About Agriculture Department

The Department of Agriculture at DCAST was established in the year 2000-01. DCAST is also known as the oldest self-financed Agriculture Institute in Uttarakhand. The Department offers undergraduate and postgraduate degree programs B.Sc. (Hons) Agriculture and M.Sc. (Ag) Agronomy.

The Department of Agriculture at DCAST is an excellent resource for those interested in Agriculture, Agronomy, Agri-business and Natural resources. Among the numerous topics covered by students enrolled in agriculture courses are agronomy, soil sciences, horticulture (fruit and vegetable science), plant breeding and genetics, entomology, plant pathology, animal sciences, extension education, plant biochemistry, agriculture economics, the fundamentals of biotechnology, and more. The curriculum is in accordance with the Indian Council of Agriculture Research’s (ICAR) recommendations and is intended to give students a general understanding of agriculture and allied fields as well as teach them how to increase crop output in a sustainable way.

An outstanding educational experience is what the institution’s infrastructure is dedicated to provide students. The department is furnished with cutting-edge facilities that facilitate agricultural education, research, and innovation. The Institute features a sizable farm site with a dedicated space for each domain so that students can receive hands-on instruction in a variety of agricultural activities, including land preparation, plant protection techniques, planting techniques, cultivation, harvesting, etc.

The Department offers undergraduate and postgraduate degree programs B.Sc. (Hons) Agriculture and M.Sc. (Ag) Agronomy affiliated to HNB Garhwal Central University, Tehri, Garhwal.

Career Prospects after Agriculture
Agriculture is a vast subject and professionals in this field can have job opportunities in a variety of sectors like as breeder, Seed testing officer and Quality control officer in seed industry, Area sales executive, area manager, field officer in Fertilizer and Pesticide and insecticide industry, dairy industry, poultry product industry, Food processing industry and in various capacities with cooperative bodies like IFFCO, KRIBHCO, NAFED, AMUL etc.

Furthermore, there are numerous career options in the public sector, including positions as a scientist in various research institutes, a lecturer or professor in a college or university, a banking specialist in agriculture finance, or an administrator. Some of the administrative positions associated with this industry include the following:

• District Agriculture Officer
• District Extension officer
• Livestock extension officer
• District Horticulture Officer
• Plant Protection Officer
• Block Development Officer
• Village Development Officer
• Soil & Water Conservation Officer
• Technical Officer (State and Central Government)
• ICAR (Agriculture Recruitment Services Scientist) in different discipline of Agriculture

B.Sc. (Hons.) Agriculture is a 4-year course which is based on curriculum given by 5th Dean Committee of ICAR. Students pursuing this course will be able to give their contribution to food security, environment sustainability, rural empowerment, Climate resilience, extension services etc. Students who complete the course will have a theoretical and practical understanding of soil science, crop production, animal husbandry, agricultural economics, modern farming, and environmental sustainability. 

About M.Sc. (Ag) Agronomy

The M.Sc. (Ag) Agronomy program lasts two years. In the agricultural science field of agronomy, students learn about crop production technology, weed control, irrigation and water management strategies, nutrient management, and other topics. It emphasizes crop rotation and soil management, which can increase farmers’ incomes and strengthen the economy. The students in last semester must be involved in research work on crops and their management. Agronomists work to improve crop yields while ensuring the conservation of natural resources like soil and water.

• Agronomist / Crop Scientist
• Farm Manager
• Research Associate (ICAR, State Agri Universities)
• Agri-input Company Officer
• Extension Officer / Krishi Vigyan Kendra Expert