Agronomy

What is Agronomy?

Agronomy comes from the Greek word “Agro” meaning field and “Nomo” meaning management. It is quite understandable from the name itself what agronomy is. Agronomy is the science and technology of effective crop plant growth and management, as well as their use for fruit, heat, feed, and fibre. Sunflower, corn, barley, sugar cane, peanuts, cotton, potatoes, and forage are some examples of these crops. Biology, chemistry, geography, earth science, and genetics are all studied and applied in agronomy.  If you are interested in plants or farming, becoming an agronomist could be a rewarding career choice for you.

Scope of Agronomy in Pakistan

Pakistan has rich and vast natural resources, covering various ecological and climatic zones; therefore the country has great potential for producing all types of food commodities. Agriculture has an important direct and indirect role in generating economic growth. Agronomists do a lot of different things, but their role is best summed up as a “crop doctor”.  They are concerned with crop health and well-being. It is a science that helps to feed the world. They are well-versed in chemistry, biology, economics, soil science, ecology, and genetics, among other subjects. In addition to field jobs, there are both office jobs and management jobs in the field of agronomy.

Nature of Work: What do Agronomists do?

Agronomists are scientists who are well-trained in studying, caring for and researching crops

  • Critically examine crops to determine how to fight diseases, nurture growth and improve quality.
  • Intercessors for farmers and agricultural researchers.
  • Create and incorporate production systems that maximize efficiency while minimizing environmental impact.
  • Apply soil and plant science expertise to crop production to address some of humanity's most pressing problems, such as the sufficient production and availability of nutritional food, feed, fiber, energy, and even pharmaceutical crops by the intelligent use of natural resources and conservation practices.
  • Assist farmers in making better use of their land and suggesting ways to boost yields.
  •  Assist in resolving or avoiding soil and crop issues.
  • An agronomist is responsible for selecting the right crop and implementing the best harvesting techniques to achieve the highest quality crop yield.
  • Other responsibilities include field preparation and seed planting, irrigation, protection of the harvests and ranking of the crops.

How to become an agronomist

To work as an agronomist, you must first obtain a bachelor's degree from an accredited institute.  Agricultural science and agronomy degree are available at several educational institutions, but a degree in a related science such as biology, chemistry, or physics can also qualify you for an Agronomist job. Many agronomists even have a master's or doctoral degree.

BS degree programs that can help you find a job as an agronomist are as following:

Most agronomists begin their careers by interning in an area they are interested in. This gives first-hand knowledge, which is very useful for entry-level agronomists.

Admission Requirements: FSc. Pre-medical (Bio-Chem-Phy) or Equivalence if other than FSc (A’Level etc..) with 50% marks

Best universities offering agronomy in Pakistan

Agronomy is mostly offered as a specialization in BS Hons Agriculture Program. A few universities offer Agronomy as a separate discipline. However, in both the cases, the scope, and future prospects are the same. Here is a list of the top universities offering Agronomy

  • University Of Agriculture Faisalabad
  • The Islamia University Of Bahawalpur
  •  Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan
  • Pir Mahar Ali Shah Arid Agriculture University, Rawalpindi
  • The University Of Agriculture, Peshawar
  • Sindh Agriculture University Tando Jam
  • Gomal University, D.I. Khan
  • Lasbela University Of Agriculture, Water And Marine Sciences, Uthal
  •  Muhammad Nawaz Sharif University Of Agriculture
  • University Of Sargodha

Qualities Required

  • Be able to communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
  • Interest towards nature and physical stamina are two most important qualities that one should have as one has to work in farms, fields and forests.
  • An understanding of basic business principles
  •  Ability to apply statistical techniques
  •  Ability to use computers to analyze data and to control biological and chemical processing.

Agronomy Job market

Depending on the nature of their work, agronomists can work in a number of environments. They can observe plant life in the field - on farms or in greenhouses - or conduct experiments in agricultural laboratories. Traveling to farms or food processing mills can be needed on occasion, exposing them to outdoor dangers and heavy machinery.

Agronomists are employed by

  • Agricultural business entrepreneurs
  • Fertilizer and pesticide companies
  • Universities and agricultural development companies
  • Government departments
  • Research laboratories
  • Customer-oriented agribusiness firms
  • Numerous agronomy graduates are also involved in the sale of agricultural products

 


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