Department of Agriculture
DCAST’s Department of Agriculture was founded in 2000–01. It is the oldest self-financed Agriculture Institute in Uttarakhand. The department offers both undergraduate (B.Sc. (Hons) Agriculture) and post graduate (M.Sc. (Ag) Agronomy) courses affiliated to HNB Garhwal, A Central University.
The Department of Agriculture at DCAST serves as a source of learning for students interested in agriculture, agronomy, agribusiness, and natural resource management. DCAST’s Department of Agriculture is an excellent educational resource. Agronomy, soil science, horticulture (fruit and vegetable science), plant breeding and genetics, entomology, plant pathology, animal science, extension education, plant biochemistry, agricultural economics, and the fundamentals of biotechnology are just a few of the many topics covered in the program.
The curriculum is designed to give students a complete understanding of agriculture and related fields and adheres to the criteria of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR). Additionally, it focusses on giving students the information and abilities they need to increase crop output using sustainable methods.
The institution is committed to providing students with an exceptional learning experience, supported by well-developed and modern infrastructure. The department is equipped with advanced facilities that promote high-quality agricultural education, research, and innovation. A large, well-organized farm area is available on campus, with dedicated sections for different agricultural domains. This allows students to gain practical, hands-on experience in activities such as land preparation, planting and cultivation techniques, plant protection measures, harvesting, and many more.
Career Prospects after Agriculture
Professionals in agriculture can find employment in a wide range of industries, including the dairy, poultry product, food processing, fertiliser, pesticide, and insecticide industries, as well as in a variety of roles with cooperative organisations like IFFCO, KRIBHCO, NAFED, AMUL, and others.
Additionally, there are many career opportunities in the public sector, such as jobs as an administrator, a banking specialist in farm finance, a professor or lecturer at a college or university, or a scientist in various research organisations.
Some of the opportunities are given below:
- Technical Officer (State and Central Government)
- District Horticulture Officer
- Block Development Officer
- ICAR (Agriculture Scientist Recruitment Board) in various agricultural disciplines
- Livestock Extension Officer
- Soil & Water Conservation Officer
- District Extension Officer
- Village Development Officer
- Plant Protection Officer
- District Agriculture Officer
- Agriculture Development Officer
- Subject Matter Specialist (ASRB)
- Field Officer
- Agriculture Finance Officer (Banking Sector)
- Extension Officer / Krishi Vigyan Kendra Expert
- Agri-input Company Officer
- Agronomist / Crop Scientist
- Research Associate (ICAR, State Agricultural Universities)
- Farm Manager
B.Sc. (Hons.) Agriculture
The curriculum of B.Sc. (Hons.) Agriculture is based on ICAR 5th dean committee report, which updates time to time. The four-year curriculum combines theoretical knowledge with substantial practical training, fieldwork, skill development modules, and chances for experiential learning to give students a solid foundation in agricultural sciences.
M.Sc. (Ag) Agronomy
The department offers two year post graduate course which is based on curriculum provided by HNB Garhwal Central University. Students study crop production technology, weed control, irrigation and water management techniques, nutrient management, and other subjects in the agricultural science field of agronomy. It places a strong emphasis on soil management and crop rotation, which can boost farmers’ earnings and the economy. Last semester’s students were required to participate in crop management research. While maintaining the preservation of natural resources like soil and water, agronomists strive to increase crop yields.
