How To Have A Career In Agricultural

Biotechnology
Agricultural biotechnology, also called ARS, is a subject which deals with the use of scientific
techniques to modify or improve genes of living organisms, such as, plants, animals and
microorganisms. This is also known as agritech. It involves genetic engineering, molecular
modifications and diagnostics, application of various vaccines and tissue culture.
One of the significant aspects of agricultural biotechnology which has developed in recent
times is crop biotechnology where traits are taken from a specific crop species and exported
to different species. These developed crops get better flavour characteristics, the colour of
the crop and flower, growth rate, size and amount, and desirable resistance to pests and
diseases.

About the Agricultural Biotechnologist:

As an agricultural biotechnologist, one must have proper knowledge about the plant and
animal lives. Besides, he/she must know how to implement biotechnology in various aspects
of agriculture. Biotechnologists must invent new products to protect animals and crops from
disease. One must know the use of Computer-aided design (CAD) technology to design
agricultural and horticultural machinery components and equipment and design food-
processing plants and supervise manufacturing operations.

Eligibility to become an Agricultural Biotechnologist:

You can pursue Agricultural Biotechnology at UG, PG and PhD levels.
 For UG level: The candidate must have botany as one of the significant subjects in
10+2 level with at least 50% marks. Also, he needs to opt for the science stream and
pursue B.Sc. (Agricultural Biotechnology) for 3 years.
 For PG level: After completing bachelor's, Pursue M. Sc. (Agricultural Biotechnology)
for 2 years with a score of 55%.
 For PhD level: To have a better prospect and higher designation in agricultural
biotechnology, the candidate must have a PhD degree after pursuing the course for
4-5years.

How to Become an Agricultural Biotechnologist:

 The candidate must belong to the science stream with botany and biology as
significant subjects.
 He must pursue his bachelor's in agricultural biotechnology for 3 years.
 To gain better knowledge, he needs to have a master's degree.
  He must join various horticultural and agricultural societies to learn about the
implementation of technology in these fields.
 For higher designations, he must have a PhD degree.
 Students from B.Tech. can also pursue a career in agricultural biotechnology.

Top Agricultural Biotechnology Institutes in India:

There are many institutes in India which have Agricultural Biotechnology as one of the
disciplines. These are-
 Indian Institute of Agricultural Biotechnology (Jharkhand)
 University of Agricultural Sciences (Bangalore)
 Dr Panjabrao Deshmukh Krishi Vidyapeeth (Maharashtra)
 Mahatma Phule Krishi Vidyapeeth (Maharashtra)
 Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu)
 Acharya N. G. Ranga Agricultural University (Andhra Pradesh)
 Andhra University (Andhra University)
 Chandra Shekhar Azad University of Agriculture & Technology, Kanpur (Uttar
Pradesh)
 Rajendra Agricultural University (Bihar)
 Indira Gandhi Krishi Vishwavidyalaya (Chhattisgarh)
 Maharshi Dayanand University (Haryana)

Agricultural Biotechnology Entrance Exams:

The two most essential entrance examinations on agricultural biotechnology at the
bachelor's level are- ICAR-AIEEA and JNU-CEEB. Apart from these, the various institutes take
entrance exams for admission in this course.

Career Opportunities in Agricultural Biotechnology:

 The candidate can be associated with various organizations to test agricultural
machinery and equipment to ensure their performance
 They can lead an organization by suggesting ideas and employing statistical methods
and theories to solve practical problems in the agricultural field
 People can collaborate with and work with agriculture and food scientists
 One can join environmental organizations and NGO's to assess the impact of
intensive agricultural production methods on the environment
  One can join various consultancies & give advice on water quality and issues related
to managing pollution and protecting and using other water resources
 He can be associated with designing and monitoring the environmental & land
reclamation projects in agriculture and related arena

Employment Sector/Industry for Agricultural

Biotechnologist:
The various governmental organizations dealing with horticultural and agricultural
management, such as the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), recruit many
agricultural biotechnologists every year. Besides, there are many NGO's which deal with the
management of environment which require agricultural biotechnologists. Many private
organizations are associated with invention and modification of various breeds and high
yielding variety of seeds to increase the production of a particular crop. They hire lab
assistants and supervisors every year. Also, the candidate can be associated with any
educational institute as a professor.

Jobs in Agricultural Biotechnology:

 Product Development Scientist
 Agricultural Consultant
 Agricultural Manager
 Process Development Scientists
 Lab Supervisors
 Professors
 Agricultural and Food Science Technician.
 Animal Technician.
 Biofuel Technician.
 Chemistry Quality Control Technician.
 Clinical Research Associate.
 Compliance Specialist.

Salary of Agricultural Biotechnologist:

For a new employee, one can earn up to Rs. 1-2 LPA whereas senior officials or higher posts
for an experience over 10years you can earn Rs. 5-10 LPA.

Study Material to Become Agricultural Biotechnology:

For aspirants, there are different books in hard copy and PDFs on agricultural biotechnology.
These are given below:
 Basic Concepts Of Plant Biotechnology By Vijay Prakash /Tripathi, Niraj
 Objective Biotechnology By RS Sengar
 Objective Biochemistry Engineering Biochemistry Biotechnology And Microbiology
By H.K Sharma
 Agricultural Biotechnology By ISAAA
 New Techniques In Agricultural Biotechnology By European Commission
 Biotechnologies For Agricultural Development (Food And Agriculture Organization Of
The United Nations – 2011)

Pros & Cons of Becoming an Agricultural Biotechnologist:

Pros
1. A candidate in this particular field has numerous opportunities and prospects for
obtaining a job as agricultural biotechnology is a relevant field in today's world.
2. Professionals in the fieldwork in laboratories which might be an attractive work
environment for some ad also can b associated with various inventions.
3. It can be a promising career because agricultural biotechnologists' research and work
can modify the quality of food crops and solve the significant global food problems.
Cons
1. There is the potential of exposure to dangerous and hazardous substances for this
job, specifically for working in laboratories.
2. The salaries are average and not that high initially, which might be demotivating for
the candidates.

FAQs about Agricultural Biotechnology:

Question: Which is a compulsory subject in 10+2 level to study agricultural biotechnology

in future?
Answer: Biology. Particular importance must be given to botany in the higher levels.

Question: Which is the best institute in India for Agricultural Biotechnology?

Answer: Indian Institute of Agricultural Biotechnology in Jharkhand ranks number one in
agricultural biotechnology.

Question: What is agricultural biotechnology used for?

Answer: Agricultural Biotechnology is mainly used to Improve yield from crops, reduce the
vulnerability of crops to environmental stresses, increase nutritional qualities of food crops,
improved taste, texture or appearance of food, reduced dependence on fertilizers,
pesticides and other agrochemicals and production of vaccines.