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B-SC-HONS-AGRICULTURE in General at SRM Institute of Science and Technology
Chengalpattu, Tamil Nadu
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About the Specialization
What is General at SRM Institute of Science and Technology Chengalpattu?
This B.Sc. (Hons.) Agriculture program at SRM Institute of Science and Technology focuses on providing comprehensive knowledge and practical skills essential for modern agricultural practices in India. It integrates various disciplines like crop production, soil science, horticulture, animal husbandry, and agricultural economics, preparing students to address the complex challenges of food security and sustainable farming. The program emphasizes a holistic understanding of the agricultural value chain, from farm to fork, with a strong emphasis on research and extension, crucial for India''''s agrarian economy.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for aspiring agricultural scientists, farm managers, and agribusiness professionals passionate about contributing to India''''s agricultural growth. It attracts fresh graduates who have completed their 10+2 with a science background (Physics, Chemistry, Biology/Maths) and possess a keen interest in sustainable farming, rural development, and innovation in food production. The curriculum is designed to equip students with the foundational knowledge and advanced techniques required for a successful career in the diverse agricultural sector.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect diverse career paths in India, including roles as agricultural officers, farm managers, research assistants, extension officers, and agribusiness executives. Entry-level salaries typically range from INR 3-5 LPA, with experienced professionals earning upwards of INR 8-15 LPA in both government and private sectors. The program also prepares students for higher studies (M.Sc., Ph.D.) in specialized agricultural fields, offering growth trajectories into academic research, policy formulation, and agri-consultancy roles within the Indian context.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Build Foundational Scientific Understanding- (Semester 1-2)
Focus on thoroughly understanding core scientific principles in biology, chemistry, and physics as applied to agriculture. Regularly review concepts from subjects like Fundamentals of Soil Science, Crop Physiology, and Genetics. Use online resources for clarification and practice problem-solving.
Tools & Resources
NCERT science textbooks (Class 11 & 12), Khan Academy, Local university library resources, Peer study groups
Career Connection
Strong fundamentals are crucial for advanced studies, research roles, and understanding technical aspects of agricultural practices, forming the bedrock for specialized knowledge.
Develop Effective Study Habits & Communication Skills- (Semester 1-2)
Cultivate active listening during lectures, practice concise note-taking, and prepare for continuous assessments proactively. Engage in group discussions and utilize the ''''Communicative English'''' subject to enhance presentation and interpersonal skills essential for academic and professional interactions.
Tools & Resources
Google Scholar for supplementary reading, College communication labs, Public speaking clubs, Mentor support
Career Connection
Effective communication is essential for interacting with farmers, collaborating with colleagues, and presenting research findings in extension services or corporate agricultural roles.
Early Exposure to Agricultural Practices- (Semester 1-2)
Actively participate in all practical lab sessions and field visits. Observe and document local farming practices. Engage with senior students or faculty involved in agricultural projects to gain initial insights into the practical aspects of farming and connect theoretical concepts to real-world scenarios.
Tools & Resources
University farm, Local KVKs (Krishi Vigyan Kendras), Departmental field trips, Agricultural documentaries
Career Connection
Early practical exposure builds context for theoretical knowledge and helps identify areas of interest for future specialization, preparing students for hands-on roles.
Intermediate Stage
Apply Knowledge through Practical Projects- (Semester 3-5)
Seek opportunities to undertake small-scale projects related to crop production, soil fertility management, or pest identification. Actively engage in farm machinery operations and laboratory analyses, linking theoretical knowledge from subjects like Crop Production I & II and Manures & Fertilizers to real-world applications.
Tools & Resources
University research farms, Departmental labs, Agricultural magazines/journals, Project mentorship from faculty
Career Connection
Develops problem-solving skills and practical competencies, highly valued in farm management, research, and technical roles within the agricultural industry.
Enhance Specialised Skills & Industry Awareness- (Semester 3-5)
Focus on developing specialized skills through practical subjects like Plant Biotechnology and Post-Harvest Technology. Attend workshops and seminars on emerging agricultural technologies. Research Indian agribusiness companies and their operations to understand industry demands and trends.
Tools & Resources
Webinars by industry experts, Guest lectures, Industry reports, LinkedIn for professional networking
Career Connection
Builds expertise in specific high-demand areas, preparing for roles in seed companies, food processing, biotech firms, and other specialized agri-sectors.
Build Professional Network & Explore Internships- (Semester 3-5)
Actively participate in agricultural fests, conferences, and career fairs to connect with professionals and potential employers. Look for short-term internships or summer training programs at government agricultural departments, NGOs, or private farms to gain early industry exposure and mentorship.
Tools & Resources
University career services, Professional agricultural associations (e.g., ASA), Alumni network, Online job portals
Career Connection
Networking opens doors to future job opportunities and provides valuable insights into industry trends and demands, facilitating informed career choices and placements.
Advanced Stage
Excel in RAWE & Agro-Industrial Attachment- (Semester 7)
Maximize learning from the Rural Agricultural Work Experience (RAWE) and Agro-Industrial Attachment (AIA) programs. Take initiative in village surveys, farmer interactions, and industrial processes. Document observations, challenges, and solutions thoroughly, reflecting on practical learning.
Tools & Resources
RAWE/AIA coordinators, Village elders/farmers, Industry supervisors, Detailed field journals
Career Connection
Provides crucial hands-on experience and deep industry understanding, making graduates job-ready for roles in extension, research, and various agribusiness sectors.
Specialise through Experiential Learning Program (ELP)- (Semester 8)
Carefully choose an ELP module that aligns with career aspirations (e.g., Bio-agents, Horticultural Crops, Seed Production, Organic Farming). Dedicate full effort to mastering the practical and entrepreneurial aspects of the chosen module, developing a comprehensive project and business plan.
Tools & Resources
ELP module supervisors, Specialized industry mentors, Business development resources, Startup incubators
Career Connection
Directly prepares students for entrepreneurship, specialized technical roles, or further research in their chosen field, enhancing employability in niche areas.
Refine Career Strategy & Placement Preparation- (Semester 6-8)
Actively engage with the placement cell for resume building, mock interviews, and group discussion practice. Research potential employers thoroughly and tailor applications to specific job requirements. Attend all campus placement drives and leverage professional networking for job seeking.
Tools & Resources
University placement cell, Online interview preparation platforms, Company websites, Professional networking sites like LinkedIn
Career Connection
Ensures a successful transition from academia to a rewarding career in the agricultural sector, securing desired job roles with leading organizations.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- A pass in H.Sc. (10+2) or its equivalent with a minimum aggregate of 50% in Physics, Chemistry, Biology / Botany & Zoology or Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics & Biology / Biotechnology / Agriculture as vocational subjects.
Duration: 8 semesters / 4 years
Credits: 195 Credits
Assessment: Internal: 50% (for theory), 60% (for practical), External: 50% (for theory), 40% (for practical)
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AGR20C101 | Principles of Agronomy | Core | 3 | Agriculture significance, Cropping systems, Tillage and sowing, Crop nutrients, Weed management, Crop rotation |
| AGR20C102 | Fundamentals of Soil Science | Core | 3 | Soil formation, Soil physical properties, Soil chemical properties, Soil organic matter, Soil classification |
| AGR20C103 | Fundamentals of Horticulture | Core | 3 | Horticulture branches, Plant propagation, Nursery management, Fruit crop cultivation, Vegetable cultivation, Ornamental gardening |
| AGR20C104 | Fundamentals of Crop Physiology | Core | 3 | Plant cell and tissue, Photosynthesis and respiration, Transpiration, Plant growth regulators, Stress physiology |
| AGR20C105 | Fundamentals of Plant Pathology | Core | 3 | History of plant pathology, Disease causing organisms, Disease cycles and symptomology, Host-pathogen interaction, Disease management principles |
| AGR20L106 | Principles of Agronomy - Practical | Lab | 1 | Agronomic measurements, Seed treatment, Crop geometry, Manures and fertilizers, Weed identification |
| AGR20L107 | Fundamentals of Soil Science - Practical | Lab | 1 | Soil sampling and preparation, Soil texture analysis, Soil pH measurement, Organic carbon estimation, Soil moisture content |
| AGR20L108 | Fundamentals of Horticulture - Practical | Lab | 1 | Identification of horticultural tools, Seedling preparation, Layering and budding, Grafting techniques, Pruning and training |
| AGR20L109 | Fundamentals of Crop Physiology - Practical | Lab | 1 | Photosynthesis measurement, Stomatal studies, Transpiration rate determination, Plant growth analysis, Enzyme activity |
| AGR20L110 | Fundamentals of Plant Pathology - Practical | Lab | 1 | Microscope usage, Disease symptom identification, Fungal culture and isolation, Bacterial isolation, Viral disease symptoms |
| ENL20F101 | Communicative English | Foundation | 3 | Grammar and vocabulary, Reading comprehension, Writing skills, Public speaking, Presentation skills |
| FAD20F102 | Food & Nutrition | Foundation | 3 | Food groups and balanced diet, Macronutrients and micronutrients, Food safety and hygiene, Nutritional disorders, Dietary guidelines |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AGR20C201 | Agricultural Meteorology | Core | 3 | Atmosphere and weather elements, Climate change impact, Weather forecasting, Crop-weather relationship, Remote sensing in agriculture |
| AGR20C202 | Fundamentals of Entomology | Core | 3 | Insect morphology and anatomy, Insect classification and orders, Insect life cycles, Pests of crops, Beneficial insects |
| AGR20C203 | Agricultural Economics | Core | 3 | Principles of economics, Demand and supply, Production economics, Farm management concepts, Agricultural marketing, Price policy |
| AGR20C204 | Agricultural Extension Education | Core | 3 | Extension philosophy and objectives, Extension methods and tools, Communication process, Diffusion of innovations, Rural development programs |
| AGR20C205 | Principles of Genetics | Core | 3 | Mendel''''s laws of inheritance, Chromosomes and genes, Gene interactions, Linkage and crossing over, Mutation and polyploidy |
| AGR20L206 | Agricultural Meteorology - Practical | Lab | 1 | Meteorological instruments, Weather data recording, Crop calendar preparation, Agro-climatic zones, Weather chart analysis |
| AGR20L207 | Fundamentals of Entomology - Practical | Lab | 1 | Insect collection and preservation, Identification of insect parts, Study of insect orders, Damage symptoms caused by pests |
| AGR20L208 | Agricultural Economics - Practical | Lab | 1 | Farm records and accounts, Cost of cultivation analysis, Breakeven analysis, Agricultural marketing channels, Price analysis |
| AGR20L209 | Agricultural Extension Education - Practical | Lab | 1 | Communication models, Extension teaching methods, Preparation of visual aids, Conducting surveys, Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) |
| AGR20L210 | Principles of Genetics - Practical | Lab | 1 | Mitosis and meiosis stages, Monohybrid and dihybrid crosses, Chi-square test, Chromosome mapping, Pedigree analysis |
| AGR20F201 | Agricultural Heritage | Foundation | 1 | History of Indian agriculture, Ancient agricultural practices, Traditional farming systems, Conservation of heritage |
| AGR20F202 | Rural Sociology & Educational Psychology | Foundation | 3 | Rural society and institutions, Social stratification, Theories of learning, Motivation and personality, Leadership in rural areas |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AGR20C301 | Crop Production - I (Field Crops) | Core | 3 | Cereal crop production, Pulse crop cultivation, Oilseed crop management, Forage crop production, Production practices for field crops |
| AGR20C302 | Manures, Fertilizers & Soil Fertility Management | Core | 3 | Essential plant nutrients, Organic manures, Inorganic fertilizers, Bio-fertilizers, Integrated nutrient management, Soil testing |
| AGR20C303 | Agricultural Microbiology | Core | 3 | Microbes in agriculture, Soil microorganisms and their roles, Nitrogen fixation, Phosphorus solubilization, Biopesticides, Composting processes |
| AGR20C304 | Principles of Plant Breeding | Core | 3 | Plant genetic resources, Modes of reproduction, Selection methods, Hybridization techniques, Mutation breeding, Variety release and maintenance |
| AGR20C305 | Farm Machinery & Power | Core | 3 | Sources of farm power, Tillage implements, Sowing and planting equipment, Inter-cultivation implements, Harvesting machinery, Farm machine maintenance |
| AGR20C306 | Environmental Science | Core | 3 | Ecosystems and biodiversity, Environmental pollution, Climate change impacts, Renewable energy sources, Environmental laws and policies |
| AGR20L307 | Crop Production - I - Practical | Lab | 1 | Land preparation methods, Sowing techniques, Fertilizer application, Weeding and intercultural operations, Harvesting methods for field crops |
| AGR20L308 | Manures, Fertilizers & Soil Fertility Management - Practical | Lab | 1 | Manure preparation methods, Fertilizer calculations, Bio-fertilizer application, Soil analysis for nutrients, Nutrient deficiency symptoms |
| AGR20L309 | Agricultural Microbiology - Practical | Lab | 1 | Microbial culture techniques, Staining methods, Isolation of beneficial microbes, Biofertilizer production, Microbial enumeration |
| AGR20L310 | Principles of Plant Breeding - Practical | Lab | 1 | Emasculation and pollination, Selection of parents, Hybridization techniques, Seed testing procedures |
| AGR20L311 | Farm Machinery & Power - Practical | Lab | 1 | Identification of farm machines, Calibration of seed drills, Operation of farm machinery, Maintenance of tractors and implements |
| AGR20L312 | Environmental Science - Practical | Lab | 1 | Water quality analysis, Air pollution monitoring, Soil pollution assessment, Ecological surveys |
| AGR20F301 | Communication Skills and Personality Development | Foundation | 3 | Verbal and non-verbal communication, Listening and presentation skills, Group discussion and interview techniques, Time and stress management, Personality development |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AGR20C401 | Crop Production - II (Commercial Crops) | Core | 3 | Sugar crops cultivation, Fibre crops production, Tobacco and spice crops, Plantation crop management, Medicinal and aromatic plants |
| AGR20C402 | Livestock Production & Management | Core | 3 | Breeds of livestock and poultry, Dairy farming practices, Sheep and goat rearing, Animal nutrition and feeding, Disease management in livestock |
| AGR20C403 | Plant Biotechnology | Core | 3 | Plant tissue culture, Genetic engineering techniques, Gene cloning and transformation, Marker assisted selection, Transgenic crops and biosafety |
| AGR20C404 | Pests of Field Crops & their Management | Core | 3 | Insect pests of cereals, Pests of pulses and oilseeds, Cotton and sugarcane pests, Integrated Pest Management (IPM), Biocontrol agents |
| AGR20C405 | Diseases of Field Crops & their Management | Core | 3 | Diseases of cereals and pulses, Diseases of oilseeds and cotton, Disease diagnosis and symptoms, Chemical disease control, Biological and cultural disease management |
| AGR20C406 | Production Economics & Farm Management | Core | 3 | Farm budgeting and planning, Risk and uncertainty in farming, Linear programming in agriculture, Cost-benefit analysis, Resource management |
| AGR20L407 | Crop Production - II - Practical | Lab | 1 | Cultivation practices for commercial crops, Yield estimation methods, Quality assessment of commercial crops |
| AGR20L408 | Livestock Production & Management - Practical | Lab | 1 | Identification of livestock breeds, Housing systems for animals, Feed formulation for livestock, Vaccination and deworming, Milk handling and processing |
| AGR20L409 | Plant Biotechnology - Practical | Lab | 1 | Plant tissue culture techniques, DNA extraction and purification, Gel electrophoresis, PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) |
| AGR20L410 | Pests of Field Crops & their Management - Practical | Lab | 1 | Pest identification, Damage assessment, Insecticide calculations, Spraying equipment operation, Bio-pesticide application |
| AGR20L411 | Diseases of Field Crops & their Management - Practical | Lab | 1 | Disease sample collection, Microscopic examination of pathogens, Fungicide application techniques, Disease severity assessment |
| AGR20L412 | Production Economics & Farm Management - Practical | Lab | 1 | Enterprise budgeting, Partial budgeting, Farm inventory preparation, Data collection for farm planning |
| AGR20E401 | Disaster Management | Elective | 2 | Types of natural disasters, Disaster preparedness, Risk assessment and mitigation, Relief and rehabilitation strategies |
Semester 5
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AGR20C501 | Principles of Seed Technology | Core | 3 | Seed production techniques, Seed quality and standards, Seed processing and conditioning, Seed testing methods, Seed storage and certification |
| AGR20C502 | Irrigation and Water Management | Core | 3 | Water resources in agriculture, Irrigation methods and scheduling, Water use efficiency, Drainage systems, Watershed management, Soil and water conservation |
| AGR20C503 | Post Harvest Technology of Horticultural Crops | Core | 3 | Post-harvest losses, Ripening and senescence, Storage techniques (cold storage), Packaging of horticultural produce, Value addition and processing |
| AGR20C504 | Weeds and Weed Management | Core | 3 | Weed biology and ecology, Classification of weeds, Herbicide action and application, Integrated Weed Management (IWM), Bio-herbicides and allelopathy |
| AGR20C505 | Agricultural Finance and Cooperation | Core | 3 | Agricultural credit sources, Rural indebtedness, Banking institutions (NABARD), Cooperative societies in agriculture, Crop insurance schemes |
| AGR20C506 | Agroforestry Systems | Core | 3 | Agroforestry principles and concepts, Types of agroforestry systems, Tree-crop interaction, Silvipasture and agri-silviculture, Alley cropping and boundary plantations |
| AGR20L507 | Principles of Seed Technology - Practical | Lab | 1 | Seed purity analysis, Germination test, Seed viability testing, Seed treatment methods, Seed vigor estimation |
| AGR20L508 | Irrigation and Water Management - Practical | Lab | 1 | Soil moisture measurement, Irrigation scheduling, Drip and sprinkler irrigation operation, Water flow measurement |
| AGR20L509 | Post Harvest Technology of Horticultural Crops - Practical | Lab | 1 | Pre-cooling and curing, Storage systems (e.g., cold storage), Packaging materials and techniques, Processing of fruits and vegetables, Product development |
| AGR20L510 | Weeds and Weed Management - Practical | Lab | 1 | Weed identification, Herbicide calculations, Spraying calibration, Weed control methods (manual, mechanical), Allelopathic effects |
| AGR20L511 | Agricultural Finance and Cooperation - Practical | Lab | 1 | Loan application procedures, Repayment schedules, Interest calculation, Cooperative formation, Insurance schemes |
| AGR20L512 | Agroforestry Systems - Practical | Lab | 1 | Tree identification, Nursery techniques for agroforestry, Layout of agroforestry systems, Biomass estimation |
| AGR20E501 | Organic Farming | Elective | 2 | Principles of organic farming, Organic nutrient management, Organic pest and disease control, Certification of organic products, Marketing organic products |
Semester 6
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AGR20C601 | Farming System & Sustainable Agriculture | Core | 3 | Farming system components, Integrated farming systems, Sustainable agriculture principles, Climate resilient agriculture, Agro-ecological zones |
| AGR20C602 | Agri-business Management | Core | 3 | Agribusiness environment, Marketing management in agribusiness, Financial management in agriculture, Human resource management, Supply chain management, Entrepreneurship in agriculture |
| AGR20C603 | Geo-informatics & Nano-technology for Agriculture | Core | 3 | Remote sensing and GIS, GPS applications in agriculture, Precision agriculture, Nanotechnology principles, Nano-fertilizers and nano-pesticides |
| AGR20C604 | Agricultural Marketing & Price Analysis | Core | 3 | Marketing functions and channels, Market structure and efficiency, Demand and supply analysis, Price determination and forecasting, Futures trading and market intelligence |
| AGR20C605 | Protected Cultivation & Secondary Agriculture | Core | 3 | Greenhouse technology, Polyhouse and shade net cultivation, Hydroponics and aeroponics, Value addition to agricultural produce, Food processing and preservation |
| AGR20L606 | Farming System & Sustainable Agriculture - Practical | Lab | 1 | Integrated Farming System (IFS) model development, Resource recycling in farms, Farm waste management, Carbon sequestration |
| AGR20L607 | Agri-business Management - Practical | Lab | 1 | Business plan preparation, Market survey and analysis, Financial statement analysis, Feasibility study of agri-ventures |
| AGR20L608 | Geo-informatics & Nano-technology for Agriculture - Practical | Lab | 1 | Image interpretation and analysis, GIS software applications, GPS data collection, Nano-particle synthesis and characterization |
| AGR20L609 | Agricultural Marketing & Price Analysis - Practical | Lab | 1 | Market survey and data collection, Price trend analysis, Marketing efficiency calculation, Grading and standardization |
| AGR20L610 | Protected Cultivation & Secondary Agriculture - Practical | Lab | 1 | Greenhouse operation and management, Fertigation techniques, Hydroponic system setup, Value-added product preparation |
| AGR20E601 | Agricultural Extension Models | Elective | 2 | Extension approaches and strategies, Transfer of Technology (TOT) models, Public-private partnerships, E-extension and ICT in agriculture |
| AGR20P611 | Project Work / Internship | Project | 4 | Research methodology, Data collection and analysis, Report writing and documentation, Presentation skills |
Semester 7
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AGR20C701 | Rural Agricultural Work Experience (RAWE) | Core | 10 | Village attachment program, Crop production technologies in rural areas, Livestock management practices, Extension activities with farmers, Soil health management, Plant protection strategies |
| AGR20C702 | Agro-Industrial Attachment (AIA) | Core | 10 | Exposure to agribusiness industries, Food processing units operations, Seed and fertilizer industries, Farm machinery industries, Agricultural marketing agencies |
Semester 8
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AGR20E801 | ELP / Skill Development Module I: Production of Bio-agents & Bio-fertilizers | Elective | 20 | Mass multiplication of bio-agents, Quality control of bio-fertilizers, Formulation and packaging, Storage techniques, Marketing strategies |
| AGR20E802 | ELP / Skill Development Module II: Commercial Production of Horticultural Crops | Elective | 20 | Nursery management for horticultural crops, Advanced cultivation practices, Post-harvest handling, Value addition techniques, Market linkages for produce |
| AGR20E803 | ELP / Skill Development Module III: Seed Production & Technology | Elective | 20 | Breeder, foundation, and certified seed production, Seed quality assurance, Seed processing and storage, Seed marketing and distribution |
| AGR20E804 | ELP / Skill Development Module IV: Integrated Crop Management | Elective | 20 | Integrated Pest Management (IPM), Integrated Disease Management (IDM), Integrated Nutrient Management (INM), Sustainable agricultural practices, Diagnostic tools for crop health |
| AGR20E805 | ELP / Skill Development Module V: Organic Production Technology | Elective | 20 | Organic farming standards and certification, Organic input management, Pest and disease management in organic systems, Market development for organic produce |
| AGR20E806 | ELP / Skill Development Module VI: Beekeeping (Apiculture) & Mushroom Cultivation | Elective | 20 | Bee colony management, Honey extraction and processing, Mushroom cultivation techniques, Pest and disease management in beekeeping and mushroom farming |
