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M-SC-AGRICULTURE in Agronomy at SRM Institute of Science and Technology
Chengalpattu, Tamil Nadu
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About the Specialization
What is Agronomy at SRM Institute of Science and Technology Chengalpattu?
This Agronomy program at SRM Institute of Science and Technology focuses on optimizing crop production systems while ensuring environmental sustainability. It delves into advanced techniques in soil management, water resource utilization, pest and weed control, and climate-resilient agriculture, which are crucial for enhancing food security and agricultural productivity in the diverse Indian landscape. The curriculum is designed to meet the evolving demands of the Indian agricultural sector, integrating modern scientific approaches with practical applications.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for Bachelor of Science (Agriculture/Horticulture/Forestry) or Bachelor of Technology (Agriculture Engineering) graduates seeking to specialize in crop management and sustainable farming practices. It also caters to aspiring researchers, extension officers, and agricultural consultants aiming to contribute to India''''s agricultural growth. Individuals passionate about addressing challenges like climate change, food security, and resource depletion within the Indian context will find this program highly rewarding.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect promising career paths in government agricultural departments, research institutions like ICAR, private agro-industries, seed companies, and NGOs across India. Entry-level salaries typically range from INR 4-7 lakhs per annum, with experienced professionals earning significantly more. The program fosters expertise in sustainable agriculture, a field with immense growth potential in India, and aligns with national initiatives for agricultural modernization and food production.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Build Strong Agronomic Fundamentals- (Semester 1-2)
Dedicate significant time to understanding the core principles of crop production, soil science, and plant physiology. Actively participate in laboratory sessions and field visits to gain hands-on experience with crop identification, soil testing, and basic farm machinery. Form study groups with peers to discuss complex topics and prepare for continuous assessments.
Tools & Resources
Textbooks on Agronomy and Soil Science, SRMIST Agricultural Farm for practicals, Online resources from ICAR, Peer study groups
Career Connection
A strong foundation is critical for effective problem-solving in agriculture and will be frequently tested in interviews for roles in research and farm management.
Develop Scientific Reading and Writing Skills- (Semester 1-2)
Engage regularly with scientific journals, research papers, and agricultural reports to stay updated on the latest advancements. Practice summarizing research articles and writing concise reports for lab experiments. Seek feedback from professors on your writing style and clarity, which is crucial for thesis preparation.
Tools & Resources
SRMIST Digital Library (Scopus, Web of Science), ICAR publications, Grammarly for writing assistance, Faculty mentorship
Career Connection
Proficiency in scientific communication is essential for research roles, technical writing positions, and preparing effective project proposals.
Cultivate Data Analysis Basics- (Semester 1-2)
Pay close attention during the Experimental Designs and Statistical Methods course. Practice using basic statistical software for analyzing agricultural data, even for small datasets. Understand how to interpret statistical results as this forms the backbone of agricultural research.
Tools & Resources
MS Excel for basic statistics, R/Python tutorials for beginners, Statistics textbooks, Faculty consultation for data interpretation
Career Connection
Analytical skills are highly valued in research, data-driven farming, and agri-business roles that require evidence-based decision making.
Intermediate Stage
Engage in Applied Field Projects and Internships- (Semester 3-4)
Actively seek opportunities for field-based projects related to your interests, such as weed management, water resource optimization, or nutrient use efficiency. Pursue summer internships at research stations, agricultural extension centers, or private farms to apply theoretical knowledge and gain practical insights into Indian farming practices.
Tools & Resources
SRMIST Placement Cell for internship leads, ICAR institutes for research internships, Local progressive farms
Career Connection
Practical experience significantly boosts your resume for roles requiring hands-on agricultural knowledge and demonstrates industry readiness.
Specialized Skill Development through Electives- (Semester 3-4)
Carefully choose elective subjects that align with your career aspirations, whether it''''s agro-meteorology, organic farming, or seed science. Deep-dive into these specialized areas, completing additional certifications or online courses if available, to build unique expertise that differentiates you in the job market.
Tools & Resources
MOOC platforms (Coursera, NPTEL) for related courses, Industry-specific workshops, Advanced textbooks on chosen electives
Career Connection
Specialized skills are crucial for roles in niche agricultural sectors, making you a more targeted and valuable candidate.
Networking with Agricultural Professionals- (Semester 3-4)
Attend agricultural seminars, workshops, and farmer''''s meets organized by SRMIST or other regional organizations. Connect with faculty, guest lecturers, alumni, and industry experts. Participate in professional agricultural associations to expand your network and explore potential career opportunities and mentorship.
Tools & Resources
LinkedIn for professional networking, Agricultural conferences and exhibitions, Alumni network of SRMIST
Career Connection
Networking opens doors to hidden job opportunities, industry insights, and potential collaborations for your thesis or future career.
Advanced Stage
Excellence in Thesis Research and Publication- (Semester 3-4 (Thesis spans across these semesters))
Focus intensely on your Master''''s Thesis Research, ensuring robust experimental design, accurate data collection, and rigorous analysis. Aim to publish your research findings in peer-reviewed journals or present them at national/international conferences. This enhances your academic profile and research aptitude.
Tools & Resources
Research labs and equipment at SRMIST, Statistical software (SAS, R, SPSS), Scientific writing guides, Faculty advisors for guidance
Career Connection
A strong thesis and publication record are invaluable for pursuing Ph.D. studies, securing research positions, and demonstrating your capability to contribute to agricultural science.
Master Presentation and Viva Voce Skills- (Semester 4)
Regularly practice presenting your research findings to peers and faculty, honing your public speaking and critical thinking abilities. Prepare thoroughly for the Comprehensive Viva Voce by reviewing all core agronomy concepts and anticipating potential questions from the examiners.
Tools & Resources
Practice sessions with peers/mentors, Recording yourself for self-critique, Mock viva voce sessions
Career Connection
Effective presentation skills are crucial for seminars, project proposals, and interviews, demonstrating confidence and clarity in communication.
Strategic Career Planning and Placement Preparation- (Semester 4)
Start early with career planning by identifying target companies, research institutions, or entrepreneurial ventures in the Indian agriculture sector. Prepare a tailored resume, practice aptitude tests, and participate in mock interviews. Utilize the university''''s placement services for guidance and opportunities.
Tools & Resources
SRMIST Career Development Centre, Online aptitude platforms, Interview preparation guides, Company websites for job openings
Career Connection
Proactive career planning ensures you are well-prepared to secure desirable placements immediately after graduation in various agricultural domains.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- B.Sc. (Agriculture)/Horticulture/Forestry/Sericulture or B.Tech (Agriculture Engineering) from a recognized university/institute with minimum 60% aggregate marks or equivalent CGPA.
Duration: 2 years / 4 semesters
Credits: 69 Credits
Assessment: Internal: 50%, External: 50%
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AGR21001 | Modern Concepts in Agronomy | Core | 3 | Crop production principles, Agro-ecosystem management, Climate change adaptation, Precision agriculture, Sustainable intensification, Resource conservation technologies |
| AGR21002 | Principles and Practices of Crop Production | Core | 3 | Cropping systems, Crop growth and development, Soil fertility management, Nutrient use efficiency, Irrigation scheduling, Weed management strategies |
| AGR21003 | Agronomy of Field Crops | Core | 3 | Cereal crops production, Pulse crops cultivation, Oilseed crops management, Fiber crops agronomy, Sugar crops production, Fodder crops practices |
| AGR21004 | Cropping Systems and Sustainable Agriculture | Core | 3 | Cropping system principles, Intercropping and sequential cropping, Agroforestry systems, Organic farming practices, Climate-smart agriculture, Integrated farming systems |
| AGR21005 | Experimental Designs and Statistical Methods | Core | 3 | Basic statistical concepts, Experimental designs (CRD, RBD, LSD), Analysis of Variance (ANOVA), Correlation and Regression analysis, Non-parametric tests, Data analysis software applications |
| AGR21L01 | Agronomy Lab-I | Lab | 2 | Field crop identification, Soil moisture estimation techniques, Nutrient analysis methods, Weed identification and survey, Farm machinery operation and calibration, Crop growth analysis parameters |
| AGR21L02 | Agronomy Lab-II | Lab | 2 | Cropping system planning, Organic manure preparation, Bio-fertilizer application methods, Pesticide application techniques, Harvest index calculation, Crop quality analysis |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AGR21006 | Weed Management | Core | 3 | Weed biology and ecology, Herbicide classification and mode of action, Integrated weed management, Herbicide resistance mechanisms, Bio-herbicides and allelopathy, Non-chemical weed control methods |
| AGR21007 | Water Management in Agriculture | Core | 3 | Irrigation principles and water sources, Water requirement of crops, Irrigation methods (surface, sprinkler, drip), Water quality assessment for irrigation, Drainage in agricultural lands, Rainwater harvesting and efficient water use |
| AGR21008 | Dryland Agriculture | Core | 3 | Dryland farming principles, Moisture conservation techniques, Drought management strategies, Cropping systems for drylands, Contingency crop planning, Soil and water conservation practices |
| AGR21009 | Nutrient Management in Crops | Core | 3 | Essential plant nutrients, Soil testing and nutrient recommendations, Integrated nutrient management (INM), Precision nutrient management, Organic manures and bio-fertilizers, Nutrient use efficiency |
| AGR21E11 | Agro-meteorology (Elective I - Example) | Elective | 3 | Weather elements and climate factors, Climate change impact on agriculture, Crop-weather relationships, Weather forecasting for agriculture, Agro-climatic zones of India, Extreme weather events and management |
| AGR21L03 | Agronomy Lab-III | Lab | 2 | Herbicide application and calibration, Irrigation scheduling using software, Soil moisture sensors and tensiometers, Dryland crop management practices, Nutrient deficiency diagnosis in crops, Fertilizer calculation and application |
| AGR21L04 | Agronomy Lab-IV | Lab | 2 | Water quality analysis, Farm pond construction and management, Rainfall data analysis and interpretation, INM practices demonstration, Compost and vermicompost making, Bio-fertilizer production techniques |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AGR21010 | Research Methodology and IPR in Agriculture | Core | 3 | Research problem formulation, Literature review techniques, Experimental design and sampling, Data collection and analysis methods, Thesis writing and presentation, Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) in agriculture |
| AGR21E21 | Principles of Organic Farming (Elective II - Example) | Elective | 3 | Concepts and principles of organic farming, Organic nutrient management, Organic pest and disease management, Certification and standards, Crop rotation in organic systems, Soil health in organic agriculture |
| AGR21S01 | Seminar | Core | 1 | Scientific paper presentation skills, Public speaking and communication, Research topic selection and review, Literature review and synthesis, Effective discussion techniques, Answering scientific questions |
| AGR21TH01 | Master''''s Thesis Research | Core | 10 | Research problem identification, Experimental planning and design, Field and laboratory experimentation, Data analysis and interpretation, Preliminary thesis writing, Scientific communication preparation |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AGR21TH02 | Master''''s Thesis Research | Core | 15 | Thesis completion and finalization, Advanced data interpretation, Scientific manuscript preparation, Publication ethics and guidelines, Thesis defense preparation, Oral presentation skills |
| AGR21VV01 | Comprehensive Viva Voce | Core | 1 | Comprehensive understanding of agronomy, Research methodology knowledge, Subject matter expertise, Communication and presentation skills, Critical thinking and problem-solving, Overall academic proficiency assessment |
