilization, management, and development of the earth’s resources through the implementation of an appropriate system and framework.  It also boosts the personal and professional evolution of the student by providing significant skills and opportunities to be part of one of the largest sectors in the country.

Skillsets acquired by graduates studying these subjects include:

• Problem-solving Skills
• Research Skills
• Leadership Skills
• Analytical Skills
• Organizational Skills
• Communication Skills
• Interpersonal Skills
• Computer Skills

Study Levels:

Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries courses in India are delivered at the undergraduate (UG), postgraduate (PG), and Ph.D. levels. The discipline can be pursued under:

• Bachelor of Science (B.Sc)
• Bachelor of Fisheries Science (B.FSc)
• Bachelor of Technology (B.Tech)
• Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA)
• UG Diploma/Certificate
• Bachelor of Vocation (B.Voc). 
• Master of Science (M.Sc)
• Master of Fisheries Science (M.FSc)
• Master of Technology (M.Tech)
• Master of Business Administration (MBA)
• PG Diploma/Certificate

Specializations:

Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries are a branch of science offering students a wide range of specializations covering all scientific, technical, and business aspects of the subject.

Some of the most common specializations among Indian scholars include:

• Agriculture Specialisations

• Forestry Specialisations

• Fisheries Specialisations

Employability:

A degree in this field will help students land some of the highest-paying jobs in both the public and private sectors. Upon graduating, students can opt for self-employment opportunities in sectors pertaining to poultry farming, fish breeding, farming, and plantation.

A degree in agriculture can open the doors of a variety of job roles including an agricultural scientist, production manager, food microbiologist, crop specialist, plant geneticist, agriculture officer, agricultural engineer, soil engineer, silvicultural researcher, conservation planner, agricultural food scientist, and fertilizer sales representative, to name a few.

Students having a vested interest in forest studies can opt for careers such as a forester, forest range officer, forestry technician, forestry consultant, forestry scientist, agri-credit manager, and entomologist. Numerous organizations recruit graduates with a degree in forestry. These organizations include the Century Pulp and Paper (CPP), WIMCO Match Industry, Ballarpur Industries Limited, ITC Bhadrachalam Paper Boards Limited, Star Paper Mills Limited, K Corps Limited, and Orient Paper Mills. 

Again, for graduates in Fisheries, there are various job opportunities available as farm managers, aquaculturists, marine scientists, fish breeders/traders, feed mill managers, fish export inspectors, marine biologists, fisheries technical officers, processing and production managers, and fishery officers, to mention a few. 

There are various employment options available in the public sector for students with a degree in these three specializations (or one of them). These include jobs roles following competitive exams in the UPSC (Indian Forest Service) IFS, and Staff Selection Commission (SSC), IBPS Specialists Officer (AO), Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), Food Corporation of India (FCI), National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD), and National Dairy Development Board (NDDB).

Fees:

The fee for a degree in any of these fields may vary depending on the institution and course. The cost of studying in private universities is often more expensive than public universities. Here is an estimate of the educational expenses for India and abroad.

*Please note all fee figures are indicative.