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PHD-AGRICULTURE in Ag Economics at Acharya N. G. Ranga Agricultural University
Guntur, Andhra Pradesh
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About the Specialization
What is Ag. Economics at Acharya N. G. Ranga Agricultural University Guntur?
This Agricultural Economics program at Acharya N.G. Ranga Agricultural University focuses on applying economic principles to agricultural production, consumption, and policy. It addresses critical issues like food security, sustainable resource management, market efficiency, and rural development. The program prepares scholars to analyze complex challenges facing India''''s agricultural sector with rigorous academic and research training.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for postgraduate students with an M.Sc. (Ag.) in Agricultural Economics or a related field, aspiring to research, policy analysis, or academic roles. It suits individuals keen on addressing agricultural challenges through rigorous economic frameworks. Professionals from government or agri-business seeking advanced analytical skills for strategic decision-making will also greatly benefit.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates can expect diverse career paths in India, including roles in agricultural universities, ICAR institutions, NITI Aayog, NABARD, and other government bodies as researchers, policy analysts, or faculty. Opportunities also exist in agri-business, consultancies, and NGOs. Entry-level salaries typically range from INR 6-10 LPA, growing significantly with experience in research and policy implementation.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Master Core Economic and Statistical Foundations- (Semester 1-2)
Deeply engage with advanced microeconomics, macroeconomics, and econometrics. Utilize online platforms like NPTEL and Swayam for supplemental learning in quantitative methods. This rigorous understanding is crucial for developing strong analytical models for thesis research and future policy analysis roles.
Tools & Resources
NPTEL courses, Swayam platform, Standard economics textbooks
Career Connection
Develops analytical rigor essential for academic research and policy formulation in government or private sectors.
Actively Participate in Departmental Seminars- (Semester 1-2)
Attend and present in departmental seminars regularly to build critical thinking and presentation skills. Engage with faculty and peers on diverse research topics. This practice enhances research aptitude and prepares students for academic conferences and securing research grants.
Tools & Resources
Department seminar schedule, Presentation software, Feedback from peers and faculty
Career Connection
Improves communication skills vital for disseminating research findings and securing future academic or research positions.
Develop Advanced Research Software Proficiency- (Semester 1-2)
Start early with statistical software like R, Python with libraries like Pandas, NumPy, SciPy, or STATA/EViews. Utilize university lab resources and online tutorials. Proficiency in these tools is indispensable for empirical analysis in dissertations and highly sought after in research and policy institutions.
Tools & Resources
RStudio, Anaconda Python distribution, STATA/EViews licenses (if provided), Coursera/edX courses
Career Connection
Enhances employability by building quantitative skills desired by research organizations, government, and agribusiness.
Intermediate Stage
Engage in Collaborative Research Projects- (Semester 3-5)
Seek opportunities to assist faculty members in ongoing research projects or initiate small-scale studies. This provides hands-on experience in data collection, analysis, and academic writing. Such collaborations build networks and lead to co-authored publications, strengthening a researcher''''s profile.
Tools & Resources
Faculty research interests, Departmental project announcements, Research grants database
Career Connection
Builds a strong research portfolio and networking opportunities, critical for post-PhD academic and research roles.
Attend National and International Conferences and Workshops- (Semester 3-5)
Actively seek out and attend specialized conferences, for example, the Indian Society of Agricultural Economics, and workshops on emerging topics like climate change economics or value chain analysis. Presenting preliminary research findings enhances visibility and offers critical feedback for thesis development.
Tools & Resources
Conference websites, Travel grants (university/ICAR), Networking platforms
Career Connection
Increases academic visibility, provides networking opportunities, and refines research through peer feedback.
Cultivate a Strong Mentorship Relationship- (Semester 3-5)
Develop a close working relationship with your academic advisor and other senior faculty. Regularly discuss research progress, challenges, and career aspirations. A strong mentor provides invaluable guidance, opens doors to opportunities, and helps navigate the complexities of academic research.
Tools & Resources
Regular meetings with advisor, Departmental faculty office hours, Alumni network
Career Connection
Receives personalized career advice, professional contacts, and guidance crucial for a successful research career.
Advanced Stage
Focus on High-Quality Thesis Writing and Publication- (Semester 6-8)
Prioritize completing the Ph.D. thesis with meticulous attention to detail and originality. Aim to publish research findings in peer-reviewed national and international journals. This is fundamental for academic careers and establishing credibility as an independent researcher and thought leader.
Tools & Resources
Academic writing guides, Reference management software (Mendeley, Zotero), Journal submission platforms
Career Connection
Essential for securing academic positions, research grants, and demonstrating research impact.
Network with Industry and Policy Stakeholders- (Semester 6-8)
Actively connect with professionals in government bodies, research institutions, and agri-business through workshops, guest lectures, and alumni events. Building a professional network is vital for exploring post-Ph.D. career options, finding collaborations, and gaining insights into industry demands and policy needs.
Tools & Resources
LinkedIn, Professional association memberships, University career services
Career Connection
Facilitates job searches, industry collaborations, and provides avenues for real-world impact of research.
Prepare for Viva Voce and Post-Ph.D. Opportunities- (Semester 6-8)
Systematically prepare for the final thesis defense by conducting mock vivas with peers and faculty. Simultaneously, actively search and apply for academic positions, research fellowships, or policy analysis roles. Tailor applications to specific roles, highlighting research impact and future contributions.
Tools & Resources
Mock defense sessions, CV/Resume building workshops, Job portals for academia and research
Career Connection
Ensures a smooth transition into post-Ph.D. career roles by being well-prepared for defense and job market.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- Master of Science (Agriculture) in the concerned discipline from this University or any other recognized Agricultural University/Institute with a minimum of 70% marks or OGPA of 7.0/10.0 scale for General Category and 65% marks or OGPA of 6.5/10.0 scale for SC/ST/PH candidates.
Duration: Minimum 6 semesters (3 years) to Maximum 10 semesters (5 years)
Credits: Minimum 75 credits (30 coursework + 45 research) Credits
Assessment: Internal: 20%, External: 80%
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GSS 601 | Agricultural Research, Research Ethics and Rural Development Programmes | Core | 1 | Agricultural research methods, History of agricultural research in India, Research ethics and IPR, Rural development in India, Government policies and programs |
| STAT 601 | Statistical Methods for Applied Sciences | Core | 3 | Probability and distributions, Sampling distributions, Estimation and hypothesis testing, Analysis of Variance (ANOVA), Non-parametric tests |
| ECON 601 | Basic Econometrics | Core | 3 | Nature and scope of econometrics, Classical linear regression model, Multiple regression analysis, Hypothesis testing and model assumptions, Problems in regression analysis |
| AEC 601 | Recent Advances in Agricultural Economics | Core | 3 | Advances in agricultural economics, Green revolution and its impact, WTO, GATT, and IPR issues, Agricultural market reforms, Food security and climate change |
| AEC 602 | Advanced Micro-Economic Theory | Core | 3 | Advanced demand theory, Consumer behavior and utility, Production theory and cost functions, Market structures and pricing, Game theory applications |
| GS 601 | Communication Skills and Extension Methodologies | Non-credit | 0 | Principles of effective communication, Public speaking and presentation skills, Writing research proposals and reports, Extension methodologies in agriculture, Use of ICT in extension |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AEC 603 | Advanced Macro-Economic Theory | Core | 3 | National income and accounting, Theories of economic growth, Consumption and investment theories, Money, banking, and inflation, Fiscal and monetary policies |
| AEC 604 | Advanced Agricultural Production Economics | Core | 3 | Production functions and efficiency, Resource allocation and optimization, Risk and uncertainty in agriculture, Supply response models, Environmental economics in agriculture |
| AEC 605 | Advanced Agricultural Marketing and Price Analysis | Core | 3 | Market structure, conduct, and performance, Marketing efficiency and vertical integration, Price determination and forecasting, Futures and options in agriculture, Government role in agricultural markets |
| AEC 606 | Advanced Agricultural Finance and Project Analysis | Core | 3 | Capital budgeting and investment analysis, Financial performance measurement, Risk management in agricultural finance, Agricultural credit institutions, Project appraisal techniques |
| AEC 607 | Agricultural Development and Policy | Elective | 3 | Theories of economic development, Role of agriculture in development, Agricultural policies in India, Agrarian reforms and food security, Sustainable agricultural development |
| AEC 608 | Agricultural Human Resource Development | Elective | 3 | HRD concepts and principles, Human capital formation in agriculture, Education and training in agriculture, Agricultural labor markets, Gender issues in rural development |
| AEC 691 | Seminar I | Core | 1 | Review of literature in chosen research area, Identification of research gaps, Formulation of research objectives, Development of research methodology, Oral presentation skills |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AEC 609 | Agricultural Business Management | Elective | 3 | Agribusiness environment and strategies, Planning and control in agribusiness, Financial management in agricultural firms, Marketing strategies for agricultural products, Supply chain management in agriculture |
| AEC 610 | Environmental Economics and Natural Resource Management | Elective | 3 | Environmental externalities and market failure, Valuation of environmental goods and services, Economics of climate change and agriculture, Sustainable agriculture and resource use, Environmental policy and regulation |
| AEC 611 | International Agricultural Trade | Elective | 3 | Theories of international trade, WTO agreements and agriculture, Agricultural trade policies, Impact of globalization on agriculture, Export-import policies and challenges |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AEC 612 | Applied Econometrics in Agricultural Research | Elective | 3 | Advanced regression techniques, Time series analysis and forecasting, Panel data analysis, Limited dependent variable models, Applications in agricultural economic research |
| AEC 692 | Seminar II | Core | 1 | Presentation of research findings, Discussion on data analysis and interpretation, Contribution to knowledge and policy implications, Scientific writing and publication ethics, Defense preparation strategies |
| AEC 699 | Ph.D. Research | Research/Thesis | 45 | Independent research problem identification, Extensive literature review, Data collection and empirical analysis, Thesis writing and submission, Oral defense (Viva Voce) |
