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M-SC-AGRICULTURE in Agricultural Economics at SRM Institute of Science and Technology
Chengalpattu, Tamil Nadu
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About the Specialization
What is Agricultural Economics at SRM Institute of Science and Technology Chengalpattu?
This Agricultural Economics program at SRM Institute of Science and Technology focuses on applying economic principles to solve complex agricultural and rural development issues. It equips students with analytical tools to understand agricultural markets, policy, finance, and resource management, critical for driving sustainable growth and ensuring food security in the dynamic Indian agricultural sector. The program emphasizes practical problem-solving relevant to India''''s diverse farming landscape.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for agriculture graduates (B.Sc. Agri/Horti/Forestry) seeking to specialize in economic analysis of the farm sector. It also caters to those aiming for careers in agribusiness, rural development, policy research, and financial institutions impacting agriculture. Candidates with a strong quantitative aptitude and an interest in socio-economic aspects of farming will find this specialization particularly rewarding.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect diverse career paths in India, including roles as agricultural economists, market analysts, policy advisors, rural development officers, and agribusiness consultants. Entry-level salaries typically range from INR 3-5 LPA, growing significantly with experience in government bodies, NGOs, and private firms. The program also prepares for research and academic pursuits.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Strengthen Core Economic and Statistical Foundations- (Semester 1-2)
Focus intensely on microeconomics, production economics, and statistical methods. Utilize online platforms like NPTEL for supplemental learning in econometrics and statistics. Form study groups to solve complex problems and discuss theoretical concepts, ensuring a robust understanding of fundamental principles.
Tools & Resources
NPTEL courses on Agricultural Economics/Statistics, Khan Academy for basic economics, EViews/Stata tutorials
Career Connection
A strong foundation is crucial for advanced coursework, research, and for excelling in competitive exams for government and research roles like ICAR-NET/JRF.
Engage in Agricultural Field Visits and Data Collection- (Semester 1-2)
Actively participate in departmental field trips to farms, agricultural markets, and rural communities. Practice collecting primary data using survey methods and structured questionnaires. This direct exposure helps in understanding real-world agricultural challenges and applying theoretical concepts.
Tools & Resources
Questionnaire design tools (Google Forms), Basic GPS for location mapping, Interviewing skills workshops
Career Connection
Develops practical skills essential for roles in extension, rural development, and market research, providing an edge in fieldwork-intensive positions.
Develop Proficiency in Data Analysis Software- (Semester 1-2)
Beyond theoretical learning, gain hands-on experience with statistical software. Start with basic data entry and descriptive statistics, gradually moving to regression analysis. Attend workshops or take online courses specifically for agricultural economics applications.
Tools & Resources
MS Excel, SPSS, R-Studio (free for statistical computing), EViews/Stata (institutional licenses)
Career Connection
Highly valued skill for agricultural economists, market analysts, and researchers, making graduates more employable for data-driven roles.
Intermediate Stage
Undertake Mini-Projects and Case Studies- (Semester 3)
Collaborate with peers or faculty on short-term research projects focusing on specific agricultural economic issues. Analyze case studies of successful and failed agricultural policies or agribusiness models in India. Present findings in seminars to hone communication skills.
Tools & Resources
Research papers databases (AGRIS, J-STOR), Institutional library resources, Presentation software
Career Connection
Builds research acumen, critical thinking, and problem-solving abilities crucial for policy analysis, consulting, and project management roles.
Seek Industry Internships and Mentorship- (Semester 3)
Actively look for internships during semester breaks with agri-finance companies, rural banks (e.g., NABARD, SIDBI), government agriculture departments, or leading agribusiness firms. Seek mentorship from industry professionals to understand career paths and gain practical insights.
Tools & Resources
University placement cell, LinkedIn, Industry associations (e.g., CII, FICCI Agribusiness)
Career Connection
Provides invaluable industry exposure, builds professional networks, and often leads to pre-placement offers, significantly boosting employability.
Participate in Economic Essay/Debate Competitions- (Semester 3)
Engage in university-level or national competitions focused on agricultural economics and rural development topics. This sharpens analytical writing, public speaking, and critical debate skills. It also offers exposure to diverse perspectives and current issues.
Tools & Resources
Economic journals and magazines (e.g., EPW), Government reports (Economic Survey of India), Debate clubs
Career Connection
Enhances soft skills highly sought after in policy advocacy, public relations, and leadership roles within agricultural organizations.
Advanced Stage
Focus on Master''''s Research with Societal Impact- (Semester 4)
Choose a master''''s research topic that addresses a pertinent issue in Indian agriculture, such as climate change adaptation, market reforms, or value chain efficiency. Ensure rigorous methodology and present findings at national/international conferences to gain visibility.
Tools & Resources
Advanced econometric software (Stata, R), Plagiarism checker tools, Conference presentation guidelines
Career Connection
Distinguishes the graduate, showcasing expertise and problem-solving capability. Strong research forms a basis for higher studies or specialized research roles.
Prepare for Placements and Government Exams- (Semester 4)
Dedicate time to resume building, mock interviews, and group discussions facilitated by the placement cell. For those eyeing government jobs, prepare for exams like NABARD Grade A/B, UPSC, or state-level agricultural officer examinations, which often require strong economic knowledge.
Tools & Resources
Placement cell workshops, Online aptitude test platforms, Previous year question papers
Career Connection
Directly improves chances of securing desired jobs in both public and private sectors by addressing specific recruitment criteria and formats.
Build a Professional Network and Online Presence- (Semester 4)
Actively network with alumni, faculty, and industry leaders through conferences, workshops, and online platforms. Create a professional LinkedIn profile showcasing skills, projects, and research. Engage in discussions and share insights related to agricultural economics.
Tools & Resources
LinkedIn, Professional conferences/webinars, Alumni association portals
Career Connection
Expands career opportunities through referrals, mentorship, and access to hidden job markets. A strong online presence boosts visibility among potential employers.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- B.Sc. (Agri)/Horti/Forestry/Fisheries/B.Tech. (Agrl. Engg.)/B.F.Sc. with minimum 50% marks
Duration: 4 semesters / 2 years
Credits: 75 Credits
Assessment: Internal: undefined, External: undefined
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AGR2101 | Agricultural Research, Ethics, and Rural Development Programmes | Core | 3 | Research Methods and Experimental Designs, Statistical Analysis in Agriculture, Research Ethics and Intellectual Property Rights, Rural Development Programs and Policies, Agricultural Extension Systems |
| AEC2101 | Microeconomics | Core | 3 | Consumer Behavior and Demand Theory, Theory of Production and Costs, Market Structures and Price Determination, Factor Market Analysis, Welfare Economics and Market Failure |
| AEC2102 | Agricultural Production Economics | Core | 3 | Production Functions and Resource Relationships, Cost Concepts and Analysis, Returns to Scale and Factor Substitution, Farm Planning and Budgeting, Risk and Uncertainty in Agricultural Production |
| AEC2103 | Statistics and Computer Applications | Core | 3 | Probability Theory and Distributions, Sampling Methods and Hypothesis Testing, Regression and Correlation Analysis, Statistical Software for Data Analysis, Fundamentals of Computer Programming |
| AEC2104 | Farm Management | Core | 3 | Principles of Farm Management, Farm Organization and Planning, Resource Allocation and Efficiency, Budgeting Techniques for Farms, Decision Making under Risk |
| AEC2105 | Agricultural Marketing and Price Analysis | Core | 3 | Marketing Functions and Institutions, Market Structure and Efficiency, Price Discovery and Stabilization, Market Intelligence and Information, Agricultural Price Policy |
| AGR21L1 | General Agriculture (Practical) | Practical | 2 | Field Crop Production Practices, Horticultural Crop Management, Soil Health Analysis, Pest and Disease Management, Farm Machinery Operations |
| AEC21L1 | Practical on Microeconomics, Agricultural Production Economics, Statistics and Computer Applications | Practical | 2 | Consumer Demand Estimation Exercises, Production Function Analysis, Statistical Software Applications (e.g., SPSS, R), Data Interpretation and Reporting, Economic Model Formulation |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AEC2201 | Macroeconomics | Core | 3 | National Income Accounting, Theories of Employment and Inflation, Monetary and Fiscal Policies, International Trade and Balance of Payments, Economic Growth and Development |
| AEC2202 | Agricultural Finance and Project Analysis | Core | 3 | Rural Credit and Financial Institutions, Farm Credit Appraisal, Project Formulation and Appraisal Techniques, Cost-Benefit Analysis, Risk Management in Agricultural Finance |
| AEC2203 | Econometrics | Core | 3 | Classical Linear Regression Model (CLRM), Relaxing CLRM Assumptions (Heteroscedasticity, Autocorrelation), Multicollinearity and Specification Errors, Dummy Variables and Limited Dependent Variable Models, Simultaneous Equation Models |
| AEC2204 | Natural Resource and Environmental Economics | Core | 3 | Concepts of Resource Scarcity and Sustainability, Environmental Externalities and Public Goods, Valuation of Environmental Resources, Environmental Policy Instruments, Economics of Climate Change |
| AEC2205 | Agricultural Policy and Development | Core | 3 | Objectives and Instruments of Agricultural Policy, Land Reforms and Agrarian Structure, Food Security and Public Distribution System, WTO and Indian Agriculture, Rural Development Strategies and Poverty Alleviation |
| AEC2206 | Research Methods in Agricultural Economics | Core | 3 | Research Problem Formulation and Design, Sampling Techniques and Data Collection Methods, Measurement and Scaling, Hypothesis Testing and Interpretation, Report Writing and Presentation |
| AEC22L1 | Practical on Macroeconomics, Agricultural Finance and Project Analysis, Econometrics | Practical | 2 | National Income Data Analysis, Financial Statement Analysis for Agri-businesses, Econometric Software Application (e.g., EViews, Stata), Project Feasibility Analysis Exercises, Policy Impact Assessment Simulations |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AEC2301 | International Agricultural Trade | Core | 3 | Theories of International Trade, Trade Barriers and Regional Trade Blocs, WTO Agreements on Agriculture, Agricultural Export-Import Policies, International Commodity Markets |
| AEC2302 | Quantitative Techniques in Agricultural Economics | Core | 3 | Linear Programming for Farm Optimization, Game Theory Applications in Agriculture, Decision Making under Uncertainty, Simulation Techniques in Agricultural Systems, Network Analysis |
| AEC2303 | Agricultural Value Chains and Agri-Business Management | Core | 3 | Value Chain Analysis and Mapping, Supply Chain Management in Agriculture, Agribusiness Strategies and Models, Entrepreneurship in Agriculture, Role of Cooperatives in Agribusiness |
| AEC2304 | Agricultural Cooperatives and Rural Institutions | Core | 3 | Principles and Evolution of Cooperatives, Cooperative Movement in India, Structure and Functions of Rural Institutions, Self-Help Groups and Microfinance Institutions, Challenges and Reforms in Cooperatives |
| AEC23E1 | Futures and Options in Agriculture | Elective | 3 | Basics of Derivatives Markets, Futures Contracts and Pricing, Options Contracts and Strategies, Hedging and Speculation in Agri-Commodities, Role of Exchanges in Futures Trading |
| AEC23E2 | Regional Economics | Elective | 3 | Theories of Regional Development, Regional Economic Disparities, Location Theories and Industrial Agglomeration, Regional Input-Output Analysis, Regional Planning and Policy |
| AEC23E3 | Agricultural Human Resource Development | Elective | 3 | HR Planning in Agriculture, Training and Development for Farm Sector, Motivation and Leadership in Agricultural Enterprises, Rural Entrepreneurship Development, Agricultural Labor Market Analysis |
| AEC23E4 | Agrarian Reforms and Rural Development | Elective | 3 | Land Reforms in India, Tenancy and Land Ownership Patterns, Poverty and Income Distribution in Rural Areas, Rural Infrastructure Development, Government Schemes for Rural Upliftment |
| AEC23E5 | Impact Assessment of Agricultural Projects | Elective | 3 | Concepts of Project Monitoring and Evaluation, Methodologies for Impact Assessment, Cost-Benefit and Cost-Effectiveness Analysis, Stakeholder Analysis in Projects, Case Studies of Agricultural Project Impacts |
| AEC23E6 | Economics of Climate Change and Food Security | Elective | 3 | Climate Change Impacts on Agriculture, Economic Consequences of Climate Change, Adaptation and Mitigation Strategies, Global and National Food Security Issues, Policy Responses to Climate Change in Agriculture |
| AEC23E7 | Intellectual Property Rights and Agricultural Economics | Elective | 3 | Concepts of Intellectual Property, Patents, Trademarks, and Geographical Indications, Plant Variety Protection and Farmers'''' Rights, Biodiversity and Traditional Knowledge, Economic Implications of IPRs in Agriculture |
| AEC23E8 | Agri-entrepreneurship and Small Business Management | Elective | 3 | Entrepreneurial Opportunities in Agriculture, Business Plan Development, Sources of Funding for Agri-Startups, Marketing Strategies for Small Agri-businesses, Challenges and Success Stories of Agri-entrepreneurs |
| AEC23E9 | Agricultural Insurance and Risk Management | Elective | 3 | Concepts of Agricultural Risks, Types of Agricultural Insurance Schemes, Crop Insurance Models (PMFBY), Livestock and Weather-Based Insurance, Risk Mitigation Strategies for Farmers |
| AEC23EA | Rural Banking and Micro Finance | Elective | 3 | Role of Commercial Banks in Rural Areas, Regional Rural Banks and Cooperative Banks, Microfinance Institutions (MFIs) and Models, Self-Help Group (SHG) Bank Linkage Program, Challenges and Innovations in Rural Finance |
| AEC23L1 | Practical on International Agricultural Trade, Quantitative Techniques, Value Chain, Cooperatives | Practical | 2 | Analysis of Agricultural Trade Data, Application of Linear Programming Software, Mapping and Analysis of Agricultural Value Chains, Case Studies of Cooperative Successes and Failures, Economic Policy Simulation Exercises |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AEC2401 | Seminar | Project | 1 | Literature Review and Research Gap Identification, Formulation of Research Objectives, Methodology Design and Data Sources, Scientific Writing and Presentation Skills, Critique and Feedback Mechanisms |
| AEC24P1 | Master''''s Research | Project | 15 | Problem Identification and Hypothesis Formulation, Data Collection and Fieldwork, Statistical and Econometric Analysis, Thesis Writing and Manuscript Preparation, Viva Voce Examination |
