 |
| Agronomy careers |
Careers in agronomy are bountiful. There are ample career paths for graduates with Bachelor's and Master's degrees in agronomy. If you have been searching for careers you can venture into with an agronomy degree following your graduation, then you're in the right place.
This article was written extensively on what you should know about this profession. It also talks about subject combination and the various universities offering this course in Nigeria.
What is agronomy?
Agronomy, which is one of the most demanding careers, is a subfield in agriculture. This is the in-depth examination of the intersection of crop genetics and physiology, their management, the environment including the soils, in which they are grown. It's the science and technology of producing and using plants by agriculture for various purposes such as for fuel, food, chemicals, fiber, land conservation etc.
In summary, the term agronomy is the application of plant and soil science to the production of crops.
What is an Agronomist?
An agronomist is a graduate of agronomy. They are experts In soil management and production of crops.
They act as the liaison between farmers and the researchers. They're reviewers of research findings and they recommend solutions to improve the productivity of a given farm.
One can become an agronomist after studying agronomy for a period of years in the university. The course agronomy is offered in various world class universities such as Auburn University, Pennsylvania State University, Michigan State University, to mention a few.
Agronomy is also offered in Nigerian universities such as Adamawa State University, University of Ibadan, Nasarawa State University to mention a few.
If you're interested in this field and you want to study it in a Nigeria university, then you need a solid background in science. You're required to have at least five SSCE credit passes in English Language, Biology, Mathematics, Chemistry, Economics or Geography.
In JAMB, you're required to have the correct subject combination which includes English Language which is compulsory, then three others which are Biology or Agriculture, Chemistry, and Mathematics or Physics.
Careers in Agronomy
You probably might be thinking there aren't many career choices for agronomy graduates, don't you? Well, the sole aim of this writeup is to expose you to the ample career opportunities for agronomy graduates.
Agronomy is a quite flexible career choice, with some people working for independent agronomy companies and as self-employed individuals. This field gives you the ability to work with companies related to agricultural production, such as seed companies, agro-chemical manufacturing etc.
So, without further ado, Below are the ten top careers in agronomy.
1. Agricultural Climatologist.
Agricultural climatologists focus on the influence of climate on the cultural conditions of animal husbandry, agricultural plants, the occurrence of biological and weather-conditioned detrimental influences and more specifically, on agricultural operating methods.
An agriculture climatologist studies weather patterns concerning crops over a period of time. Over the years, they play a major role in the provision of sufficient food to support the world's increasing population among others.
2. Lecturer
With a first degree in agronomy, preferably with a second class upper or first class, and possibly a Master's, and a PhD in this field, you can secure a job as a lecturer in a tertiary institution.
3. University Professor
Professor is an academic rank for an expert in a given field attached to universities and research institutions. University professors are usually experts in their careers and teachers at the highest level. In order to become a professor in agronomy, you are required to get a bachelor’s degree, Master's degree, and doctoral degree among others.
4. Agronomist
Graduates of agronomist can simply work as an agronomist. Agronomists handle agricultural projects from small to large high-tech farms with the assistant of farmers. They can also be called crop doctors. They're concerned with the well-being and health of crops which are used for food production, fuel, etc.
5. Agronomy sales
These are agronomists who are responsible for providing agronomic product support and advice in order to sell products to customers.
To become an agronomy sales man or woman, you must be knowledgeable about production of field crops and all the variables that's involved so he/she can provide seed and fertilizer advice directly to the customer, be it a farmer.
Read More: Our Negotiation With FG In Progress, We'll Make Our Decision Known Next Week – ASUU
6. Crop consultant
As a graduate of agronomy, you can work as a crop consultant. A crop consultant is known as a crop advisor, someone who provides advice to farmers on what types of crops to plant in a specific area etc. As a crop consultant, your duties are to consult with your clients on seeds, soil, budgets, as well as other environmental conditions, such as humidity and rainfall.
7. Agriculture Chemical, Fertilizer, And Seed Sales Representative
An agronomy graduate can become a sales representative for agricultural chemicals, fertilizers and seeds. Salespeople are responsible for an assigned territory and agriculture-related product they should market to agricultural producers, suppliers, and dealers.
8. Crop scout
With a degree in agronomy, you can become a crop scout. Crop scouting is specifically assessing pest pressure and crop performance to evaluate economic risk from pest infestations and disease, as well as to determine the potential effectiveness of pest and disease control interventions.
Crop scouts embrace the use of new generation crop scouting systems which enables growers and crop consultants to precisely and accurately identify crop issues, visualize them on an aerial map and make decisions for site–specific treatments. They're also involved in inspecting farmers' fields and records weed, insect, disease etc.
9. Crop Research Technicians For Private Industry And Universities
With a first or second degree in agronomy, one can get employed as a crop research technician for private industry and universities. They're involved in duties ranging from typical agricultural labor with added record keeping duties to laboratory testing with significant amounts of office work, depending on the particular area you're working in.
Crop research technicians often receive on-the-job training that may cover topics such as food production techniques, personal hygiene, and sanitation procedures.
10. State Farm agents
Lastly but not the least, one can work as a state farm agent with a degree in agronomy. They are advisors employed by the farm, agribusiness owners or the government to assist people in rural areas with methods of farming crops and farm management etc.
Agronomy salary
You probably would also like to know how much an agronomist earns, isn't it? A typical salary of an agronomist in Nigeria is roughly around N450,000. The lowest an agronomist earns is N234,000 while the highest is N670,000.
The above figures are the average monthly salary which includes transportation, housing and other benefits. You should know that an agronomist salary differs based on your experience, gender, location and qualification.
By Israel Uchenna
(ichatwithisrael@gmail.com)
