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MBA in Agriculture: Admission 2024, Syllabus, Colleges, Fees, Eligibility, Salary, Scope

Course

Simran Kaur

Updated on 11th December, 2023 , 13 min read

The full form of MBA in Agriculture is Master of Business Administration in Agriculture. It is a two-year postgraduate course. An MBA in Agriculture, also known as an MBA in Agribusiness or Agricultural Business Management, is a specialized master's degree program that focuses on the application of business principles and management techniques to the agricultural sector.

The admission into this course is done after students clear an entrance exam, followed by a group discussion and personal interview. MBA in Agriculture entrance exam includes CAT, MAT, XAT, CMAT, NMAT and SNAP.

MBA in Agriculture eligibility is a bachelor’s degree with a minimum of 50-55% marks from fields such as agriculture, agribusiness, agricultural engineering, or a related discipline. 

Must Read: BSc Agriculture

MBA in Agriculture fees is INR 3 – 8 Lakhs. Some of the top MBA in Agriculture colleges in India are Lovely Professional UniversityNational Institute of Agricultural Extension Management, AKS University, and Chandra Shekhar Azad University Of Agriculture & Technology among others.

MBA in Agriculture syllabus includes topics on Agricultural Economics, Agribusiness Management, Rural Marketing, Agricultural Finance, Agripreneurship, Agricultural Risk Management and Crop and Livestock Management.

MBA in Agriculture jobs include Agribusiness Manager, Agricultural Marketing Manager, Supply Chain Manager, Agricultural Loan Officer, Commodity Trader, Agricultural Policy Analyst, Agricultural Research Manager and Food Processing Manager. MBA in Agriculture salary ranges from INR 2 – 10 LPA.

Some of the top recruiters for this course are Adani Agri Fresh Limited, Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Deloitte, Nestlé India, Hindustan Unilever Limited, Britannia Industries Limited, and Mahindra Agribusiness.

MBA in Agriculture scope includes further studies such as PhD in Agriculture Management, MTech Agricultural Engineering, Master of International Business, Master of International Affairs, Master of Environmental Management, MSc in Food Technology, and MSc in Agribusiness.

All about MBA: 

MBA in Agriculture: Course Highlights 

MBA-in-Agriculture

Details

Particulars

Course Name

MBA in Agriculture

Course Level

Postgraduate

Course Full Form

Master of Business Administration in Agriculture

Course Duration

2 Years

Course Types

Full time/Distance Education

Admission Process

Merit and Entrance Based

Eligibility Criteria

Bachelor’s degree with a minimum of 50-55% marks from fields  such as agriculture, agribusiness, agricultural engineering, or a related discipline.

Entrance Exams

CAT, MAT, XAT, CMAT, NMAT and SNAP.

Course Fees

INR 3 – 8 LPA

Top Colleges

Lovely Professional UniversityNational Institute of Agricultural Extension Management, AKS University, and Chandra Shekhar Azad University Of Agriculture & Technology among others.

Average Salary in India

INR 2 – 10 LPA

Syllabus

Agricultural Economics, Agribusiness Management, Rural Marketing, Agricultural Finance, Agripreneurship, Agricultural Risk Management and Crop and Livestock Management.

Scope

PhD in Agriculture Management, MTech Agricultural Engineering, Master of International Business, Master of International Affairs, Master of Environmental Management, MSc in Food Technology, and MSc in Agribusiness.

Job Profiles

Agribusiness Manager, Agricultural Marketing Manager, Supply Chain Manager, Agricultural Loan Officer, Commodity Trader, Agricultural Policy Analyst, Agricultural Research Manager and Food Processing Manager.

Top Recruiters

Adani Agri Fresh Limited, Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Deloitte, Nestlé India, Hindustan Unilever Limited, Britannia Industries Limited, and Mahindra Agribusiness.

More MBA Courses: 

MBA International Business

MBA Finance

MBA Hotel Management

MBA Banking and Finance

MBA Business Analytics

MBA Aviation Management

MBA Digital Marketing

MBA Biotechnology

MBA Data Science

MBA Agriculture

MBA General Management

MBA Event Management

Executive MBA

MBA Agriculture

What is MBA in Agriculture?

An MBA in Agriculture is a specialized Master of Business Administration program that focuses on the management and business aspects of the agriculture industry. This program is designed to provide students with a combination of business skills and in-depth knowledge of the agricultural sector. It prepares individuals for leadership roles within the agricultural and agribusiness industries.

Must Read: Top MBA in Agriculture Colleges in India 

Why pursue MBA in Agriculture?

  • Diverse Career Opportunities: MBA in Agriculture opens doors to a wide range of career opportunities such as agribusiness management, agricultural finance, supply chain management, agricultural marketing, rural development, and more.
  • Agricultural Expertise: An MBA in Agriculture blends essential business management skills with specialized knowledge of the agriculture industry which provides in-depth insights into the complexities of agricultural management and agribusiness.
  • Entrepreneurial Opportunities: If one aspires to start your own agricultural business or venture, an MBA in Agriculture equips you with the entrepreneurial skills and industry knowledge needed to succeed.
  • Global Challenges: The agriculture sector plays a crucial role in addressing global challenges such as food security, climate change, and sustainable resource management. 
  • Growing Industry: Agriculture is a vital industry that is continuously evolving and is in demand to meet the world's food and sustainability needs.

Related Article: Agriculture Courses after 12th 

Who Should pursue MBA in Agriculture?

MBA in Agriculture is the perfect course for people who are passionate about agriculture and management. However, it might be a good fit for the following potential candidates:

  • Bachelor’s degree with a minimum of 50-55% marks from fields such as agriculture, agribusiness, agricultural engineering, or a related discipline.
  • If one has a genuine passion for agriculture, farming, or the agribusiness industry.
  • Existing farmers or individuals who come from a farming background can benefit from an MBA in Agriculture.
  • Aspiring agricultural entrepreneurs who want to start their own farming ventures, agribusinesses, or agricultural technology startups. 

Further Reading: Diploma in Agriculture

MBA in Agriculture: Course Duration

The duration of MBA in Agriculture in India is 2 years, which is divided into 4 semesters. However, the exact duration may vary depending on the university or institution offering the course. MBA in Agriculture distance education programs may have a longer duration, up to 5 years, compared to the regular full-time course.

Must Read: How to Become a Food Safety Officer in India? 

MBA in Agriculture: Course Types 

MBA in Agriculture is offered to students in two modes that can be pursued full-time or via distance education.  

  • MBA in Agriculture Full-time: Regular MBA in Agriculture programs are courses that are typically completed within a duration of two years. This program involves attending classes, fieldwork, and research projects. Full-time courses often provide a more immersive learning experience and are ideal for individuals who want to pursue a career in the event industry and take on leadership roles. 
  • MBA in Agriculture Distance Education: This option is available for students who cannot pursue this course on a full-time basis due to personal or professional commitments and require flexibility in choosing their study time. Distance learning programs utilize online platforms, study materials, and virtual interactions to deliver course content. Students can access lectures, submit assignments, and participate in discussions remotely.

Further Reading: MBA in IGNOU

MBA in Agriculture: Fees

MBA in Agriculture in India normally costs anywhere between INR 3 – 8 LPA. Depending on the university, college, and region, different MBA in Agriculture programs may have different costs. Given below is an overview of the fees for this course. 

  • Government Colleges/Universities: In comparison to private colleges, the cost of an MBA in Agriculture at government institutions is significantly lower. The annual fees for students in the general category might be anywhere from INR 20,000 – 2 Lakhs per year. 
  • Private Colleges/Universities: The fee in a private institution is generally higher and can also vary depending on the college's standing and location. The costs typically range from INR 1 - 5 Lakhs or more.

Note: Students in the reserved categories (SC/ST/OBC/EWS) may pay less in tuition or be eligible for fee exemptions or grants in both government and private institutions.

Read more: IIM Ahmedabad MBA Course & Fee Structure 

MBA in Agriculture: Colleges

MBA-in-Agriculture-Fees

Given below is a list of the top colleges that offer MBA in Agriculture in India along with their fees:

Name of the College/University

Location

Average Annual Fees

College of Agri-Business Management

Pant Nagar

INR 3 LPA

International Agri-Business Management Institute

Gujarat

INR 5 LPA

National Institute of Agriculture Extension Management

Hyderabad

INR 5 LPA

Indian Institute of Management

Lucknow

INR 7 LPA

Symbiosis Institute of International Business

Maharashtra

INR 6 LPA

Institute of Agri-Business Management

Bikaner

INR 3 LPA

Indian Institute of Management

Ahmedabad

INR 10 LPA

MBA in Agriculture: Colleges in India

Given below are the Top MBA Colleges in Indiastate-wise and city-wise: 

Top MBA Colleges in India (State-wise)

Top MBA Colleges in India (City-wise)

Top MBA Colleges in Haryana

Top MBA Colleges in Delhi

Top MBA Colleges in Uttar Pradesh

Top MBA Colleges in Mumbai

Top MBA Colleges in Maharashtra

Top MBA Colleges in Chennai

Top MBA Colleges in Tamil Nadu

Top MBA Colleges in Bangalore

Top MBA Colleges in Punjab

Top MBA Colleges in Pune

Top MBA Colleges in West Bengal

Top MBA Colleges in Hyderabad

Top MBA Colleges in Kerala

Top MBA Colleges in Kolkata

Top MBA Colleges in Rajasthan

Top MBA Colleges in Lucknow

MBA in Agriculture: Admission Process

It is highly recommended that aspirants score well in their undergraduate examinations and prepare well for the entrance exam. Given below is an overview of the admission process for MBA in Agriculture: 

  • An aspirant should score more than 50-55% marks in their undergraduate examinations to be applicable for MBA in Agriculture.
  • Apply to the desired college through their official website or by physically visiting the institution and filling out the application form.
  • Make sure to check the eligibility criteria and have all the required documents (10th and 12th Certificates, Undergraduate degree, Aadhar Card, Photographs etc.) in hand.  
  • Once the form is complete, the candidate will be asked to pay a minimal amount of application fee. 
  • The University may conduct CAT, MAT, XAT, CMAT, NMAT and SNAP etc, or any state/national level entrance exam which the candidate must clear.
  • It is advised to check the website regularly for updates on the admit card, entrance exam and entrance exam syllabus. 
  • Admit cards will be issued to all the eligible students which will have important information such as the date of the examination, examination center, and timings. 
  • The college/university will then publish lists according to their cutoff and seat availability. 
  • Some Universities may conduct a Group Discussion followed by a Personal Interview to filter potential students. 
  • If selected, a candidate should pay the course fee as soon as possible and attend the orientation/counseling organized by the college for further information.

Also Read: MBA List of Group Discussion Topics Do’s & Don’t & Tips

MBA in Agriculture: Eligibility 

MBA-in-Agriculture-Eligibility

  • Bachelor’s degree with a minimum of 50-55% marks from fields such as agriculture, agribusiness, agricultural engineering, or a related discipline.
  • Some MBA in Agriculture programs may prefer candidates with relevant work experience in the events industry or related fields. 
  • Aspirants have to clear an entrance exam (CAT, MAT, XAT, CMAT, NMAT and SNAP) to be eligible for MBA in Agriculture.
  • Finally, candidates may be called for a personal interview or group discussion round as part of the selection process. 

MBA in Agriculture: Entrance Exams

MBA in Agriculture entrance exam in India is often composed of multiple-choice questions (MCQs) that test the candidates' Quantitative Aptitude, Verbal Ability, Logical Reasoning, and Data Interpretation and normally lasts 2-3 hours, with the total amount of questions and marks varying depending on the institution. In some colleges or institutions, there might be negative markings as well.

Given below are the details of some of the entrance exams conducted by various universities along with their details: 

Entrance Exam

Registration Dates

Exam Dates

CAT

Aug 2nd, 2023

November 26, 2023

MAT

July 10th, 2023

Aug 29th – Sept 17th, 2023

NMAT

Aug 1st, 2023

Oct 10 – Dec 19, 2023

CMAT

Dec 15th, 2023

March 24th, 2024

SNAP

Aug 14,2023

Dec 9th,

XAT

July 15, 2023

Jan 7th, 2024

TISSNET

Dec 14, 2023

Feb 15th, 2024

MBA in Agriculture: Entrance Exam Syllabus

MBA in Agriculture entrance exam syllabus may vary slightly depending on the college or university. However, here are some common topics that are usually included in the exam:

Subjects

Topics

Agricultural Subjects

 

Agricultural Economics, Agronomy, Horticulture, Animal Husbandry, Agricultural Engineering, Agricultural Extension, Agricultural Marketing and Crop Protection.

Quantitative Aptitude

 

Arithmetic, Geometry, Number Systems, Percentage, Profit and Loss, Time and Work, Time-Speed-Distance.

Verbal Ability

Reading Comprehension, Grammar, Vocabulary, Sentence Correction, Para-Jumbles, etc.

Logical Reasoning

 

Puzzles, Seating Arrangements, Syllogisms, Analogies, Coding-Decoding, Data Sufficiency, etc.

Data Interpretation

Data from charts, graphs, and tables.

General Awareness

 

General Knowledge, current affairs, and business-related.

Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA)

Write Essays on given topics to demonstrate their analytical and writing skills.

MBA in Agriculture: Subjects 

An overview of the common topics covered in an MBA in Agriculture is provided below:

Subjects

Topics

Core Business Subjects

Financial Management

Marketing Management

Human Resource Management

Operations Management

Organizational Behaviour

Business Ethics and Corporate Governance

Strategic Management

Managerial Economics

Quantitative Techniques for Management

Management Information Systems

Agricultural Subjects

Agricultural Economics

Agronomy and Crop Production

Horticulture

Animal Husbandry and Dairy Management

Agricultural Extension and Communication

Agricultural Marketing and Agribusiness Management

Soil Science and Conservation

Agricultural Finance and Risk Management

Post-Harvest Technology and Food Processing

Agricultural Policy and Planning

Sustainable Agriculture and Environmental Management

Finance and Accounting

Financial Accounting

Cost Accounting

Management Accounting

Financial Analysis and Reporting

Investment Management

Marketing and Sales

Consumer Behaviour

Brand Management

Market Research and Analysis

Rural and Agricultural Marketing

Sales Management

Operations and Supply Chain Management

Production and Operations Management

Supply Chain Management

Quality Management

Inventory Management

Human Resource Management

Recruitment and Selection

Performance Management

Compensation and Benefits

Labor Laws and Industrial Relations

Entrepreneurship and Innovation

Entrepreneurship Development

New Product Development

Business Innovation

Business Research and Analytics

Business Research Methods

Data Analytics and Decision Making

International Business

International Trade and Finance

Global Marketing

International Business Strategy

Information Technology in Agriculture

Agricultural Information Systems

E-Agriculture and ICT in Agriculture

Business Communication

Business Communication Skills

Business Writing and Presentation

Must Read: BSc Agriculture Syllabus & Subjects 

MBA in Agriculture: Syllabus 

MBA in Agriculture syllabus will vary from college to college; however, given below is an overview of the topics in each semester and year:

MBA in Agriculture Syllabus: 1st Year

Semester – 1

Semester – 2

Management Concepts and Theories

Human Resource Management

Managerial Economics

Marketing Management

Financial Accounting and Analysis

Production and Operations Management

Quantitative Techniques for Management

Research Methodology

Business Communication

Financial Management

Organizational Behaviour

Business Ethics and Corporate Governance

Agricultural Economics

Agribusiness Environment and Policy

Agricultural Marketing Management

Environmental Management

Fundamentals of Agriculture

Sustainable Agriculture

 

MBA in Agriculture Syllabus: 2nd Year

Semester – 3

Semester – 4

Strategic Management

International Business

Rural and Agricultural Marketing

Agricultural Finance and Risk Management

Financial Services in Agriculture

Seminar and Presentation

Financial Services in Agriculture

Supply Chain Management in Agriculture

Post-Harvest Technology and Food Processing

Information Technology in Agriculture

Information Technology in Agriculture

Dissertation and Research Project

Detailed Syllabus and Subjects: MBA Finance

Detailed Syllabus and Subjects: MBA HR (Human Resources)

MBA in Agriculture: Recommended Books 

Given below are the names of some recognised books along with their authors in the field of Agriculture that a candidate must read to gain further knowledge in the course: 

Name of the Book

Author’s Name

Agricultural Economics

P. S. Raghavan

Agricultural Finance: From Crops to Land, Water, and Infrastructure

Helyar, Thomas R., and Koller, Edward F.

The Economics of Agriculture, 3rd Edition

Andrew Barkley

Agricultural Marketing and Price Analysis

Bailey, Ronald, and Briggeman, Brian C.

Principles of Management

Peter F. Drucker

The Lean Startup: How Today's Entrepreneurs Use Continuous Innovation to Create Radically Successful Businesses

Eric Ries

Strategic Management: Concepts

Frank T. Rothaermel

Agricultural and Food Policy

Ronald D. Knutson, J.B. Penn, and Barry L. Flinchbaugh

Agricultural Policy in the United States: Evolution and Economics

James L. Novak and James W. Pease

Sustainable Agriculture and Food Security in an Era of Oil Scarcity: Lessons from Cuba

Julia Wright

Big Data and Machine Learning in Agriculture

Charlie Anderson

MBA in Agriculture: Jobs 

An MBA in Agriculture opens a wide range of job opportunities in agriculture, farming, food processing, management, and related fields. Given below is an overview of some of the key job roles that MBA in Agriculture graduates can explore:

Job Profile

Description

Agricultural Manager

Responsible for overseeing farm operations, including crop production, livestock management, and farm finances.

Educator

Teach agriculture-related courses at educational institutions or provide training and extension services to farmers and communities.

Agribusiness Consultant

A consultant in areas like market analysis, supply chain management, and sustainability practices.

Agricultural Marketing Manager

Develop marketing strategies for agricultural products, including market research, branding, and advertising.

Supply Chain Manager

Manage the flow of agricultural products from farm to consumer, optimizing logistics, storage, and distribution.

Commodity Trader

 

Trade agricultural commodities such as grains, livestock, and dairy products on behalf of a firm.

Food Processing Manager

Oversee the processing and packaging of agricultural products into consumer-ready goods.

Research and Development Manager

Lead research efforts to improve crop yields, develop new agricultural technologies, or enhance agricultural processes.

Greenhouse Manager

Oversee the cultivation of specialty crops in controlled environments like greenhouses, nurseries, or hydroponic farms.

International Agricultural Trade Specialist

Facilitate international trade of agricultural products, addressing trade regulations, tariffs, and export/import strategies.

Must Read: MBA Finance Jobs

MBA in Agriculture: Salary 

MBA in Agriculture salary ranges from INR 2 – 10 LPA. This can vary widely based on factors such as job role, years of experience, geographical location, company size, and industry sector. Below is a general salary overview for some key job roles in holding an MBA in Agriculture:

MBA-in-Agriculture-Salary

Job Profile

Average Salary

Agricultural Manager

INR 4 – 10 LPA

Educator

INR 3 – 12 LPA

Agribusiness Consultant

INR 6 – 12 LPA

Agricultural Marketing Manager

INR 5 – 12 LPA

Supply Chain Manager

INR 6 – 15 LPA

Commodity Trader

INR 5 – 15 LPA

Food Processing Manager

INR 4 – 10 LPA

Research and Development Manager

INR 7 – 20 LPA

Greenhouse Manager

INR 4 – 10 LPA

International Agricultural Trade Specialist

INR 5 – 25 LPA

Related Article: BSc Agriculture Jobs & Salary

MBA in Agriculture: Top Recruiters

Given below is a list of the top recruiters for MBA in Agriculture graduates in India: 

Employment Field

Top Recruiters

Agribusiness Corporations

ITC Agri Business, Mahindra Agribusiness, and Tata Chemicals.

Food Processing Companies

Nestlé India, Britannia Industries, Dabur, PepsiCo, and Hindustan Unilever.

Banking and Financial Institutions

NABARD

Consulting Firms

KPMG, PwC, and Ernst & Young.

Retail Chains

Retail, Future Group, and Spencer's Retail.

Government Agencies

Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare and the National Horticulture Board

Agricultural Cooperatives

Amul and IFFCO (Indian Farmers Fertilizer Cooperative Limited)

MBA in Agriculture: Skills

An MBA in Agriculture equips graduates with a diverse skill set that combines general business management skills with specialized knowledge in agriculture, farming, and food management. Here are some of the key skills that MBA in Agriculture graduates typically acquire:

Agricultural Knowledge

Attention to Detail

Communication

Leadership

Global Perspective

Data Analysis

Marketing

Time Management

Supply Chain Management

Problem Solving Skills

Creativity

Legal Knowledge

Ethical Awareness

Environment Sustainability

Team Management

Innovation

MBA in Agriculture: Scope

MBA in Agriculture scope includes various further study options for graduates in India. Some of the popular ones are:

  • PhD in Agriculture Management
  • MTech Agricultural Engineering 
  • Master of International Business
  • Master of International Affairs
  • Master of Environmental Management
  • MSc in Food Technology 
  • MSc in Agribusiness

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