M.Sc. Agricultural Economics: Course, Admission, Fees, Colleges, Syllabus, Scope

M.Sc. Agriculture Economics is a postgraduate degree programme that focuses on applying economic concepts to agriculture and the agribusiness industry. Graduates will have a thorough understanding of economic theory, statistical techniques, and how these relate to problems in resource management, agricultural commerce, rural development, and food nutrition. Students can analyse economic aspects that impact the agriculture sector.

The course covers topics like micro and macroeconomics, econometrics, agricultural financing, international commerce, and environmental economics. Graduates are prepared to tackle global issues like food security, sustainability, and rural economic development. People who want to improve agricultural efficiency and policymaking at the national and international levels should opt for this degree.

Graduates are offered job opportunities with an average package of Rs. 6.7 LPA in roles like Agricultural Economist, Policy Analyst, Development Specialist and Agribusiness Manager. Recruiters for this course include McKinsey & Company, Agrium, DuPont, Food and Agriculture Organization, Indian Council of Agricultural Research and International Food Policy Research Institute.

M.Sc. Agriculture Economics

M.Sc. Agriculture Economics Eligibility Criteria

To get admission, candidates who want to pursue an M.Sc. Agriculture Economics must meet specific eligibility conditions. Each institute may have different eligibility criteria depending on their requirements. However, the following are some general criteria for admission that candidates must meet:

• Students must have completed their bachelor’s degree in Agriculture / Dairy Technology / Veterinary Science / Animal Husbandry / Fisheries from any recognised university.
• They must have scored a minimum of 55 per cent in their respective subjects in undergraduate.

M.Sc. Agriculture Economics Admission Procedure

To apply for M.Sc. Agriculture Economics degree, aspiring students must adhere to a specific admissions process. To get admitted to the college of their choice, applicants must complete the registration procedure. The admissions process varies by the institution. However, a general framework of the procedure is as follows:

• Aspirants must either visit the college campus or fill out the application form online through the college’s website.
• They must ensure that all the relevant documents are attached to the application form.
• The admission criteria may vary by the institute, hence, candidates need to satisfy the cutoff of the particular college to get admission there.

Cutoff of Top Colleges

Students are admitted purely on the basis of their merit scores. Therefore, students who meet the merit cutoff percentage, ranks, or scores are admitted to the M.Sc. Agriculture Economics programme. A student must score a minimum of 55 per cent in their bachelor’s degree in Agriculture Economics or a related field.

Required Skills for M.Sc. Agriculture Economics

Students need a combination of analytical, quantitative, and problem-solving abilities to succeed in M.Sc. Agriculture Economics. To analyse data, assess agricultural policy, and tackle economic issues in the agriculture industry, they need to possess a solid basis in economics, statistics, and research methodology. Some of the necessary skills to pursue M.Sc. Agriculture Economics are as follows:

• Analytical and Quantitative Skills
• Economic Theory and Policy Analysis
• Research and Data Interpretation
• Problem-solving
• Communication Skills
• Understanding of Agricultural Systems

M.Sc. Agriculture Economics Syllabus

M.Sc. Agriculture Economics provides an academic curriculum that equips students with the necessary skills and knowledge and provides a holistic learning experience. The two-year postgraduate programme has a well-defined curriculum that may vary from one institution to another. In the table below, we have provided the MSc Agriculture Economics of Bundelkhand University (BU), Jhansi.

Scope of M.Sc. Agriculture Economics

M.Sc. in Agriculture Economics provides opportunities for career growth in agribusiness, government, international organisations, and research. Graduates can analyse market trends, agricultural policy, and the financial effects of trade and subsidies on farming communities in their roles as agricultural economists. They also contribute significantly to the resolution of global concerns including sustainable agriculture, rural development, and food security.

Graduates may also serve as consultants, offering advice on agricultural finance, trade, and market access to governments and private businesses. As the world faces problems like food security and climate change, there is an increasing demand for agricultural economics, making this a crucial and significant field.

Career Options After M.Sc. Agriculture Economics

Graduates have a wide range of employment options in the public and commercial sectors. Opportunities at government agencies, international organisations, agribusiness companies, and research institutions are offered. These experts are in high demand for jobs involving policy formulation, resource management, and rural development strategy advice. Some of the most common job roles provided to graduates are:

Top Recruiters

Multinational firms, governmental organisations, and non-governmental organisations that concentrate on agriculture and rural development are among the top employers for M.Sc. Agriculture Economics graduates. Leading businesses, agencies and research institutes look for experts who can examine market trends, agricultural policy, and the financial effects on the agriculture industry. Some prominent employers in this field are as follows:

• McKinsey & Company
• Agrium
• DuPont
• Food and Agriculture Organization
• Indian Council of Agricultural Research
• International Food Policy Research Institute

Benefits of M.Sc. Agriculture Economics

M.Sc. Agriculture Economics graduates are prepared to manage issues in agriculture and rural development since they possess vital abilities in economic analysis, policy evaluation, and market research. The degree has an impact on resource management, sustainable agriculture methods, and food security by opening up job options in government organisations, multinational enterprises, non-governmental organisations, and research institutes.

Expected Salary After M.Sc. Agriculture Economics

Graduates can expect competitive pay that varies according to industry, geography, and experience. In India, entry-level jobs pay less salary whereas specialised jobs or experienced experts in multinational firms can earn a good salary, particularly in urban areas and with additional qualifications. The average salary structure of some of the most common job profiles are:

Source: Ambition Box

Top Colleges in India Offering M.Sc. Agriculture Economics

Two of the most reputed government and private colleges in India offer M.Sc. Agriculture Economics to aspiring students. These colleges provide the best facilities and a highly qualified faculty. The institutes that provide M.Sc. Agriculture Economics are as follows:

• IARI New Delhi
• TERI SAS New Delhi

M.Sc. Agriculture Economics graduates get the economic concepts and analytical abilities necessary to tackle issues in rural development, resource management, and agriculture. The course offers a comprehensive understanding of the economic aspects of agriculture, including production, marketing, and resource management. Students are equipped for influential professions in agribusiness, policy-making, academia, and sustainable agriculture projects.