Top ICAR Approved Agriculture Colleges in India: You Need to Know About

Introduction

Do you consider becoming an agriculturist? Know the scoop on how to be successful!

India's economy mainly revolves around agriculture, and there is a dire need for educated minds who could venture into agriculture. When India is confronted with issues such as climatic change, food insecurity, and sustainability in agriculture, noteworthy roles come into perspective for agricultural education. Therefore, it becomes the purpose of this article to mainly focus on the top ICAR Approved colleges for agriculture in India, with special reference to SGT University.

Overview of Agricultural Education in India

Agricultural education in India has been changing from time to time, depending on the demands of the agricultural sector. Hence, modern agricultural education is much broader than in the past and now comprises crop science, animal production, agricultural engineering and technology and agribusiness.

Importance of ICAR Approval

The approval of ICAR has become the hallmark of recognition for agricultural institutions in India. The colleges that have been approved by ICAR offer their programs in accordance with the highest quality standards to provide students with the best education and training in the agriculture field.

Purpose of the Article

This article will help aspiring agricultural students learn about the top ICAR Approved colleges in India, particularly SGT University. What we have aimed to do is give enough information about programs, facilities, and opportunities that exist within the community to help the students make wise decisions on what their academic future in agriculture should be.

What is ICAR?

The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) is an autonomous organization that is functioning under the Department of Agricultural Education (DAE), Ministry of Agriculture, Government of India. It is the national association responsible for organizing, overseeing and regulating the conduct of research and education in agriculture throughout the country.

History and Role of ICAR

16 July 1929. ICAR was established on 16 July 1929 and has immensely contributed towards the growth of agricultural research and education in India. Its primary functions include:

• Ensuring the coordination of agricultural research and education within the country
• Advocacy of higher education in agriculture
• Availing and supporting research that looks at the development of technologies
• Providing exhibits on the implementation of new technologies in the farming sector
• Being an information centre regarding agriculture and other allied sciences

Benefits of Studying in ICAR Approved Colleges

Studying at an ICAR Approved college offers numerous advantages, including:

• Education for professional and academic growth that complies with market trends
• High-quality access to state-of-the-art research facilities
• Training possibilities that will enhance the practical experience
• Greater employment opportunities and promotional chances
• Interprofessional networking with other industry specialists and graduates
• Taking part in national and international agricultural fairs, shows, and competitions

Top ICAR Approved Agriculture Colleges in India

Based on the approval of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research and supported by the government of India, SGT University is ranked among the best agricultural colleges in Gurgaon, Haryana, and Delhi NCR due to its quality education and groundbreaking research in the field of agricultural sciences.

SGT University

SGT University is a best private university in Delhi NCR, Gurugram, and Haryana, that has been ranked highly for its focus on delivering quality education and research with an emphasis on agricultural sciences.

Faculty of Agricultural Sciences (FASC) at SGT University

The Faculty of Agricultural Sciences (FASC) at SGT University aims to deliver quality education and research facilities in the field of agriculture and allied sciences. With well-equipped laboratories and proficient teaching staff, FASC will train competent candidates to face the issues facing the agricultural sector.

The first ICAR-Accredited private university in Delhi NCR & Haryana

It is worth mentioning that SGT University is the first ICAR-accredited private university in the Delhi NCR region and in Haryana. This accomplishment adds to the institution's leadership in standards of agriculture education and research.

Specialized Agriculture Programs and Courses

FASC at SGT University provides various specialized Agriculture programmes and courses to fulfil the requirements of the agricultural sector.

Undergraduate Agriculture Programs

• B.Sc. (Hons.) Agriculture: The BSc Hons Agriculture Course offered by SGT University is an undergraduate course that takes four years to complete, and it equips the students with adequate field knowledge to enable them to work with confidence in their respective areas of specialisation. The BSc Hons Agriculture Syllabus is designed to capture and address all the fundamental aspects of agriculture.

Postgraduate Agriculture Programs

• M.Sc. (Ag.) (Agronomy): The M. Sc. incredible Agronomy course offered at SGT University tells you about the agricultural industry and how to become an agricultural rockstar. It covers Crop Physiology, Plant Breeding, Soil Science, Integrated Pest Management, Precision Agriculture and Environmental Sustainability.
• M.Sc. (Ag.) (Plant Pathology): Provides students with a sophisticated understanding and practical experience of plant diseases and their control measures. You should consider joining this programme if you have a passion for plant health and wish to have a job of becoming a plant disease detective!
• M.Sc. (Ag.) (Genetics and Plant Breeding): Wish to shine and be the best in your domain? SGT University's Master of Science in Genetics & Plant Breeding can make this happen! Suitable for aspiring plant scientists ready to take charge of creating innovative varieties of crops, this detailed MSc course delivers practical exposure to plant genetic makeup and breeding.
• M.Sc. (Ag.) (Soil Science & Agricultural Chemistry): Imagine people believing that dirt cannot be fun to play with. Think again! This program will not just be a rote-learning situation where you are merely fed information to go on and regurgitate. Soon, you'll be in a lab, in the field, and on your fingers and toes, working on real-life projects to discover how soil properties, chemicals, and various farming practices interrelate.
• M.Sc. (Ag.) (Agricultural Extension and Communication): Your stepping stone to a career that links the dots on what is hot in agriculture research and what happens in farm country. This is about aiming to become an extension whiz, a communication guru, and a spokesperson for rural development in parallel with one another.
• M.Sc. (Ag.) (Agricultural Economics): Your opportunity to be a farm-to-fork superstar! We are discussing a way to apply economics in everything related to agriculture -- from the ground up to the plate. Just imagine you are using all your knowledge in economics to find solutions to actual business problems in agriculture, ensuring food security and the development of a better world.
• M.Sc. (Ag.) (Horticulture Fruit Science): Will be of immense benefit to students who wants to have an added advantage in production of fruits and fruits crops, post-harvest handling and breeding of fruits crops. This course is hands-on whereby the students acquire the knowledge as well as the skills that can enable them to work in the horticulture fruit industry, research stations or the extension services.
• M.Sc (Ag.) (Horticulture Vegetable Science): Offers learning in the technological advancements in vegetable science, e.g., modern methods of cultivation, protected cultivation, precision farming, post-harvest technology, and biotechnological applications in vegetable crops. In specialised units, students develop an understanding of vegetable physiology, genetics and breeding, seed production and integrated pest and disease management.
• M.Sc. (Ag.) (Entomology): Meant to prepare people who are interested in the area of insect science and its application in agriculture. It enhances their understanding of pest management strategies that are environmentally friendly as well as their expertise on how best they can utilize insects within farming systems in order to ensure food security.
• MBA (Agri-business): Master general business concepts in addition to agricultural-related courses, and secure top managerial positions in agribusiness-related industries, food processing companies and agricultural policy-making organizations.

Doctoral Programs in Agriculture

• Doctor of Philosophy (Agriculture Science) (Agronomy): The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Agronomy at SGT University is a high-level agricultural sciences research program geared towards those students desiring to undertake the latest in agricultural research. It is an in-depth program focusing on crop production, soil management and sustainable agricultural practices.
• Doctor of Philosophy (Agriculture Science) (Horticulture): The PhD in Horticulture program has the objective of developing competent researchers and faculty members in horticulture. The PhD Horticulture course entails intensive training in many areas of horticulture such as plant breeding, production, growth control and stress control.
• Doctor of Philosophy (Agriculture Science) (Genetics & Plant Breeding): PhD Genetics and Plant Breeding program is designed to produce professional geneticists and plant breeders for agricultural research, the plant breeding industry, the seed industry and academics.
• Doctor of Philosophy (Agriculture Science) (Soil Science): It deals with the agricultural sciences with an emphasis on Soil Science and the use of chemistry principles in agriculture. The PhD in Soil Science and Agriculture Chemistry at SGT University is aimed at presenting the students with the most recent information in the sphere of soil science and agricultural chemistry as well as offering the students the possibility to participate in research in the sphere.

Research and Development

New ideas and innovations are core to the agriculture programs at SGT University, because the university aims at training students to solve problems that affect the sector. The following externally funded projects are awarded to the faculty:

• Identification of the candidate gene(s) for grain yield under drought by fine mapping of a major QTL on wheat chromosome 7B and its transfer into a popular high-yielding variety of wheat by the Department of Science and Technology, Govt. of India (INR 30.0 lakhs).
• Establishment of a static soil testing laboratory under the National Soil Health Mission by the Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Govt. of India, and Govt. of Haryana (INR 75.0 lakhs).
• Establishment of an herbal garden at SGT University by the State Medicinal Plant Board, Haryana (Rs. 8.40 lakhs).

Major Research Areas

• Crop improvement and biotechnology
• Sustainable agriculture and organic farming
• Precision agriculture and smart farming technologies
• Climate-resilient agriculture
• Post-harvest technology and food processing

Collaborations and Partnerships

SGT University has also secured linkages with most of the premier national and international research colleges/agricultural universities, which can provide students with exposure and research associations.

Student Involvement in Research

Involvement of students in research at FASC implies that learners engage in practical work that seeks to address emerging issues in the management and application of agricultural technology.

Campus Facilities and Infrastructure

The faculty provides globally competitive infrastructure for teaching and research, including instructional farmland of more than 30 ha, modern digital interactive classrooms, equipped laboratories of all agricultural subjects and controlled facilities, a unique cafeteria of floriculture and vegetables, medicinal and aromatic plants, and field crops in the house experiential modules of skill and entrepreneurship development.

Laboratories and Research Centers

• Soil testing laboratory
• Plant biotechnology lab
• Entomology and plant pathology lab
• Food processing laboratory
• Agricultural engineering workshop

Library Resources

The library of the university contains large numbers of books, journals and electronic resources that are relevant to the field of agriculture and allied science.

Hostels and Accommodation

Accommodation for the students is made quite comfortable and secure for both male and female students with modern facilities conducive to learning.

Sports and Extracurricular Activities

SGT University similarly has many sports facilities available for the students and has encouraged the participation of students in co-curricular and extracurricular activities.

Admission Process

Like any other institution of higher learning, admission to SGT University's agricultural programs is aimed at identifying talented students.

Eligibility Criteria

• For UG programs: 10+2 (Science) Mathematics / Physics / Chemistry / Biology
• For PG programs: Relevant bachelor's degree such as bachelor's degree in agriculture sciences.
• For Ph. D. programs: A Master's degree in the relevant field of the industry/organization/sector.

Entrance Examinations

Some of the courses may require students to write university level or some standard tests like ICAR AIEEA.

Application Procedure

Those who wish to apply can either go online to the university website or go directly to the admission office.

Important Dates

The university publicizes the dates for application submission, entrance exams, and counselling sessions through the website and other related media platforms.

Scholarships and Financial Aid

As a matter of fact, SGT University provides many scholarships that are available for deserving and worthy students.

Government Scholarships

Students can apply for government scholarships such as the National Talent Scholarship and other scholarships depending on the state.

Institutional Scholarships

The Faculty of Agriculture Science offers scholarships for its BSc (Hons.) Agriculture program, based on a student's performance in their Class 12 exams:

• 60-75% marks: 25%
• 75-90%: 50%
• 90-100%: 100%*

*These figures are not absolute, and there are other conditions that students will have to meet.

External Scholarships

Students also have an opportunity to apply for external sponsors and scholastic organizations and foundations which provide scholarships.

Career Opportunities

An SGT University agricultural graduate has the ability to take a wide range of employment positions in different fields.

Agriculture Government Jobs

• Agricultural Officers
• Research Scientists in ICAR institutes
• Extension Officers
• Soil Conservation Officers

Agriculture Private Sector Opportunities

• Agribusiness Management
• Seed and Fertilizer Companies
• Food Processing Industries
• Agricultural Consultancy Firms

Entrepreneurial Ventures

Those students who are interested in business are encouraged to go for business ventures such as organic farming, agri-tech entrepreneurship, and value-added agriculture.

Higher Education and Research Opportunities

Graduates can undertake postgraduate studies and research in India and in other countries to further their knowledge in agricultural science.

Alumni Network and Success Stories

SGT University is proud of its alumni base and the achievements of graduates in the sphere of agriculture.

Notable Alumni

In this perspective, the university celebrates its renowned alumni who have impacted the potential of the agricultural industry in a positive way.

Alumni Achievements

SGT University often shares information regarding its alumni's professional growth and research findings.

Networking Opportunities

The university encourages alumni meetings and industry interactions, ensuring that current students have networking opportunities.

Summary

SGT University is one of the best universities for agriculture education in India. It offers programs approved by ICAR, is equipped with modern amenities, and offers great employment opportunities for its students.

Key Takeaways

• ICAR approval ensures high-quality education and research opportunities
• SGT University offers a wide range of specialized agricultural programs
• Strong focus on research and practical learning experiences
• Excellent infrastructure and modern facilities
• Diverse career opportunities for graduates

Importance of Choosing the Right College

Selecting the right college to study agriculture is an important thing that forms the basis of the right career. Therefore, taking into account the programs, accreditation, and conception of training, it becomes possible to state that SGT University is a perfect place for those students who aim to achieve the status of agricultural specialists.

Conclusion: Future of Agricultural Education in India

While India still struggles with favourable and unfavourable experiences in the agriculture sector, the role of agricultural colleges such as SGT University cannot be overemphasized. In incorporating the best practices of the past generation as well as adopting new technologies and practicing sustainable agriculture, these institutions are nurturing the leaders of the future for this sector.

Key Points:

• SGT University is among the top ICAR approved colleges for agriculture education in India, offering a wide range of programs in agricultural sciences.
• As one of the best agricultural colleges in Gurgaon, Haryana, and Delhi NCR, SGT University provides high-quality education and groundbreaking research opportunities.
• SGT University is the first ICAR-accredited private university in Delhi NCR and Haryana, establishing its leadership in agricultural education standards.
• The Faculty of Agricultural Sciences (FASC) at SGT University offers specialized programs including BSc Agriculture, MSc Agriculture, and PhD Agriculture courses.
• SGT University's agricultural programs cover diverse fields such as agribusiness, horticulture, plant breeding, and soil science, ensuring comprehensive education.
• As a leading institution for agricultural research, SGT University has secured externally funded projects and collaborations with premier national and international universities.
• The university boasts state-of-the-art facilities for agricultural studies, including well-equipped laboratories, research centers, and instructional farmland spanning over 30 hectares.
• SGT University offers various scholarships for deserving students in its agricultural programs, making quality education accessible to talented individuals.
• Graduates from SGT University's agricultural programs have diverse career opportunities in government, private sector, and entrepreneurial ventures.
• As one of the best private universities in Delhi NCR, Gurgaon, and Haryana, SGT University is nurturing future leaders in sustainable agriculture and contributing to India's agricultural development.