Agriculture is the New Frontier for Youth Entrepreneurship: Young generation seems very curious to know about career opportunities in agriculture. Various branches of agriculture are attracting students to pursue B. Sc. (Hons) Agriculture. The present generation is not only dependent upon job opportunities but they are creating their ventures and providing jobs to others. This enthusiasm of youngsters is inclining them towards agriculture because there are surplus opportunities for businesses and start-ups in the agriculture sector.

It may be related to everything we bring home to eat or wear. Agriculture brings joy from farm to table in the form of delicious cuisines. The journey of raw harvest from farm to dinner table comprises extensive passage including various processing steps and each step opens opportunities for a business-oriented mind to generate revenue. It includes sectors viz. food processing industries, pesticides and fertilizer industries and seed-producing industries. To excel in any stream, expertise is required, therefore a professional degree in a particular field broadens the horizon technically and scientifically. This helps them to identify the gaps to work on strengths and weaknesses in that particular interest. 

Entrepreneurship and start-ups in agriculture

Agrictech

The scope of entrepreneurship has been widened when it comes to start-ups. Agritech startups are revolutionizing farming in the present era of artificial intelligence. ‘AgriTech’ is a term used for agricultural technology, which involves useful techniques to improve farming and agriculture across different value chains. It includes sophisticated technologies that drive the so-called ‘fourth agricultural revolution’.

The agrarian industry has experienced a remarkable tenfold growth in the past three years. Currently, there are nearly 2800 AgriTech startups recognized by Startup India. This is the evidence to the youth which is providing them with a ray of hope in the future world of commerce. Start-ups from food processing to delivering food have become the charm for youngsters. It inspires them to build wealth through these ventures and also involves them in voluntary social service. 

Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning

We know many well-established startups are building a worth of income while bringing seed to the plate. The real-time supply chain is carried out by e-commerce or e-retailing. Information technology and consulting services are also associated with the agriculture sector and provide a boom to agri-preneurs.

Artificial intelligence and machine learning are making a significant contribution to supply chains and precision farming. The present generation is a pro user of artificial intelligence and machine learning. The use of these advanced technologies is attracting youth towards start-ups because technology is the main assistance nowadays to save time and organize multiple tasks at multiple locations at a time.  

Food Processing Industries

Food processing and packaging industries include dairy products, pest harvest products of fruits and vegetables, meat and fish in dried form along with all stored food products. The food processing industry has been very lucrative for the last few decades. It has always attracted small and large-scale businesses for domestic as well as export purposes. Our farmers are also earning in foreign currencies by exporting agricultural products in the form of spices, condiments, fruits, vegetables, cereals and their processed products.  

Scope of Mushroom cultivation

People have become more health conscious in terms of calculated nutritive intake due to the tremendous increase in the craze of gyming among youngsters. This has an open gate to new food components including mushrooms. Earlier mushroom was not liked by the majority of the population. However, mushroom is very popular among diet diet-conscious population of the young generation. Mushroom cultivation has become profitable to the farmers by learning its growing techniques.  

Apiculture

Beekeeping has also gained popularity and increased in the past decades. Honey is a versatile healthy and nutritive source of food. It is not only consumed solely but also added as an important ingredient in many Indian and exotic cuisines. People are demanding organic honey, to fulfill that demand more entrepreneurs are attracted towards apiculture. Apiculture requires technical training. It is an exclusively profitable venture. 

Fisheries and Pearl culture

Likewise, Oyster culture for pearls is very popular and has an exclusive market for pearls. Another money-making business is related to fishery. Fishes are not only sold fresh but also frozen packets of the same are available in the market. 

Govt. support to startups

Agriculture is the platform that gives recognition and quick growth to the ventures. Various ventures have been supported by government policies to provide financial support in terms of loans and subsidies. The development of techniques to use water efficiently is extremely supported by our government. As we all know ground-water table is decreasing very rapidly and many areas are facing water scarcity. Therefore resource management technologies and related ventures are very much appreciated by the government in monetary terms as well. 

Agriculture has ample opportunities that you can explore by pursuing a B. Sc. (Hons) Agriculture at K.R. Mangalam University

B.Sc. (Hons) Agriculture programme at KRMU is an intricate fusion of science and practice, designed to shape the future of agriculture and food security. Our programme delves into the complexities of agricultural science, covering vital areas such as plant genetics, soil health, water resource management, and the integration of sustainable agricultural practices.

Career options after pursuing B.Sc.(Hons.) Agriculture

• Agronomist: Master the intricacies of crop and soil science, providing invaluable guidance to farmers.
• Research Scientist: Drive innovation by researching to boost crop yields and sustainable farming practices.
• Agribusiness Manager: Lead agricultural enterprises, overseeing operations, marketing, and strategic planning.
• Extension Officer: Serve as an educator and support system for farmers, bridging the gap between research and practical application.
• Environmental Consultant: Champion sustainable farming practices and environmental conservation, making a meaningful impact on the industry and our planet.

Conclusion

Agriculture is now viewed as a dynamic, lucrative, and significant career option rather than just a means of subsistence. Through the pursuit of advanced education and the use of cutting-edge technology, the younger generation is well-positioned to spearhead a contemporary agricultural revolution that guarantees economic growth, sustainability, and food security. The youthful zeal and inventiveness of today are planting the seeds for a more promising future in agriculture.

Also Read: Why You Should Pursue a BSc Agriculture Hons Degree