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 University, National 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
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 | |
Course Fees | INR 3 – 8 LPA |
Top Colleges | Lovely Professional University, National 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:
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
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 |
Hyderabad | INR 5 LPA | |
Lucknow | INR 7 LPA | |
Maharashtra | INR 6 LPA | |
Institute of Agri-Business Management | Bikaner | INR 3 LPA |
Ahmedabad | INR 10 LPA |
MBA in Agriculture: Colleges in India
Given below are the Top MBA Colleges in India, state-wise and city-wise:
Top MBA Colleges in India (State-wise) | Top MBA Colleges in India (City-wise) |
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 cards, photographs etc.) in hand.
- Once the form is complete, the candidate will be asked to pay a minimal 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 or university will then publish lists according to their cutoffs 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
- 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:
Name of the Exam | Registration Date | Exam Date |
21st September, 2023 | 26th November, 2023 | |
3rd December, 2023 (IBT) 5th December, 2023 (PBT) 6th December, 2023 (IBT) 28th November, 2023 (CBT) 11th December, 2023 (CBT) 14th December, 2023 (IBT) | 3rd December, 20233rd December, 2023 (CBT) 6th December, 2023 (IBT) 9th December, 2023 (IBT) 9th December, 2023 (PBT) 16th December, 2023 (CBT) 17th December, 2023 (IBT) | |
23rd November, 2023 | 10th December, 2023 17th December, 2023 22nd December, 2023 | |
1st July, 2023 - 16th December, 2023 | 1st week of January, 2024 | |
16th December, 2023 | ||
April - May, 2024 | ||
3rd Week of February, 2024 - 3rd Week of March, 2024 | 23rd March & 24th March, 2024 | |
10th October, 2023 | October 10 - December 19, 2023 | |
4th Week of December 2023 | ||
30th November, 2023 | 7th January, 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. |
| Arithmetic, Geometry, Number Systems, Percentage, Profit and Loss, Time and Work, Time-Speed-Distance. |
Reading Comprehension, Grammar, Vocabulary, Sentence Correction, Para-Jumbles, etc. | |
| 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 recognized 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:
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