The curriculum includes information about all the agronomic products grown in India. Students who choose this course learn about focusing on managing natural resources, labor and agricultural tools. The knowledge about the unique technology implemented in agriculture in recent times is often being taught in this course. Students with the help of this course can pursue their careers in agricultural enterprises and can build a strong foundation in agribusiness. 

In India, the course is offered at an average fee ranging from 0.99 lakhs to 28.60 lakhs.  However, the fee can differ according to the colleges providing the course. Candidates need to have a bachelor’s degree in any discipline with a minimum of at least 50% or more from any recognized university. Then students need to qualify for entrance exams like CAT, MAT, XAT, SNAP etc. In some of the colleges, admission is sometimes based on merit. 

The average salary for graduates with a master’s degree in Agriculture Business Management in India can range from 8.00 lakhs per annum to 34.50 lakhs per annum. The salary of an individual usually depends on the skills of the person, the reputation of the colleges from where he graduated and the previous experience if any. The various job positions include farm appraiser, quality control officer, farm manager, agricultural policy analyst and many more. 

Highlights 

Here are some of the major bullet points regarding the following program named MBA in Agriculture covered in the table below:

Agricultural management refers to the process of regulating resources, manpower and technology to maximize farm productivity and sustainability. It involves a variety of activities, such as crop planning, animal management, financial planning and environmental protection.

Agricultural management is the organizing, planning, and overseeing of farm operations with a view to efficient and sustainable crop and livestock production. Agricultural management involves many aspects of duty, such as land use planning, soil utilization, crop rotation, pest control, irrigation, machinery operation and labor relations. The aims are to have maximum productivity and profitability while preserving natural resources and reducing ecological footprint. Farm managers need to keep themselves informed of developments in farm technology, market conditions, and weather patterns to make effective decisions. They also deal with budgeting, financial planning and in some cases marketing of farm products. Management practices in contemporary farming often include the application of data analysis, precision farming equipment and sustainable techniques to respond to changing environmental and economic factors. Successful agricultural management not only ensures food security but also contributes significantly to rural development and international agricultural sustainability. It is vital for the success and sustainability of farming businesses globally.

Scope of Agricultural MBA

MBA in Agriculture ( Master of Business Administration in Agriculture) is a professional graduate degree program offered by various colleges in India and abroad. It is specifically designed to combine business management principles with agricultural practices. MBA in agriculture is equipped with a curriculum that helps students learn about the distribution, marketing, selling, buying and processing of food and fiber, along with associated business ideas to increase the profitability of the firm. 

This program aims to help students gain skills that are needed to successfully negotiate the intricate nexus of business and agriculture by covering the management of the agricultural business and the economic issues faced by the agricultural sector as a whole around the world.

Why an MBA in Agriculture

There are some reasons which imply why students should choose MBA in Agriculture as a career. These points are as follows

• Develop new innovative strategies to meet the challenging needs of the agricultural sector. 

• Identify the growing needs of the consumers of agribusiness products.

• To generate competent business professionals in the agriculture sector, rural sector and food sector in India as well as abroad.

• Develop critical thinking skills to tackle the challenges in the agriculture sector.

• To encourage startups and entrepreneurship among farmers, intermediaries and traders in the chain of agriculture business management. 

• Develop expert skills in the management of technology-related commercial aspects of agribusiness.

• To equip leaders with the knowledge and skills to manage effectively with national development plans, agricultural policies and global trade. 

Eligibility Criteria

Mainly colleges and universities across India require a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution, typically in economics, business, agricultural technology, or business administration to be eligible for the program. There is a wide range of topics and courses covered in the whole program such as supply chain management, marketing, finance, agricultural economics and rural development.

Graduates with this degree are eligible to work for government agencies, non-profit organizations, food processing industries and agriculture companies.

• Many schools and institutions require Master’s Degree candidates to have a business background, whether through education or work experience.

• Students with less experience who want to pursue an M.B.A. (Agriculture) can typically find programs that meet their criteria. Students pursuing an M.B.A. in Agriculture must submit applications, transcripts, and GRE results.

Entrance exams required for MBA in Agriculture

Any particular entrance test is not required for an MBA in Agriculture. The majority of colleges and universities that provide this specialization accept the scores from well-known management admission tests, such as the GMAT, CAT, XAT, CMAT, ATMA and KIITEE. One of the relevant entrance exams needs to be passed by the candidates to be admitted to the program. Group discussions and personal interviews are the next steps. 

Entrance Exam

In India, various entrance examinations are conducted to get admission to top management colleges.

These are as follows:-

• CAT:  CAT is also known as the Common Admission Test and is one of the most popular entrance exams. It is conducted every year in India for admission to Management colleges. Students aspiring for the top management colleges must get a high score in CAT. 

• MAT: MAT stands for Management Aptitude Test and is a standardized test. It is conducted every year to facilitate Business Schools to screen candidates for admission to MBA programs. Over 600 Business schools examine the score attained in MAT to qualify students for admission. 

• GMAT: GMAT is also called as Graduate Management Admission Test. It is an online exam conducted every year by GMAC for students to qualify for admission to MBA programs. It is for universities in India as well as abroad. 

• CMAT: CMAT is also called the Common Management Aptitude Test. It is a national-level examination conducted every year by the NTA. It is the second most common exam taken by students after CAT. 

• XAT: The Xavier School of Management administers the XAT exam which is open to final year students and those with bachelor's degrees.

• Few of the colleges/Universities have criteria that demand at least one year of relevant experience. Experience is important to understand management studies. The individuals can acquire the skills better for their advancement in the future.

• Some entrance exams are conducted on a university basis. Some private universities conduct their entrance exams to qualify students for admission.

Admission Process

The steps that the admission process for an MBA in Agriculture includes are as follows:-

• Students must fulfill the admission criteria which usually includes a bachelor's degree with a minimum passing percentage of at least 50%. 

• Students need to pass entrance exams like CAT, XAT, CMAT, SNAP, GMAT and other private university-based examinations depending on the requirements of different universities. Depending upon the cut-off or the score admissions will be provided in this course. Student's chosen specializations never determine their admission into the MBA programs.

• All invited candidates have to fill up the online or offline admission form and attach all required papers, including their Aadhar card number, proof of address, proof of residency, grade sheets 10, and 12, and graduation grade sheet.

• After clearing the entrance exams needed by the respective universities, students need to appear for the group discussion round and the personal interview round. These rounds are conducted to assess student’s communication skills and problem-solving abilities.  

• The final selection in the universities is based on the overall score that will be calculated depending on the entrance exam score, GD/PI performance and work experience. 

• The results of the entrance exam and interview determine who finally gets admitted into the MBA program in public policy. Colleges may have different degrees of importance assigned to the entrance exam and interview results.

• The students can go through the documents with the institution before paying the costs and can enroll in the classes further.

MBA in Agriculture is a professional graduate degree program offered by various colleges in India and abroad. It is specifically designed to combine business management principles with agricultural practices. MBA in agriculture is equipped with a curriculum that helps students learn about the distribution, marketing, selling, buying and processing of food and fiber, along with associated business ideas to increase the profitability of the firm. Subjects like Agribusiness Environment and Policy, Principles of Management and Organization Behaviour, Agricultural Marketing Management, Rural Marketing and many other subjects 

Organizations offering Job prospects for Graduates in Agriculture

Students and professionals equipped with an MBA in agriculture are always desired across all public and private sectors, majorly in Food production corporations, food industries, agriculture boards, and FMCG organizations. 

• Farming Industries

• Public and Private Sector

• Marketing Industries 

• Retail Industries

• FMCG Companies

• Tea/Coffee Plantation Gardens

• FCI Offices

• Colleges & Universities

• Food Processing Companies

The career options one with this professional degree can choose are:

• Agricultural analyst 

• Agribusiness officer 

• Agribusiness marketing coordinator 

• Farm manager 

• Farm auditor 

• Agricultural finance banking 

• Agribusiness food manager 

• Agribusiness consultant 

• Agricultural economist 

• Supply chain manager

Colleges and universities providing MBA in Agricultural Management

Here is a list of some of the top MBA Agriculture Colleges that offer an MBA in Agriculture. After earning their degree, graduates can seek jobs with reputable Indian and international companies like Agricultural Finance Corporations and State Farms Corporation of India and many others. Some useful information about duration, entrance exam and top universities in the agricultural sector is provided in the table below for the benefit of students who wish to pursue a degree in these fields. 

Colleges with specialisations in PGP/MBA- Food and Agribusiness

The college names mentioned below are the top colleges for an MBA in Information Technology, according to the NIRF Ranking. The table includes government and private colleges. Government college includes IIM Kozhikode with a fee of ₹20.50 lakhs and an average package of ₹31.02. The private colleges mentioned include the GIM-Goa Institute of Management, Goa which has a fee of ₹20.40 Lakhs and offers an average package of ₹14.9 Lakhs per annum. These colleges offer a 2-year PGP/ MBA in Information Technology. It also highlights the fees and average packages of the respective colleges.

Specialised  MBA in Food and Agribusiness- Colleges List

The colleges mentioned below are top private and government colleges, according to NIRF, that provide a specialized 2-year degree in MBA in Agriculture where the curriculum primarily focuses on the agri based management. This includes both government and private institutions. 

Future Scope 

The future scope of an MBA in Agriculture is bright as agriculture and rural economic growth continue to be a priority in India. Challenges like climate change, resource management and the need for stable farming practices are helping to transform the agricultural sector. Graduates with this degree are skilled enough to handle such challenges. These professionals drive innovational transformation in various agricultural sectors. These sectors include agri-business management, supply chain management, rural marketing and food processing. Furthermore, India's growing demand for organic farming, agri-tech solutions, and policy interventions opens up diverse opportunities for MBA graduates. As both government initiatives and private sector investments intensify in this field, graduates can expect roles in agribusiness firms, government agencies and private firms.

Conclusion

An MBA in Agriculture equips an individual with business acumen and agricultural knowledge to take the lead in the fast-changing and growing global agribusiness industry. This specialized degree equips graduates with the tools to address the important issues of food production, resource management, and market dynamics in light of the increasing demand for sustainable farming methods, technology breakthroughs, and effective supply chain management. It positions individuals to drive growth and sustainability in one of the most important industries in the world, by fusing business strategy with agricultural knowledge. This therefore leads to a variety of job prospects in agribusiness management, policy-making, and innovation.