There is a need for skilled workforce which can make use of both agriculture management and technology. An MBA in Agribusiness could be a good option, says Dr Asmita Chitnis

Agribusiness in our country is one of the fastest growing yet oldest sectors. However, it is also one of the most unorganised sectors. Currently, it is the sector of high commercial importance and has evolved from low-level farming to commercial farming. In India, out of the total food products, only 14 percent is processed and about 35 percent of the food is expended during packaging and transportation. This lack of expertise and knowledge has led to the emergence of a new sector called Agribusiness which has the need for skilled agribusiness professionals.

Modern farms and agricultural operations work far differently than those a few decades ago, primarily because of advancements in technology, including sensors, devices, machines, and information technology. Today’s agriculture routinely uses sophisticated technologies such as robots, temperature and moisture sensors, aerial images, and GPS technology. These advanced devices and precision agriculture and robotic systems allow businesses to be more profitable, efficient, safer, and more environmentally friendly. However, in order to use this technology effectively there is a need for skilled workforce who has enough knowledge of both technology and agriculture management.

In the post COVID-19 scenario, it is even more critical that we put in focused efforts by extending technology-led support to product strategy, public investment in infrastructure, research and development of crops, livestock, fisheries, with a view to enhance food production and its availability to the end consumers through proper food supply chains. 

During the current pandemic, we have seen lakhs of migrant workers going back to their native places.  Traditional occupation of these migrant workers is farming. Because of lack of education and resources they had migrated to bigger cities in search of livelihood.  Now, in absence of that option any more, they have to go back to their traditional occupation which is farming.

It is an opportune time to help these farmers by promoting Agri-innovations, entrepreneurship, and technology to improve productivity post-COVID-19. Precision farming methods could pave the way for optimising cost of production with an objective to achieve food security in the post-COVID-19 scenario.

In order to achieve these goals there is a need of skilled workforce who can make use of both agriculture management and technology.

MBA in Agribusiness could be a very good option to acquire this knowledge which broadly covers subjects like Rural and Retail Marketing, Microfinance, Agri Supply Chain Management and Agri Import Export Management. These subjects cover various aspects of agriculture management while touching upon the importance of technology to drive the business successfully.

Thus, it’s quite evident that agribusiness has a bright future going forward and one can be a part of this growth story by getting educated in this sector from a reputed institute.

The writer is Director, Symbiosis Institute of International Business