M. Tech in Agricultural Engineering is a 2-year postgraduate program. This program focuses on the theories and techniques applied in the agriculture sector for better productivity of crops. This course consists one of the main branches of agricultural engineering like Agricultural Process and Food Engineering, Farm Machinery and Power Engineering, Irrigation and Drainage Engineering and Soil Water Conservation Engineering. M. Tech in Agriculture Engineering programme emphasises on the innovative methods for more profitable and efficient farming. The main objective of this programme is to yield crops in a systematic and coherent manner for making cost-effective production.
The application of both streams in agriculture does not enhance productivity only but solve the issues raised in the agriculture sector as well. In short, this course focuses on the technique implied to solve problems arising in the field of agriculture. The approximate course fee varies between INR 30,000 and INR 75,000 per annum. After completing this course successfully, students are able to find well-paying jobs in private and government sectors. M. Tech in Agriculture Engineering candidates can get the job in agriculture departments of different state governments. Apart from these, there are other governments sectors where they can get the job like Food Department, Research Department, Dairy Boards, Government Colleges, etc. The average salary for fresh postgraduates in Agriculture Engineering is INR 1.5 Lakhs to INR 3 Lakhs.
There are a number of colleges in India, which offer M. Tech in Agriculture Engineering course. Some of the top engineering colleges that offer this demanding course are listed below:
M. Tech in Agriculture Engineering is a professional course, which requires some essential skills and capabilities on part of the student. Some of them are mentioned below:
M. Tech in Agriculture Engineering course ideal for those who have the knowledge of product engineering and equipment research and designing.
The minimum eligibility criterion for this course is B. Tech in Agriculture Engineering. The Duration of the course is 2 years, which comprises of 4 semesters. Some of the reputed organisations conduct entrance examination for admission in M. Tech in Agriculture Engineering.
A handful of colleges take direct admission on the basis of marks scored by them in B. Tech in Agriculture Engineering and their performance in personal interview. Generally, admission in this course happens through GATE score. The admission to M. Tech in Agriculture Engineering goes through three stages, i.e. Entrance test, Group Discussion/ Personal Interview and Admission/ Counselling.
M. Tech in Agriculture Engineering has many specialisations, including Agricultural Process and Food Engineering, Farm Machinery and Power Engineering, Irrigation and Drainage Engineering, and Soil Water Conservation Engineering, under the professional postgraduate course.
M. Tech in Agriculture Engineering with the specialisation Agriculture Process and Food Engineering is a combined study of different disciplines like Microbiology, Science, and engineering for food and allied industries. Under this specialisation, students learn how to process food, manufacture ingredients, etc. In addition, students learn how to develop technology that could be used in crop production, irrigation and dairy engineering, etc effectively. During the course, students learn how to refrigerate food, irrigate, and produce the crop. Among Agriculture Engineering students, the demand of this specialisation has been on the rise due to increasing number of consumers in India.
Those who have completed M. Tech in Agriculture Engineering with the Agriculture Process and Food Engineering specialisation can work in various government departments at the state and national level. They are entitled to many job responsibilities related to agriculture activities. The engineers specialised under this domain implement new technology in production. They have to save crops during sorting and packaging. They are also responsible for maximising efficiency, sustainability and reliability of food and fibre in the context of Indian Economy.
M. Tech in Agriculture Engineering with Farm Machinery and Power Engineering specialisation includes many subjects like mechanical, biological and electronic principal to solve problems arising in the food production and processing. Under this specialisation, students learn how to save crops from damage and the automation of farm machinery. During the course, students gain practical knowledge for implementing efficient farm machinery in the field.
There are a number of jobs available in agriculture sectors, universities, dairy farm, forestry departments and soil and water-pollution control boards for students with Farm Machinery and Power Engineering specialisation. The job positions available for candidates with this postgraduate degree include an executive assistant, laboratory assistant, research associate, product manager, lecturer, professor and agricultural inspector/specialist.
M. Tech in Agriculture Engineering with Irrigation and Drainage Engineering specialisation includes topics related to the improvement of soil and water resource. Under this domain, students study irrigation methods and improvement of existing design. They also acquire the knowledge of making structures for conserving water and soil resources. They are also trained practically and theoretically in developing irrigation equipment.
The candidate after completing the postgraduate course with Irrigation and Drainage Engineering specialisation find ample job opportunities in public and government sectors, universities, research organisations, water board departments, agriculture land development etc. The job profiles for Agriculture Engineering postgraduates include product manager, research associate, sales manager, business development officer, sales manager, audit executive, planning officer, etc.
M. Tech in Agriculture Engineering with specialisation in Soil Water Conservation Engineering focuses on how to manage soil and water conservation. During the course, students learn about how to control flood, conserve soil from erosion, develop water resource and conserve moisture. In addition, they learn about many issues like rural water supply, disposal of solid and liquid waste into water, conservation of natural resources, etc. This course primarily trains students in using water and soil efficiently and economically.
There are ample of job opportunities after completing this postgraduate course successfully. The jobs available for Agriculture Engineering candidates include soil conservation officer, Lecturer, soil scientists, conservation officer, researcher, farm technician, professor, hydrologist, and so on. The job profile of a hydrologist is to test PH value of soil and analyse the data on problems like erosion, drought, and pollution.