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B-SC in Agriculture at GITAM, Gandhi Institute of Technology and Management
Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh
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About the Specialization
What is Agriculture at GITAM, Gandhi Institute of Technology and Management Visakhapatnam?
This B.Sc. (Hons) Agriculture program at GITAM, Visakhapatnam, focuses on equipping students with comprehensive knowledge in agricultural sciences. It integrates traditional farming principles with modern technological advancements relevant to the Indian agricultural sector, addressing challenges and opportunities in food security and sustainable development, making it a pivotal program for future agricultural leaders.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for 10+2 science graduates passionate about agriculture, rural development, and sustainable food systems in India. It also suits individuals seeking careers in agri-business, agricultural research, extension services, or those aiming to manage modern farms, preparing them for diverse roles in India''''s agrarian economy.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect diverse career paths in India, including roles as agricultural officers, farm managers, research scientists, extension specialists, or agri-business entrepreneurs. Entry-level salaries range from INR 3-5 LPA, growing significantly with experience. Opportunities abound in government, private agri-companies, and NGOs, with potential for advanced studies and professional certifications in niche agricultural areas.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Build Strong Scientific Fundamentals- (Semester 1-2)
Focus on mastering core science subjects like Botany, Chemistry, and introductory Agronomy. Utilize laboratory sessions to understand fundamental principles. Engage in group study with peers to discuss complex concepts and clarify doubts, building a solid academic base crucial for advanced agricultural studies.
Tools & Resources
Textbooks, Lab Manuals, Peer Study Groups, Online science tutorials (e.g., NPTEL for basic science)
Career Connection
A strong foundation in basic sciences is critical for understanding advanced agricultural technologies, pest management, and crop improvement, which are highly valued in research and development roles in agri-sector companies.
Develop Practical Field Skills Early- (Semester 1-2)
Actively participate in all practical and field visits. Learn basic farming operations, soil sampling, plant identification, and farm machinery handling. Document observations meticulously in a field journal. Seek opportunities for hands-on experience in the university''''s experimental farm or local farms during breaks.
Tools & Resources
Field Journals, Farm equipment, University experimental farms, Local farmers/farm cooperatives for voluntary work
Career Connection
Early practical exposure enhances employability for roles requiring direct farm management, extension services, or field research, making graduates job-ready for India''''s diverse farming environments.
Enhance Communication for Rural Contexts- (Semester 1-2)
Prioritize developing effective communication skills, particularly in English and local languages relevant to Andhra Pradesh and rural India. Practice technical report writing, public speaking, and engaging in empathetic dialogue, which is vital for farmer interactions and extension work.
Tools & Resources
English language labs, Presentation software, Group discussions, Rural community engagement programs, Local language learning apps
Career Connection
Strong communication skills are essential for agricultural extension officers, agri-business development managers, and anyone interacting with diverse stakeholders in the Indian agricultural value chain, facilitating knowledge transfer and collaboration.
Intermediate Stage
Engage in Applied Research & Projects- (Semester 3-5)
Actively seek opportunities to work on small-scale research projects or case studies related to specific crops, pests, or farming techniques. Collaborate with professors and senior students. This helps apply theoretical knowledge to solve real-world agricultural problems and develops critical thinking.
Tools & Resources
Research labs, Faculty mentorship, Agricultural journals, Data analysis software (e.g., R, SPSS)
Career Connection
Participation in applied research enhances problem-solving abilities and analytical skills, making graduates highly suitable for positions in agricultural research organizations, seed companies, and agri-consultancies across India.
Seek Industry Internships & Exposure- (Semester 3-5)
Actively pursue internships with agri-businesses, NGOs, government agricultural departments, or food processing units during summer breaks. Gain firsthand experience in agricultural marketing, supply chain, pest management, or crop production. Network with industry professionals.
Tools & Resources
University placement cell, LinkedIn, Industry contacts, Agricultural expos/fairs, Company websites
Career Connection
Internships provide invaluable industry insights and practical experience, often leading to pre-placement offers or preferential hiring in top Indian agri-companies and MNCs operating in the country.
Develop Digital Agriculture Competencies- (Semester 3-5)
Acquire skills in digital tools relevant to agriculture, such as GIS, remote sensing, farm management software, and data analytics. Enroll in online courses or workshops to gain proficiency in these technologies that are increasingly integral to modern Indian farming practices.
Tools & Resources
GIS software (QGIS, ArcGIS), Remote sensing data platforms (Bhuvan), Farm management apps, Online courses (Coursera, edX for data science)
Career Connection
Proficiency in digital agriculture opens doors to careers in precision agriculture, agri-tech startups, and governmental agencies focused on smart farming solutions in India.
Advanced Stage
Master Experiential Learning Modules- (Semester 6-8)
Fully immerse in the Rural Agricultural Work Experience (RAWE) and Experiential Learning Programme (ELP). Take ownership of assigned projects, interact deeply with farmers and industrial partners, and document learnings rigorously. Use this as a platform to identify potential entrepreneurial ventures.
Tools & Resources
RAWE/ELP handbooks, Village resources, Industry mentors, Project planning tools
Career Connection
Successful completion of RAWE/ELP demonstrates practical readiness and problem-solving skills, making graduates highly sought after by recruiters for field-based roles, extension services, and entrepreneurial initiatives.
Prepare for Professional Certifications & Entrance Exams- (Semester 6-8)
Identify relevant professional certifications (e.g., in organic farming, pesticide application, agri-finance) or competitive exams (e.g., ICAR-JRF/SRF, UPSC Agricultural Services, State PSC exams) early. Dedicate time to preparation, mock tests, and reviewing specialized agricultural knowledge.
Tools & Resources
Certification bodies'''' websites, Coaching institutes, Online test series, Reference books for competitive exams
Career Connection
Certifications and competitive exam success directly lead to coveted government jobs, higher studies, and specialized roles in both public and private sectors within India''''s agricultural ecosystem.
Build a Professional Network & Brand- (Semester 6-8)
Attend agricultural conferences, seminars, and workshops. Network with industry leaders, alumni, and potential employers. Build a strong online professional presence (e.g., LinkedIn) showcasing projects, skills, and aspirations in agriculture, relevant to the Indian job market.
Tools & Resources
Professional networking platforms (LinkedIn), Agricultural conferences, Alumni network, Career fairs, Mentorship programs
Career Connection
A strong professional network facilitates job searches, mentorship opportunities, and long-term career growth in the dynamic Indian agricultural sector, including potential collaborations for startups.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- Passed 10+2 with a minimum of 50% aggregate marks in the Science stream (Physics, Chemistry, and Biology/Mathematics) from a recognized board.
Duration: 4 years / 8 semesters
Credits: 160 Credits
Assessment: Internal: 40% (for theory), 50% (for practicals), External: 60% (for theory), 50% (for practicals)
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AGR101 | Introductory Agriculture & Crop Science | Core | 3 | History of Agriculture, Branches of Agriculture, Role of Agriculture in Indian Economy, Crop Classification, Important Field Crops |
| AGR102 | Agronomy Principles | Core | 3 | Tillage Practices, Soil Fertility Management, Nutrient Management, Weed Control Strategies, Irrigation Principles |
| AGR103 | Agricultural Chemistry | Core | 3 | Soil Composition, Organic Matter, Soil pH Dynamics, Macronutrients in Soil, Micronutrients in Soil |
| BOT101 | Botany Fundamentals | Core | 3 | Plant Morphology, Plant Anatomy, Plant Physiology, Photosynthesis Process, Respiration in Plants |
| ENG101 | English for Agriculture | Ability Enhancement Course (AEC) | 2 | Technical English Communication, Report Writing, Presentation Skills, Effective Communication for Agriculture, Academic Writing |
| RSO101 | Rural Sociology & Educational Psychology | Core | 2 | Rural Society Structure, Social Stratification, Group Dynamics in Rural Areas, Learning Theories in Extension, Motivation in Agricultural Extension |
| CSI101 | Introductory Computer Applications | Core | 2 | Basics of Computers, MS Office Applications, Internet and Web Applications, Data Analysis Fundamentals, Agricultural Software Overview |
| AGR152 | Practical – Agronomy | Core | 1 | Field Preparation Techniques, Sowing Methods, Nutrient Application, Weed Identification, Irrigation Practices |
| AGR153 | Practical – Agricultural Chemistry | Core | 1 | Soil Sample Collection, pH Measurement, Nutrient Analysis, Organic Carbon Estimation, Water Quality Testing |
| BOT151 | Practical – Botany | Core | 1 | Plant Identification, Microscopic Studies, Physiological Experiments, Herbarium Preparation, Dissection Techniques |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SSC201 | Soil Science Fundamentals | Core | 3 | Soil Formation Processes, Soil Classification Systems, Soil Physical Properties, Soil Chemical Properties, Soil Biology and Ecology |
| HRT201 | Horticulture Principles | Core | 3 | Importance of Horticulture, Fruit Crops Cultivation, Vegetable Crops Cultivation, Ornamental Crops Management, Plant Propagation Techniques |
| CRP201 | Crop Physiology | Core | 3 | Plant Water Relations, Nutrient Uptake Mechanisms, Photosynthesis in Crops, Respiration in Plants, Plant Growth Regulators |
| ENT201 | Agricultural Entomology | Core | 3 | Insect Morphology, Insect Ecology, Pest Identification, Integrated Pest Management Principles, Beneficial Insects |
| AEC201 | Agricultural Economics | Core | 3 | Principles of Economics, Demand and Supply in Agriculture, Production Economics, Agricultural Marketing, Farm Management |
| AEN201 | Agricultural Engineering | Core | 3 | Farm Machinery Operations, Irrigation Engineering, Soil and Water Conservation, Renewable Energy in Agriculture, Post-Harvest Technology |
| ENV201 | Environmental Science | Ability Enhancement Course (AEC) | 2 | Ecosystems and their Functioning, Biodiversity Conservation, Environmental Pollution, Climate Change Impacts, Environmental Impact Assessment |
| SSC251 | Practical – Soil Science | Core | 1 | Soil Profile Study, Soil Texture Analysis, Bulk Density Measurement, Infiltration Rate Determination, EC and pH Measurement |
| HRT251 | Practical – Horticulture | Core | 1 | Nursery Management, Grafting and Budding, Pruning and Training, Layout of Orchards, Protected Cultivation Techniques |
| ENT251 | Practical – Entomology | Core | 1 | Insect Collection and Preservation, Pest Identification, Life Cycle Study of Pests, Bio-control Agents, Pesticide Application Techniques |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AGR301 | Field Crop Production | Core | 3 | Cereal Crops Cultivation, Pulse Crops Management, Oilseed Crops Production, Fiber Crops Agronomy, Forage Crops Cultivation |
| PAT301 | Plant Pathology | Core | 3 | Plant Disease Symptoms, Causative Agents of Diseases, Disease Cycle, Disease Management Strategies, Fungicides Application |
| GPB301 | Genetics & Plant Breeding | Core | 3 | Mendelian Genetics, Chromosomes and Heredity, Gene Interactions, Plant Breeding Methods, Hybridization Techniques |
| MBIO301 | Agricultural Microbiology | Core | 3 | Soil Microorganisms, Nitrogen Fixation, Biofertilizers Production, Biopesticides Application, Microbial Pathogens |
| LPM301 | Livestock Production & Management | Core | 3 | Dairy Animals Management, Poultry Rearing, Sheep and Goat Production, Animal Nutrition, Disease Management in Livestock |
| AEX301 | Agricultural Extension | Core | 3 | Principles of Extension, Communication Models, Extension Teaching Methods, Adoption and Diffusion of Innovations, Role of KVKs |
| AGR351 | Practical – Field Crop Production | Core | 1 | Crop Sowing Methods, Nutrient Management Planning, Disease and Pest Scouting, Harvesting Techniques, Yield Estimation |
| PAT351 | Practical – Plant Pathology | Core | 1 | Disease Diagnosis, Pathogen Isolation, Culture Media Preparation, Microscopic Examination, Disease Severity Assessment |
| GPB351 | Practical – Genetics & Plant Breeding | Core | 1 | Emasculation and Pollination, Germination Test, Seed Vigour Testing, Hybrid Seed Production, Variety Identification |
| MBIO351 | Practical – Agricultural Microbiology | Core | 1 | Sterilization Techniques, Microbial Staining, Culture Preparation, Biofertilizer Production, Microbial Counts |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AEN401 | Irrigation & Drainage Engineering | Core | 3 | Water Requirement of Crops, Irrigation Methods, Drip and Sprinkler Irrigation, Drainage Systems, Water Harvesting Techniques |
| IPM401 | Pest & Disease Management | Core | 3 | Integrated Pest Management, Biological Control, Chemical Control Strategies, Host Plant Resistance, Pest and Disease Surveillance |
| SDT401 | Seed Technology | Core | 3 | Seed Production Techniques, Seed Processing, Seed Quality Control, Seed Storage, Seed Certification |
| AEM401 | Farm Management & Agri-Business | Core | 3 | Farm Planning and Budgeting, Cost-Benefit Analysis, Agricultural Marketing, Agri-Business Models, Farm Records and Accounts |
| ABT401 | Agricultural Biotechnology | Core | 3 | Tissue Culture Techniques, Genetic Engineering, Molecular Markers, Transgenic Crops Development, Gene Editing Applications |
| ACL401 | Agro-Climatology | Core | 3 | Weather Elements, Climate Change Impacts on Agriculture, Crop-Weather Interactions, Climate Resilience Strategies, Agrometeorological Advisories |
| AEN451 | Practical – Irrigation & Drainage | Core | 1 | Discharge Measurement, Irrigation Scheduling, Drip System Installation, Sprinkler System Operation, Drainage Layout Design |
| IPM451 | Practical – Pest & Disease Management | Core | 1 | Pesticide Calculation, Spraying and Dusting Techniques, Bio-pesticide Application, Disease Scouting, Pest Trapping |
| SDT451 | Practical – Seed Technology | Core | 1 | Seed Purity Test, Germination Test, Seed Viability, Seed Health Testing, Seed Packaging |
| AEM451 | Practical – Farm Management | Core | 1 | Farm Records Maintenance, Cost Estimation, Budget Preparation, Marketing Channel Analysis, Project Report Preparation |
Semester 5
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HRT501 | Protected Cultivation & Secondary Agriculture | Core | 3 | Greenhouse Technology, Shade Net House Construction, Hydroponics Systems, Aeroponics Systems, Value Addition in Agriculture |
| AEC501 | Agricultural Marketing & Price Analysis | Core | 3 | Market Structure, Marketing Channels, Price Determination, Commodity Boards, Futures Trading in Agri-commodities |
| PHT501 | Post-Harvest Technology | Core | 3 | Harvesting Methods, Post-Harvest Losses, Storage Systems, Processing Techniques, Packaging of Agricultural Products |
| OFA501 | Organic Farming | Core | 3 | Principles of Organic Farming, Organic Manures, Biofertilizers in Organic Systems, Biopesticides Application, Organic Certification |
| ACF501 | Agricultural Credit & Finance | Core | 3 | Rural Credit Institutions, NABARD and its Role, Microfinance for Farmers, Crop Insurance Schemes, Farm Loans and Subsidies |
| ELT501 | Elective 1 | Elective | 3 | Specific topics will depend on the chosen elective, e.g., Advanced Plant Breeding, Agricultural Waste Management, etc. |
| HRT551 | Practical – Protected Cultivation | Core | 1 | Greenhouse Construction, Environmental Control Systems, Soilless Culture Techniques, Crop Production in Greenhouse, Value-added Products from Protected Cultivation |
| AEC551 | Practical – Agricultural Marketing | Core | 1 | Market Survey, Price Fluctuation Analysis, Storage Cost Estimation, Marketing Efficiency, Case Studies in Agri-marketing |
| PHT551 | Practical – Post-Harvest Technology | Core | 1 | Storage Structure Design, Processing of Grains, Fruit and Vegetable Processing, Packaging Materials Selection, Quality Control Measures |
| OFA551 | Practical – Organic Farming | Core | 1 | Composting and Vermicomposting, Biofertilizer Application, Organic Pest Control Methods, Soil Health Assessment, Organic Certification Process |
Semester 6
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AGR601 | Cropping Systems & Sustainable Agriculture | Core | 3 | Cropping Patterns, Crop Rotations, Intercropping Systems, Mixed Cropping, Conservation Agriculture Principles |
| ARS601 | Agricultural Research & Statistics | Core | 3 | Research Methods in Agriculture, Experimental Designs, Data Collection Techniques, Statistical Analysis, Report Writing |
| WMU601 | Waste Management & Utilization | Core | 3 | Farm Waste Management, Industrial Waste Utilization, Composting Technologies, Bio-gas Production, Waste to Wealth Concepts |
| AIN601 | Agri-informatics | Core | 3 | Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Remote Sensing Applications, Global Positioning System (GPS), Data Analytics in Agriculture, Decision Support Systems |
| ELT601 | Elective 2 | Elective | 3 | Specific topics will depend on the chosen elective, e.g., Agrochemicals, Aquaculture, Food Processing, etc. |
| ELT602 | Elective 3 | Elective | 3 | Specific topics will depend on the chosen elective, e.g., Advanced Horticulture, Climate Smart Agriculture, etc. |
| AGR651 | Practical – Cropping Systems | Core | 1 | Cropping System Design, Nutrient Management in Systems, Pest Management in Cropping Systems, Yield Estimation, Economic Analysis of Cropping Systems |
| ARS651 | Practical – Agricultural Statistics | Core | 1 | Data Entry and Management, Measures of Central Tendency, Hypothesis Testing, Correlation and Regression Analysis, Statistical Software Usage |
| WMU651 | Practical – Waste Management | Core | 1 | Composting Unit Design, Bio-gas Plant Operation, Waste Segregation, Recycling Techniques, Value-added Products from Waste |
| AIN651 | Practical – Agri-informatics | Core | 1 | GIS Mapping, Remote Sensing Image Interpretation, GPS Data Collection, Software for Agricultural Planning, Web-based Tools for Agri-advisories |
Semester 7
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AGR701 | Rural Agricultural Work Experience (RAWE) & Agro-Industrial Attachment | Core | 20 | Village Attachment and Farmer Interaction, Farm Mechanization Exposure, Crop Management Practices in Field, Animal Husbandry and Livestock Health, Agri-Business and Marketing Channel Analysis |
Semester 8
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ELP801 | Experiential Learning Programme (ELP) / Industrial Attachment / Project | Core | 20 | Skill Development Modules, Entrepreneurship Development, Project Formulation and Implementation, Value Addition and Processing, Market Linkages and Supply Chain |
