College Entrance Exams For Agriculture
For people who decide to work in agriculture, there are several options in the government, agribusiness, and research sectors. Candidates should select the proper exam according to the state and university of their choosing. For information on exam dates, application forms, and other important details, regularly visit the official websites. Here is a comprehensive rundown of the primary agriculture entrance exams for 2025. 1. ICAR – All India Entrance Examination for Entrance • Facilitates entrance to undergraduate and graduate agriculture programs at many ICAR-accredited Indian universities.• Classes Provided:Undergraduate (UG): B.Sc. (Hons) Agriculture, Horticulture, ForestryPostgraduate (PG): M.Sc. Agriculture, M.Tech. Agriculture Engineering, MBAAgri-Business Fisheries, and other related fieldsDetails of the application:• Period of Application: (Provisional) February–April 2025• Time frame for Correction: April 2025• Exam date: June 2025• Exam Mode: Online Computer-Based Test• Official Website: https://icar.nta.nic.inEligibity:• A student must have finished Physics, Chemistry, and Biology/Mathematics/Agriculture in their 10+2 coursework in order to be eligible for UG courses.• Postgraduate courses require a bachelor’s degree in a related field. 2. Common University Entrance Exam (CUET) for Agriculture • Objective: For central universities that provide agricultural programs, CUET provides a one-stop admissions process. • Courses Offered: An undergraduate degree is the Bachelor of Science in Agriculture, Horticulture, Sericulture, Dairy Science, etc. • Deadline for applications: March 1–24, 2025. • Exam dates: May 8–June 1, 2025 • Exam Mode: Online Computer-Based Test • Qualifications: Completion of 10+2 Biology/Agriculture/Mathematics, Chemistry, and Physics courses• Official website: https://cuet.nta.nic.inThe university requires minimum qualifying scores 3. State-Level Agriculture Admission Exams (a) Andhra Pradesh Engineering, Agriculture, and Pharmacy Common Entrance Test (AP EAPCET)• Programs: B.Sc. Agriculture, Horticulture, Forestry, Engineering etc.• Application dates: 15 March–24 April 2025 • Exam dates: May 19–20, 2025 • Requirements: Completion of 10+2 with relevant subjects• Mode of exam: Computer-based standardised test• Official website: https://cets.apsche.ap.gov.in (b) Telangana Engineering, Agriculture, and Pharmacy Common Entrance Test (TS EAPCET)• Courses: Agricultural Engineering B.Sc., B.Tech., and other disciplines are offered.• Application period: March 1–April 4, 2025. • Exam dates: April 29–30, 2025• Requirements: Finished 10+2 in biology/agriculture, chemistry, and physics• Mode of exam: Online computer-based test• Official website: https://eapcet.tgche.ac.in (c) Karnataka Common Entrance Test (KCET)• Courses: B.Sc. Agriculture, Fisheries, Horticulture, Sericulture, etc.• Time of Application: 21 January -24 february 2025• Dates of the exam: 15-17 April 2025• Prerequisite Requirements: Successful completion of 10+2 coursework in relevant subjects • Mode of exam: Offline pen and paper• Official website: https://kea.kar.nic.in (d) Kerala Engineering, Architecture, and Medical Entrance Exam (KEAM) • Courses: B.Sc. Agriculture, B.Tech Agricultural Engineering• Application Period: 20 February-12 march 2025• Exam dates: April 24-28, 2025. • Requirements for eligibility: 10+2 with physics, chemistry, and biology• Mode of exam: Computer-based test • Official website: https://cee.kerala.gov.in 4. All India Agriculture Common Aptitude Test (AIACAT) • It is a separate test taken by applicants to some agricultural universities that are private and accredited. • The accessible courses include M.Sc. Agriculture and B.Sc. Agriculture, Horticulture, and Forestry.• Applications: 1 September, 2024-April 25, 2025. • Exam date: April 26, 2025• Mode of exam: Computer-Based Online Exam• Official Website: https://aiacat.com• Requirements For UG courses: 10+2 with PCB/PCM/Agriculture For PG courses: A bachelor’s degree in agriculture or a related field 5. Lovely Professional University National Entrance and Scholarship Test (LPUNEST): • This test is used for both admission and scholarships to the agriculture programs at Lovely Professional University. • Courses offered: B.Sc. (Hons) Agriculture, M.Sc. Agriculture• Application period: 26 march-15 april,2025• Exam date: August 25,2025• Exam Mode: Online • Eligibility: 10+2 with PCB/PCM/agriculture and Bachelor’s degree (for postgraduate studies) • Official Website: https://www.lpu.in I wish the best of luck to everyone who aspires to work in agriculture!
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Dragon Fruit Farming: A Profitable Agri-Business Trend
Dragon fruit cultivation is gaining popularity as a high-value, recent farming trend in India. In this Agriyouth Story blog, we explore the complete details of dragon fruit farming from cultivation practices to production techniques – highlighting its potential as a profitable and sustainable agri-business. Introduction Dragon fruit (Pitaya) is a tropical fruit that belongs to the cactus family (Cactaceae). It is known for its unique appearance, vibrant color, and health benefits. The native of dragon fruit is Southern Mexico, Guatemala and Costa Rica. In India the states like Karnatka, Kerala ,Tamilnadu, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Odisha, West Bengal, Andhra Pradesh and Andaman and Nicobar Islands have taken up dragon fruit cultivation. Majority of the dragon fruits now widely available in Indian markets are imported from countries like Vietnam, Thailand, Malaysia, Srilanka. Varieties: Red Pithaya, Pitaya Roja, Pitaya Amarilla, Yellow pitahaya, Alice, American beauty, Bloody mary, Cosmic Charlie, Costarican sunset, Dark star, David bowiea and Delight. One of the widely grown cultivars and most commonly available dragon fruit is red colour epicarp with white and pink pulped sub- sweet juicy pulp matrix. Varieties suitable for India are pink,jumbo red, white. Why dragon fruit farming? High Export DemandHuge domestic demand, Less supplyNeeds less water and MaintenanceHighly nutritious fruit, Good for diabetic patients.Low pest and Disease occurance. Dragon fruit Nutrition In one 170 g serving of dragon fruit cubes,you will get: Calories 102 kcal Protein 2g Carbohydrates 22g Sugars 13g The remaining 38g is mostly water (approx 140–145g in total), plus trace vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that are naturally present but don’t contribute significantly to calories or macronutrient counts. Dragon fruit Health Benefits: Its rich in antioxidants like flavanoids, phenolic acid and betacyanin. These natural substances protect cells from damage.Its naturally fat free and high in fiber.It may help lower your blood sugar.It can strengthen your immune system.It contains protein as well as omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids that can help prevent cardiovascular diseases. Climate and Soil Requirements Warm, tropical, and subtropical climates with temperatures between 20°C – 35°C are suitable. It thrives in areas with moderate rainfall (600-1300 mm annually).Well-drained sandy or loamy soil with a pH of 6-7. Avoid waterlogged conditions. It should have ample sunlight for 6-8 hrs. Propagation Methods Seeds: It takes 4-5 years for fruiting.Cuttings: Cutting is the most common method, starts fruiting within 1-2 years. Planting and Spacing Spacing: 3 x 2 m.Support System: Use concrete or wooden poles(7 feet height) with circular disc at top for climbing support (500 poles/acre).Plant Density: About 1700-2000 plants/ha. Plant four saplings for each pole ( 2000 saplings per acre).Planting season:June-Aug Irrigation Irrigation is required twice a week during dry seasons.Reduce supply of water during flowering and fruiting to avoid rot.Drip irrigation is recommended. Fertilization and Manuring When planting,apply 10-15 kg of FYM and 100g of SSP/plant hill.NPK recommended- For Young plants – 40:30:60 kg/ha and for mature bearing plants – 100:50:150 kg/haAdd potassium and phosphorus fertilizers before flowering. Weed Management Common weeds: crabgrass, bindweed and purslane.Control measures:Hand weeding Use of weed mat for weed control and soil moisture conservation.Natural herbicides: Clove oil(Eugenol), vinegar-based solutions, corn gluten meal.Pre-emergence herbicides like Indaziflam, or post-emergence herbicides like Glufosinate. Pest and Disease Management Common Pests: Mealybugs, aphids, ants, and fruit flies.Diseases: Root rot, anthracnose, and stem canker.Control Measures:Use neem oil or organic pesticides.Ensure good drainage to prevent root rot.Prune infected branches.Spray chlorothalonil or mancozeb at 2g/l to control anthracnose.Use copperoxy chloride to manage Bacterial Root Rot. Flowering and Pollination Dragon fruit flowers at night and is pollinated by bats, moths, or hand pollination.Flowering occurs 1-2 years after planting and continues multiple times a year. After care Regularly prune the plants to obtain an open and manageable umbrella shape canopy which will induce new shoots for the next cropping season. The well grown vine may produce 30 to 50 branches in one year and may be more than 100 branches in-four years. Harvesting and Yield Harvesting Time: 30-50 days after flowering.Signs of Ripeness:• Bright skin color (red, yellow, or pink).• Scales (leaf-like projections) turn dry and slightly brown.• Soft texture when pressed. Yield per Plant: 10-15 kg annually.Yield per Hectare: 15-20 tons.Post-Harvest Handling and MarketingStorage: Can be stored for 2-3 weeks at 8-10°C.Packaging: Use ventilated boxes to avoid bruising.Markets: Sold in fresh markets, supermarkets, or exported.Value-Added Products: Juice, jam, dried fruit, and cosmetics are some of the value added products of dragon fruit.Market Potential: According to the recent report published by Mordar Intelligence (2020), the global market of dragon fruit is projected to register a CAGR of 3.7% over a period of next five years. Unripen fruit Ripen fruit Cost of cultivation: Cost of Planting material Cost of one seedling Rs.20/plant. Therefore for 4000 plants ,it costs around Rs 80,000. Cost of land/rental value of farm Rs.50,000/annum/ha Cost of drip irrigation system Rs 40,000/ha Cost of drip irrigation system Rs.4.40 lakhs/ha Labour cost in dragon fruit farm Rs.60,000 for one skilled labour or worker and for local labours Rs.2.26lakh/ha by paying 5000/month. Cost of manures, fertilizers and nutrients Rs 65,000/ha Cost of pesticides Rs 25,000/ha/yr Cost of intercultural operations Rs 1,86,000 for 1 yr The annual cost of dragon fruit production varies, but can range from ₹3,17,244 to ₹8,29,393 per hectare, including establishment and maintenance costs, and can yield a profit of around ₹6,74,158 per hectare. Marker price- Rs.100-300/kg depending on Market. Yield and returns from dragon fruit: Government Schemes Horticulture Mission for North and Himalayan States(HMNEH) is one of the sub schemes for Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH) which is implemented by State Horticulture Missions(SHM) in the North Eastern States and Himalayan States.For availing benefits and assistance farmers/beneficiaries should contact horticulture officer of concerned district. Operational guidelines, cost of norms, different interventions being promoted under the mission. Conclusion Dragon fruit if adopted in water scarce regions can prove to be an asset to smallholders as well as entrepreneur farmers. It is a fast return perennial fruit with high yield, as regular bearing brings steady income to the growers. Dragon fruit farming is profitable
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