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B-SC-HONS-AGRICULTURE in Agricultural Meteorology at Assam Agricultural University
Jorhat, Assam
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About the Specialization
What is Agricultural Meteorology at Assam Agricultural University Jorhat?
This B.Sc (Hons) Agriculture program at Assam Agricultural University focuses on a comprehensive study of agricultural sciences. While ''''Agricultural Meteorology'''' is not a separate undergraduate specialization stream, it is an integral core component, covering weather and climate''''s impact on crop production and farming. The program equips students with a holistic understanding of sustainable agricultural practices, vital for India''''s diverse agro-climatic zones and growing demand for climate-resilient agriculture, including specific courses like Agricultural Meteorology in the curriculum.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for 10+2 graduates with a science or agriculture background aspiring to build a career in agricultural research, extension, or agri-business. It suits individuals interested in understanding crop production, soil science, plant protection, and the critical role of climate. The curriculum prepares students for higher studies (M.Sc./Ph.D.) in specialized fields like Agricultural Meteorology, or for direct entry into various roles within the Indian agricultural sector.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect diverse career paths in India, including roles as agricultural officers, farm managers, extension specialists, scientists in ICAR institutions, or entrepreneurs. Entry-level salaries range from INR 3-6 lakhs per annum, with significant growth potential in government and private sectors. The comprehensive knowledge of agricultural meteorology also aids careers in climate-smart agriculture, an increasingly crucial domain in India, contributing to food security and rural development.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Master Core Agricultural Fundamentals- (Semester 1-2)
Focus on building a strong understanding of subjects like Agronomy, Soil Science, Horticulture, and Entomology in the initial semesters. Utilize textbooks, library resources, and departmental faculty for conceptual clarity. Form study groups to discuss complex topics and prepare for examinations effectively.
Tools & Resources
ICAR e-courses, AAU Digital Library, Faculty consultations, Study groups
Career Connection
A solid foundation is crucial for excelling in advanced subjects and forms the basis for all agricultural career paths, enabling informed decision-making in farm management or research.
Develop Practical Skills through Lab Work- (Semester 1-2)
Actively participate in all practical sessions, labs, and field visits. Focus on understanding the ''''how-to'''' aspects of agricultural practices, identifying plant specimens, using lab equipment, and performing basic field operations. Maintain detailed practical records and seek feedback on techniques.
Tools & Resources
University experimental farms, Departmental labs, Practical manuals, Senior student mentorship
Career Connection
Hands-on skills are highly valued in roles like farm supervision, extension work, and research, demonstrating competency in real-world agricultural scenarios and improving employability.
Enhance Communicative English Skills- (Semester 1-2)
Leverage the Communicative English course to improve written and oral communication. Practice public speaking, participate in debates, and engage in writing assignments. Strong communication is essential for technical reporting, presentations, and interacting with farmers and stakeholders.
Tools & Resources
English language labs, Online grammar and vocabulary tools, Debate clubs, Presentation workshops
Career Connection
Effective communication is a critical soft skill for interviews, presentations, extension work, and professional interactions, significantly boosting career progression in the agricultural sector.
Intermediate Stage
Engage with Agricultural Meteorology Concepts- (Semester 3-5)
Pay special attention to the Agricultural Meteorology course in Semester 4. Beyond coursework, explore practical applications like weather data interpretation, agro-advisory services, and climate change impacts. Consider mini-projects or term papers on localized agro-climatic issues relevant to Assam.
Tools & Resources
IMD website (mausam.imd.gov.in), State Agricultural Weather Stations, Research papers on Agri-Met, Departmental seminars
Career Connection
Understanding agro-meteorology is vital for climate-resilient agriculture, a growing field in India. This expertise can lead to roles in climate analysis, crop insurance, or specialized extension services, which are highly in demand.
Participate in Field Demonstrations & Workshops- (Semester 3-5)
Seek opportunities to participate in university-organized field demonstrations, workshops, and farmer interaction programs. These provide invaluable exposure to practical challenges and solutions in different agricultural domains, beyond the classroom environment. Document learnings and observe local farming practices.
Tools & Resources
AAU Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs), University research farms, Industry exhibitions, Local farmer co-operatives
Career Connection
Direct field experience enhances problem-solving abilities and provides a realistic perspective of agricultural challenges in India, making graduates more practical and desirable for field-oriented roles in government or private sectors.
Build a Network and Explore Internships- (Semester 3-5)
Start networking with faculty, senior students, and professionals in the agricultural sector. Attend seminars, conferences, and career fairs. Actively seek summer internships or voluntary work with KVKs, NGOs, or agri-businesses to gain early industry exposure and understand potential career paths.
Tools & Resources
LinkedIn, University career services, Industry conferences/workshops, Alumni network
Career Connection
Networking opens doors to mentorship, internships, and job opportunities, while internships provide practical experience and a competitive edge during placements, particularly in the diverse Indian agri-industry.
Advanced Stage
Maximize Rural Agricultural Work Experience (RAWE) & Experiential Learning- (Semester 6-8)
Treat RAWE and Experiential Learning modules as crucial platforms for comprehensive practical application. Take initiative in village surveys, technology demonstrations, and farmer trainings. Focus on problem-solving, data collection, and report writing, treating these as real-world projects to showcase skills.
Tools & Resources
RAWE manual, Field data collection tools, Report writing guides, Extension officer mentorship
Career Connection
The RAWE program is a flagship component for practical exposure, directly contributing to job readiness for government extension roles, agri-business field positions, and research assistant posts, providing invaluable real-world experience for the Indian context.
Prepare for Competitive Exams and Higher Studies- (Semester 6-8)
Alongside regular studies, begin preparing for competitive exams like ICAR-JRF/SRF, state PSC (Agricultural Officer), UPSC, or banking exams (Agricultural Field Officer). Enroll in coaching classes or utilize online resources. For higher studies, research M.Sc. programs, especially in Agricultural Meteorology, and prepare for entrance exams.
Tools & Resources
Previous year question papers, Online coaching platforms, ICAR website, Career guidance cells
Career Connection
Success in competitive exams leads to prestigious government jobs or admission to top postgraduate programs, essential for career advancement in Indian agriculture, including specialized roles in research and policy.
Develop Entrepreneurial Mindset & Digital Skills- (Semester 6-8)
Explore entrepreneurial opportunities within agriculture, focusing on value addition, organic farming, or agri-tech. Develop digital literacy by learning data analysis tools (e.g., Excel, basic R/Python), GIS for agricultural mapping, and agri-information platforms. This prepares for the evolving demands of modern agriculture.
Tools & Resources
NIESBUD/MSME training programs, Online courses (Coursera, NPTEL) for data science/GIS, Agri-tech startups as case studies, Department of Computer Science
Career Connection
An entrepreneurial mindset fosters innovation and creates job opportunities, while digital skills are becoming indispensable for precision agriculture, data-driven decision making, and agri-startups, making graduates highly valuable in the dynamic Indian agricultural landscape.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- 10+2 Examination with Physics, Chemistry, Biology/Agriculture and English as subjects; Minimum 50% marks in aggregate for General/OBC/UPS candidates and 40% for SC/ST/DAC/MOT/MOBC candidates; Not less than 16 years as on 1st July of the admission year; Permanent resident of Assam (for state quota).
Duration: 8 semesters / 4 years
Credits: 167 (calculated as sum of L+P from detailed course structure) Credits
Assessment: Internal: 50%, External: 50%
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AGRO 111 | Fundamentals of Agronomy | Core | 3 | Agriculture and Agronomy principles, Crop classification and distribution, Tillage and crop establishment methods, Nutrient and weed management, Cropping systems and patterns, Seedbed preparation |
| HORT 111 | Fundamentals of Horticulture | Core | 2 | Branches and importance of horticulture, Gardening and landscaping, Plant propagation techniques, Orchard establishment and management, Post-harvest technology basics, Plant growth regulators |
| SSAC 111 | Fundamentals of Soil Science | Core | 3 | Soil as a natural body, Soil composition and properties, Soil classification systems, Soil water and air relations, Soil organic matter dynamics, Problem soils and their management |
| ENTO 111 | Fundamentals of Entomology | Core | 3 | Insect morphology and anatomy, Insect classification and orders, Insect pests of agricultural crops, Pest surveillance and forecasting, Integrated pest management principles, Beneficial insects |
| AEXT 111 | Rural Sociology & Educational Psychology | Core | 2 | Rural society and social change, Culture and social groups, Theories of human learning, Motivation, personality and adjustment, Extension education principles, Rural leadership and group dynamics |
| AEXT 112 | Introductory Agriculture Extension Education | Core | 2 | Concept and scope of extension education, Extension teaching methods, Communication process and models, Diffusion and adoption of innovations, Extension programmes in India, Role of extension worker |
| ENGG 111 | Communicative English | Core | 2 | Grammar and vocabulary building, Reading comprehension strategies, Effective writing skills, Oral communication and public speaking, Presentation skills, Technical report writing |
| MATH 111 | Elementary Mathematics | Core | 3 | Algebra and trigonometry fundamentals, Calculus basics (differentiation, integration), Matrices and determinants, Probability and statistics introduction, Applications in agriculture, Mathematical modeling concepts |
| BIO 111 | Introductory Biology / Basic Agriculture | Core | 2 | Cell structure and function, Genetics and heredity, Plant anatomy and physiology, Ecology and ecosystems, Basic agricultural practices, Crop production systems |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AGRO 121 | Agricultural Botany | Core | 3 | Plant morphology and anatomy, Plant physiology processes, Plant reproduction and life cycles, Taxonomy of crop plants, Photosynthesis and respiration, Plant growth and development |
| GPB 121 | Principles of Genetics | Core | 3 | Mendelian laws of inheritance, Chromosomal basis of inheritance, Gene interactions and exceptions, Linkage and crossing over, Mutation and its types, Molecular genetics concepts |
| SSAC 121 | Soil Physics, Chemistry & Microbiology | Core | 3 | Soil texture and structure, Soil water dynamics and retention, Clay mineralogy and colloids, Soil reaction and buffering capacity, Organic matter decomposition, Soil microorganisms and their functions |
| PPA 121 | Fundamentals of Plant Pathology | Core | 3 | History and scope of plant pathology, Classification of plant diseases, Symptoms and diagnosis of diseases, Pathogen identification methods, Disease management principles, Epidemiology of plant diseases |
| AGEC 121 | Principles of Agricultural Economics | Core | 2 | Definition and scope of agricultural economics, Demand and supply in agriculture, Production economics and costs, Farm management principles, Agricultural marketing channels, Agricultural finance basics |
| MATH 121 | Statistics for Agriculture | Core | 3 | Measures of central tendency and dispersion, Probability and probability distributions, Sampling techniques, Hypothesis testing (t, chi-square), Correlation and regression analysis, Design of experiments (CRD, RBD) |
| FSC 121 | Forestry | Core | 2 | Importance and scope of forestry, Forest classification and types, Silviculture principles and practices, Agroforestry systems, Forest mensuration and inventory, Forest protection and conservation |
| CPEN 121 | Physical Education & Yoga | Core | 1 | Physical fitness components, Common sports and games, Yoga asanas and pranayama, Stress management techniques, Healthy lifestyle practices, Nutrition and diet basics |
| AENGG 121 | Basic Engineering | Core | 2 | Units and measurements, Material science basics, Mechanics and energy, Electrical circuits fundamentals, Thermodynamics principles, Engineering drawing |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AGRO 211 | Crop Production-I (Kharif Crops) | Core | 3 | Principles of Kharif crop production, Rice cultivation practices, Maize and sorghum production, Kharif pulses and oilseeds, Jute and cotton cultivation, Integrated nutrient and water management |
| GPB 211 | Principles of Plant Breeding | Core | 3 | History and scope of plant breeding, Modes of crop reproduction, Self and cross pollination methods, Heterosis breeding and hybrid vigor, Mutation breeding techniques, Biotechnology in plant breeding |
| HORT 211 | Production Technology of Fruit Crops | Core | 3 | Mango and banana cultivation, Citrus and guava production, Pineapple and litchi cultivation, Orchard establishment and management, Nutrient and water management, Pest and disease management |
| ENTO 211 | Insect Ecology and Pest Management | Core | 3 | Population dynamics of insects, Insect-plant interactions, Biological control agents, Chemical control of pests, Integrated pest management strategies, Pest resistance management |
| PPA 211 | Diseases of Field & Horticultural Crops | Core | 3 | Diseases of major cereal crops (rice, wheat), Diseases of pulses and oilseeds, Diseases of fruit crops, Diseases of vegetable crops, Fungal, bacterial, viral diseases, Integrated disease management |
| AENGG 211 | Agricultural Engineering | Core | 3 | Farm machinery and power, Soil and water conservation engineering, Irrigation and drainage engineering, Agricultural processing engineering, Renewable energy in agriculture, Greenhouse technology |
| BTEC 211 | Biochemistry | Core | 3 | Carbohydrates, lipids, proteins structure, Enzymes and their kinetics, Vitamins and hormones in plants, Metabolic pathways (photosynthesis, respiration), Nucleic acids and genetic code, Biochemical techniques |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AGRO 221 | Crop Production-II (Rabi Crops) | Core | 3 | Principles of Rabi crop production, Wheat cultivation practices, Rape and mustard production, Rabi pulses (chickpea, lentil), Potato and other Rabi vegetables, Sugarcane and tobacco cultivation |
| GPB 221 | Seed Technology | Core | 3 | Seed development and structure, Seed dormancy and germination, Seed quality and testing, Seed production techniques, Seed certification and marketing, Seed storage and viability |
| HORT 221 | Production Technology of Vegetable Crops | Core | 3 | Tomato and brinjal cultivation, Chilli and capsicum production, Okra and cucurbit cultivation, Root and leafy vegetables, Protected cultivation of vegetables, Vegetable seed production |
| ENTO 221 | Economic Entomology | Core | 3 | Pests of cereals and pulses, Pests of oilseeds and cash crops, Pests of fruits and vegetables, Stored grain pests management, Vertebrate pests of agriculture, Pesticides and their application |
| PPA 221 | Mushroom Cultivation & Nematology | Core | 3 | Mushroom biology and classification, Cultivation of edible mushrooms (button, oyster), Post-harvest management of mushrooms, Nematode morphology and biology, Plant parasitic nematodes, Nematode management strategies |
| AGMET 211 | Agricultural Meteorology | Core | 3 | Atmosphere and weather elements, Solar radiation and heat budget, Temperature and air pressure dynamics, Wind, humidity, and rainfall, Crop-weather relationships and modeling, Agro-climatic zones of India |
| ABT 211 | Principles of Biotechnology | Core | 3 | Recombinant DNA technology, Genetic engineering applications, Plant tissue culture techniques, Molecular markers in crop improvement, Transgenic crops and their impact, Biosafety and intellectual property rights |
Semester 5
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AGRO 311 | Weed Management | Core | 3 | Weed biology and ecology, Classification of weeds, Herbicides and their mode of action, Herbicide resistance mechanisms, Integrated weed management strategies, Weed control in major crops |
| GPB 311 | Crop Improvement | Core | 3 | Breeding for disease resistance, Breeding for insect resistance, Quality breeding for nutritional traits, Breeding for abiotic stress tolerance, Crop variety development and release, Maintenance breeding and seed production |
| HORT 311 | Production Technology of Plantation, Spices, Medicinal & Aromatic Crops | Core | 3 | Tea, coffee, rubber cultivation, Cardamom, pepper, ginger cultivation, Aloe vera, ashwagandha production, Processing of spices and plantation crops, Value addition techniques, Management of these crops |
| ENTO 311 | Pesticides & Toxicology | Core | 3 | Pesticide chemistry and classification, Mode of action of pesticides, Pesticide formulations and application, Application equipment and calibration, Environmental toxicology of pesticides, Pesticide safety and regulations |
| PPA 311 | Post-Harvest Technology & Value Addition | Core | 3 | Principles of post-harvest management, Harvesting and handling techniques, Storage of agricultural produce, Food processing techniques, Value-added products from fruits/vegetables, Quality control and standards |
| AGEC 311 | Agricultural Finance and Co-operation | Core | 3 | Sources of agricultural finance, Credit institutions in agriculture (NABARD, Commercial banks), Agricultural insurance schemes, Co-operative movement in India, Types of co-operatives, Farm budgeting and credit appraisal |
| AENGG 311 | Irrigation and Drainage Engineering | Core | 3 | Water requirement of crops, Irrigation methods (surface, sprinkler, drip), Irrigation scheduling, Drainage systems and design, Water quality for irrigation, Water harvesting structures |
Semester 6
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AGRO 321 | Rainfed Agriculture & Watershed Management | Core | 3 | Characteristics of rainfed agriculture, Drought management strategies, In-situ water conservation techniques, Watershed concept and planning, Soil and water erosion control, Participatory watershed development |
| GPB 321 | Breeding of Field Crops | Core | 3 | Breeding of rice, wheat, maize, Breeding of pulses and oilseeds, Breeding of cotton and sugarcane, Hybrid breeding strategies, Role of gene banks and germplasm conservation, Cultivar release procedures |
| HORT 321 | Commercial Floriculture & Landscaping | Core | 3 | Production of cut flowers (rose, carnation), Loose flower cultivation (marigold, jasmine), Nursery management techniques, Landscape design principles, Avenue planting and rock gardens, Commercialization of floriculture |
| ENTO 321 | Apiculture, Sericulture & Lac Culture | Core | 3 | Beekeeping and honey bee species, Honey production and processing, Silkworm rearing and life cycle, Sericulture economics and challenges, Lac insect biology and host plants, Lac production and uses |
| SSAC 321 | Manures, Fertilizers & Soil Fertility Management | Core | 3 | Nutrient cycles in soil, Organic manures (FYM, compost), Chemical fertilizers (N, P, K), Biofertilizers and their role, Integrated nutrient management, Soil testing and fertilizer recommendations |
| AGEC 321 | Agricultural Marketing, Trade & Prices | Core | 3 | Agricultural marketing channels and functions, Market efficiency and interventions, Agricultural price policy and support prices, Futures trading in agriculture, International agricultural trade, Agribusiness management |
| AEXT 321 | Communication Skills & Personality Development | Core | 2 | Verbal and non-verbal communication, Listening and presentation skills, Public speaking and group discussion, Interview techniques, Stress and time management, Personality traits and development |
Semester 7
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EL 411 | Experiential Learning Module-I | Project | 10 | Crop production technologies (hands-on), Integrated farming systems, Value addition and processing units, Protected cultivation practices, Seed production and technology, Farm machinery operation and maintenance |
| EL 412 | Experiential Learning Module-II | Project | 10 | Integrated pest and disease management, Hi-tech horticulture, Organic farming practices, Soil health management, Agricultural marketing strategies, Entrepreneurship development in agriculture |
Semester 8
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| RAWE 421 | Rural Agricultural Work Experience | Project | 20 | Village attachment and field visits, Diagnostic survey and report preparation, Observation of farm activities, Interaction with farmers and local bodies, Participation in extension activities, Technology demonstration and adoption studies |
