Top Agricultural Courses worth Studying in 2022

Top Agricultural Courses worth Studying in 2021, What is the best course to study under agriculture?, What subjects are needed for agriculture?, What subjects are needed for agriculture?

This article gives a rundown and accentuation on the top agrarian courses worth concentrating in 2021.

Preceding this time, Agricultural courses were disregarded by numerous understudies who believed the courses to be less renowned with no desire for high profit. Thus, the individuals who picked such courses became fools among their friends. Some were nicknamed “ranchers”.

This confusion was because of the conviction that every individual who considered Agricultural courses would wind up on the homestead. For some, at the notice of Agriculture, the lone thing that rings a bell is cultivator and Cutlass, cultivating. What these individuals neglected to acknowledge was that all people are ranchers of course.

In late time, these confusions are continuously blurring off as the Agricultural area is practically assuming control over the oil area. Today, numerous Agricultural courses have become hot cakes in numerous Institutions. As an alum of Agricultural Economics and Extension, I can completely say that, in a matter of moments, numerous Agricultural courses will become as worthwhile as a portion of the populace courses like Medicine, Law, and so forth

One of the significant resources in the college is the Faculty of Agriculture. There are more than 120 courses inside this personnel of which a significant number of them are less significant in this current age. In any case, gone are the days individuals consider the To be staff as an unloading ground for understudies who couldn’t get their ideal courses. Nowadays, understudies apply for these seminars on their own volition.

Horticulture is life, it is all over and considering a course under Agriculture will put you at the bleeding edge of employability and business venture.

This implies that on the off chance that you don’t get utilized, you will naturally turn into a business of work.

Inorder to help the individuals who wants to examine Agricultural courses however don’t know precisely which course to go for, this article has got you covered as it will illuminate Agricultural courses worth contemplating. This doesn’t infer that different courses are not great.

LIST OF TOP AGRICULTURAL COURSES YOU NEED TO STUDY

Therefore, below is the list of Top Agricultural courses worth studying in schools.

• Agricultural Economics and Farm Management
• Agricultural Extension and Rural Sociology
• Nutrition and Dietetics
• Forestry and Wood Technology
• Plant pathology
• Food Science and Business
• Fisheries and Aquaculture Technology
• Family, Nutrition and Consumer Science
• Environmental Management and Toxicology
• Animal Production and Health Services
• Livestock Production Technology
• Animal Nutrition and Biotechnology
• Crop, Soil and Pest Management
• Production and Landscape Management

1. AGRICULTURAL ECONOMICS

Not too many people know about this course and each time I mention the course being my course of study, I always get a very weird look from people, someone once said” so you spent a whole five years in school just to learn how to become a farmer.

WHAT IS AGRICULTURAL ECONOMICS?

Agricultural economics is a branch of applied economics that takes the tools of both micro and macroeconomics and uses them to solve problems in a specific area. Agricultural economists examine data to determine patterns and trends in economic activity. They also conduct research to collect data and market samples. They use the predictions obtained from their research to inform, influence, and improve the business decisions of clients and agricultural organizations.

Agricultural economics majors find themselves working in banks, credit unions, insurance companies, legal firms, and private companies. Some get jobs with the government. Others go into agribusiness and work as business managers or consultants. Some go into sales, working for food retailers and wholesalers. Some become experts in customer relations. Some go into research. Some even go into advertising and marketing.

Many agricultural economics graduates work in the textiles industry.My desire has always been to work in an Agricultural parastatal or ministries. This type of degree can lead to hundreds of opportunities.

Also, Agricultural economics majors can become experts in rural development. They think globally, and know that food is now an international business. From air pollution to pest control to biofuels,people who earn degrees in agricultural economics become people who solve problems. And problem-solvers are in high demand. Our slogan back in school was “the policy makers”. Agricultural Economists are analysers and great thinkers.

TWO THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT AGRICULTURAL ECONOMICS

It is a professional course. The nature of the course permits you to take professional examinations if you intend to advance in your career. Example is the popular ICAN.

It is a five(5) year course. So stop seeing Agricultural Economics as people who went to school to study farm practices. It’s way beyond that.

CAREERS IN AGRICULTURAL ECONOMICS

Below are some of the things you can do with an Agricultural Economics degree:

• Agribusiness Consultant
• Agribusiness Specialist
• Agricultural Appraiser
• Agricultural Loan Officer
• Agricultural Marketing Specialist
• Agriculture Development Officer
• Economic Analyst
• Economic Development Coordinator
• Financial Analyst
• Public Policy Analyst
• Environmental Economist
• Statistician
• Supply Chain Manager
• Lecturing

2. AGRICULTURAL EXTENSION

This is another too agricultural course. Over the years the role of Agricultural Extension personnel cannot be emphasized in the Agricultural field.

Agricultural Extension is a course in Agriculture that deals with the spread of information about new Agricultural technologies to Farmers, basically rural farmers. The role of extension services is invaluable in teaching farmers how to improve their productivity and income.

Career Options

There are many employers that hire agricultural extension agents, but basically, they are usually affiliated with government agencies at the federal, state, or local levels. Agricultural extension agents may also find employment with land-grant universities, research organizations, and community education groups. Some agents also teach courses through universities and colleges.

It is a very interesting course that gives you an opportunity to travel and socialize with people of different cultures.

3. FOOD SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

FST is also one of the top Agricultural courses worth studying. Food science is the study of the physical, chemical and biological makeup of food, the causes of food deterioration and the concepts involved in food processing. Food scientists and technologists apply scientific disciplines including chemistry, engineering, microbiology, and nutrition to the study of food to improve the safety, nutrition, wholesomeness and availability of food.

Depending on their area of specialization, food scientists develop ways to process, preserve, package or store food according to industry and government regulations.

The Food Science and Technology programme is designed to provide training on:

• The conversion of raw agricultural produce into processed, packaged, shelf stable food products and intermediate industrial raw materials.
• Establishment, maintenance and assurance of food quality.
• Design and maintenance of food process machineries.
• Testing the quality and safety of food
• Invention of new ‘recipes’ for foods using new ingredients
• Direct practical experience in food industries, food research laboratories/station and governmental agencies responsible for the formulation and enforcement of food laws.
• Entrepreneurial skills that will make students self-employed on graduation.

When you are studying food science and technology, you’ll learn all about food from all different aspects of the industry including:

• Science; chemistry, biology, physics
• Food microbiology, food chemistry
• Nutrition
• Food toxicology
• Food preservation
• Food safety
• Sustainable food manufacturing
• Product design and development

The programme lasts for 4 – 5 years depending on method of entry.

Job Opportunities

A bonafide graduate of Food Science and Technology can embark on a teaching career in the University, Polytechnic or College of Technology.

Also, graduates are adequately trained to be employed at the senior level in food industries, regulatory agencies, extension organizations and research institutes. Most importantly, food science and technology graduates are trained to be capable of establishing their own small and medium scale food enterprises.

In some schools, food science and technology is not considered an Agricultural course but an Engineering course.

4. PLANT PATHOLOGY

Plant Pathology is defined as the study of the organisms and environmental conditions that cause disease in plants, the mechanisms by which this occurs, the interactions between these causal agents and the methods of managing or controlling plant disease.

To study this course, you must have a strong interest in biological science studies and research.

Job Opportunities

As a plant pathologist, there are many job opportunities. You can however work in both private and government Organizations:

• Researcher in a Government Institution
• Agrochemical companies:
• Run registration trials and promote the products to farmers.
• Seed companies
• Test cultivars for disease resistance, breed seeds for better resistance.
• Fertilizer companies
• University Academics: These work at most of the major plant pathology departments either as lecturers or Researchers.
• Many go into the production field, either with their own interests or as a manager. Their broad training and understanding of the constraints of disease on production are excellent equipment for this role.
• Private company: Some have Plant Pathologists start their own companies manufacturing biological control agents.
• Private Consultant: This is a demanding job, as it is a challenging field to consult in.

5. ANIMAL SCIENCE

This course which can also be referred to as animal husbandry involves the study of the biology of animals that are under the control of man. It can also be described as the production and management of farm animals.

If you desire a career that will enable you work with animals, a degree in animal science and management can provide a route into a range of jobs involving pets, working animals, livestock and wildlife.

Job Opportunities

• Academic researcher
• Animal nutritionist
• Animal technician
• Animal physiotherapist
• Nature conservation officer
• Zoologist

Typical Employers

• Employers include animal charities, who are involved in animal welfare, training, rescue, conservation, rehoming, etc.
• You can also get employed by Scientific organisations like pharmaceutical companies or medical research companies to care for animals in laboratories.
• The area of Animal nutrition is also fast growing with opportunities in animal health, feed development and sales
• Many animal science and management degrees also equip you with a range of practical skills around animal handling, husbandry and training, as well as scientific research skills such as behavioural measurement.

Generally, many animal science and management graduates find employment in animal care services

6. NUTRITION AND DIETETICS

Dietetics involves the study of nutrition and how it impacts health and disease. Dietitians are nutrition experts who are concerned about the health and well-being of the populace.

Job Opportunities

Dietitian career opportunities range from small communities to large cities in food industry companies, health agencies, hospitals, long-term care facilities, pharmaceutical companies, public health programs, schools, the armed forces, and wellness centers.

7. FISHERIES AND AQUACULTURE

This area of study focuses on the raising of fish and other seafood.

In other words, it is the science of producing fish and other aquatic resources for the purpose of providing human food, ornaments and for recreation as the case may be.

One major benefit to taking a course in aquaculture and fisheries is that the demand for fish is increasing on a daily basis. Fisheries must be able to meet this demand, which can mean an expansion of facilities and staff. For this reason, students who take this course and who are interested in seeking careers within fisheries have a good chance of being able to do so.

In many cases, those who study this course are usually self employed. This aspect of Agriculture is currently one of the most lucrative.

8. SOIL SCIENCE

Soil science is a scientific discipline that deals with the study of soil as a natural resource for  plant growth. It is a scientific discipline that is comprehensive in nature. This is because of its relationships with so many other sciences.

Its study includes soil formation, classification, and mapping; physical, chemical, biological, and fertility properties of soils; and these properties in relation to the use and management of the soils.

Like all other courses, Soil science has many branches.

• Soil Chemistry: It deals with the chemical constitution, chemical properties and processes taking place in the soil.
• Soil Biology: It refers to the soil inhabiting organisms and their biology, functions and activities. Example include Nematodes.
• Soil Mineralogy: This branch deals with the primary and secondary soil minerals and their contribution to the chemistry, physics, fertility and biology of the soils and their relation to soil genesis.
• Soil Survey: This aspect involves the examination of the soils in the field and lab, their description, classification, and interpretation according to their suitability for different management systems
• Soil Classification (Pedology): Soil genesis deals with the weathering of rocks and minerals and factors and processes of soil formation whereas, soil classification is the systematic rearrangements of soils into groups or categories on the basis of their characteristics.
• Soil Conservation: It deals with the protection of soil from the physical loss by erosion or chemical deterioration. Therefore,  soil conservation is concerned with a combination of all management and land use methods that protect the soil against deterioration by natural or human factors.

Employers

Soil scientists work for government bodies, universities, and the private sector.

The job of a soil scientist includes collection of soil data, consultation, investigation, evaluation, interpretation, planning or inspection relating to soil science. This field includes different duties such as;

• conducting general and detailed soil surveys,
• recommending soil management programs,
• helping to design hydrologic plans in suburban areas,
• monitoring the effects of farm, ranch, or forest activities on soil productivity,
• evaluating nutrient and water availability to crops
• giving technical advice used to help plan land management programs,
• preparing reports describing land and soil characteristics,
• advising land managers of capabilities and limitations of soils
• training personnels,
• evaluating nutrient and water availability to crops,
• managing soils for crop production, forest products and erosion control management,
• managing soils for landscape design, mine reclamation, and site restoration.

Top Agricultural Courses worth Studying in 2021

OTHER AGRICULTURAL COURSES

• Agric Extension and Rural Development
• Cooperative Management
• Agricultural Administration
• Agricultural Business
• Agronomy
• Crop Science and Biotechnology
• Home and Hotel Management
• Plant Science and Biotechnology.

CONCLUSION

Farming science is an adaptable field including plants, animals and the earth surface as a rule. The captivating thing about rural courses is that the significant courses have sub courses. For example, Animal science as an Agricultural course has other courses  under it like creature nourishment, creature physiology, and so on

Subsequently, the rundown of horticultural courses is such a lot of that it tends to be depleted in an article.

Despite the decision obviously, be have confidence that you can never turn out badly on the grounds that man relies upon farming for endurance. All in all, horticulture is the bedrock for man’s food. Be that as it may, go for a course you will appreciate contemplating.

All in all, most farming courses are five years programs with the exception of not many like nourishment and dietetics. Despite that, rural courses are worthwhile.