The classic dilemma of whether to choose medical or engineering after HSC or O Level exams is never ending. When students from science stream fail to achieve either of them or do not want to pursue these two streams in the first place, they find themselves in a compromising position.
Agriculture universities could be the unique and unconventional solution. Being an agricultural country Bangladesh holds unbound potential for those who want to work in this field.
Agriculture now is not only confined to the traditional level, it has diversified and opened many career paths. It is not backdated, rather a wise decision to choose agriculture related subjects for undergraduate studies.
After passing HSC or equivalent exams, students from science background can sit for the admission test to enroll in any agricultural university. The admission test question is mostly similar to the medical admission test (MAT) questions. The curriculum at these institutions is designed to prepare students for both research and practical application.
In recent years, there has been a push towards incorporating modern technologies into the classroom and fieldwork, such as precision farming, biotechnology, and sustainable agricultural practices. There are many reputed public agricultural universities in our country. Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Agricultural University (Gazipur), Bangladesh Agricultural University (Mymensingh), Patuakhali Science and Technology University (Patuakhali), and Sher-E-Bangla Agricultural University (Dhaka) are some of the best institutes to pursue higher studies. There are many other colleges which also offer agriculture as an undergraduate programme.
The subjects that agricultural universities and colleges offer are diversified. Agricultural universities and colleges provide a diversified range of disciplines. The Department of Agronomy focusses on the practical parts of agriculture that includes crop management and hands-on fieldwork. The Department of Soil Science studies soil composition and its significance in agriculture. The Department of Entomology provides insights into the biology and influence of insects on crops. In today’s technology-driven world, the Department of Genetics & Plant Breeding stands out for pioneering contemporary breeding approaches to boost crop resilience and productivity. Finally, the Department of Agricultural Extension Education is extremely competitive, with students eager to secure a spot due to its emphasis on bridging the gap between agricultural research and practical application. Each of these fields enables students to tailor their study to their specific interests and career goals.
These subjects make students equipped with knowledge to face the new challenges in the agricultural field and take it to a new height. There are plenty of job opportunities for an agriculture graduate both in government and private job sectors. Also, there is much scope of research.
Anyone who wants to become a successful farmer or plans to aid this sector with knowledge and research would immensely benefit from choosing Agriculture studies as their undergraduate programme.