The need for food has drastically grown in the past decade. The rapid urbanisation of agricultural land has added to the challenges faced in meeting global food demands. Even in the 21st century, there are villages that do not have a sustainable agricultural model. The need for professionals who can contribute to the growth and development of agriculture at the global level has never been so high. Comparatively, very few people pursue a career in this field. However, there is a place for individuals who wish to gain managerial skills and intensive knowledge of the business aspects of agriculture. Let’s take a look at the concept of an MBA in Agriculture along with all the crucial details that a student should know.
This Blog Includes:
- What is an MBA in Agriculture?
- Why Pursue an MBA in Agriculture?
- Eligibility Criteria for MBA in Agriculture
- MBA in Agriculture Entrance Exam
- Average Tuition Cost and Fees for an MBA in Agriculture
- Top Indian Universities for MBA in Agriculture
- MBA in Agriculture Abroad
- Other Master’s Degree Courses in Agriculture
- MBA in Agriculture Syllabus
- Popular Courses after MBA in Agriculture
- MBA in Agriculture from IGNOU
- MBA in Agriculture in the USA
- Career After MBA in Agriculture
- Job Profiles & Career Prospects After an MBA in Agriculture
- FAQs
What is an MBA in Agriculture?
MBA in Agriculture is a postgraduate program that focuses on the business and management side of agriculture. This helps students to understand the modern business strategies related to farming, food production, supply chain management and rural development. This management program includes subjects like:
- Agribusiness management
- Food supply chain
- Marketing of agricultural products
- Rural development
- Finance and farm management
Why Pursue an MBA in Agriculture?
With technological advancement and industrial development, the agricultural sector is deteriorating even though it is a crucial component in the economy of a country. This brings the need for professionals engaged in managing the agricultural well-being of the world. Various international universities and colleges have come up with specialised courses in Agriculture, with an MBA in Agriculture being a prominent one for students aspiring to become leaders in the agrarian sector.
Eligibility Criteria for MBA in Agriculture
There are certain eligibility criteria that the students should keep in mind while applying for this program. Here is the common eligibility criterion for an MBA in Agriculture.
- Agricultural Engineering / Dairy Science / Dairy Technology / Fisheries / Food Science / Food Technology / Forestry / Home Science / Horticulture / Veterinary Science, etc. Bachelor’s degree in Agriculture or allied disciplines (Agricultural Engineering / Dairy Science / Dairy Technology / Fisheries / Food Science / Food Technology / Forestry / Home Science / Horticulture / Veterinary Science, etc.) from any Agricultural University
- Many schools and institutions want Master’s Degree candidates to have a business background, whether through education or work experience.
- Students with less experience who want to pursue an M.B.A. (Agriculture) can typically find programs that meet their criteria. Students pursuing an M.B.A. in Agriculture must submit applications, transcripts, and GRE results.
Also Read: MSc Agriculture: Syllabus, Colleges, And Scope
MBA in Agriculture Entrance Exam
For admission to the program, candidates must pass either of the applicable entrance tests, which are followed by rounds of Group Discussion and Personal Interviews in the final stages. The primary entry tests for the course include the CAT, MAT, XAT, CMAT, and other similar exams.
CAT | Common Aptitude Test |
MAT | Management Aptitude Test |
XAT | Xavier Aptitude Test |
CMAT | Common Management Admission Test |
Average Tuition Cost and Fees for an MBA in Agriculture
The average tuition fee for an MBA in Agriculture or a related specialisation is somewhere between INR 8 to 15 Lacs. The tuition fees vary depending on the country and university. Here are the estimated tuition costs for the MBA in Agriculture:
Country | Average Tuition Fees (Per Year) | Notes |
India | INR 1,50,000 – INR 4,00,000 | Affordable tuition in top institutes like IIMs, MANAGE, and GBPUAT. |
USA | USD 25,000 – USD 45,000 | Higher fees; top programs available in land-grant and state universities. |
Canada | CAD 20,000 – CAD 35,000 | Offers strong agribusiness-focused MBAs with co-op opportunities. |
Australia | AUD 30,000 – AUD 45,000 | Offers MBA (Agribusiness) in several universities with global exposure. |
UK | GBP 18,000 – GBP 30,000 | Home to universities offering agriculture-based business programs. |
Germany | EUR 0 – EUR 5,000 | Low or no tuition in public universities; small semester fees may apply. |
Netherlands | EUR 10,000 – EUR 20,000 | Offers English-taught MBAs in food and agribusiness sectors. |
Top Indian Universities for MBA in Agriculture
In recent years, the demand for top agriculture business management colleges that deliver MBA in Agribusiness management programs has increased dramatically. In India, there are over 100 MBA in Agri-Business Management schools. The top Agriculture Management colleges in India that offer an MBA in Agriculture are listed below:
Name of the University/College | Name of the Course | Duration | Exam and Selection Procedure |
Indian School of Agri-Business, New Delhi | MBA in Agribusiness | 2 years | CAT/ATMA/XAT/MAT/CMAT/ISAB, GD and PI |
College of Agri-business Management, Pantnagar | MBA in Agribusiness | 2 years | CAT/CMAT/MAT, GD and PI |
Institute of Agribusiness Management, Bikaner | MBA in Agribusiness | 2 years | CAT/CMAT/MAT, GD and PI |
Symbiosis Institute of International Business, Pune | MBA in Agribusiness | 2 years | SNAP, GD, Written-test, PI |
National Academy of Agricultural Research Management, Hyderabad | Post Graduate Diploma in Management Agriculture | 2 years | CAT, GD, PI |
CCS National Institute of Agricultural Marketing, Jaipur | Post Graduate Programme in Agribusiness Management | 2 years | Post Graduate Diploma in Management in Agriculture |
Xavier Institute of Management, Bhubaneswar | MBA in Business Management | 2 years | CAT/XAT/X-GMT/GMAT, Written Test, PI |
University of Petroleum and Energy Studies, Dehradun | MBA in Agribusiness | 2 years | UPES Management Entrance Test |
Indian Institute of Rural Management, Anand | Post Graduate Programme in Rural Management | 2 years | CAT/XAT, GD, PI |
SAGE University, Indore | MBA Agribusiness Management | 2 years | Merit based |
International School of Management Studies, Pune | MBA in Agribusiness | 2 years | MAT/XAT/ATMA/CMAT/SNAP/CAT |
Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad | Post Graduate Programme in Agribusiness Management | 2 years | CAT, GD, PI |
Centurion University of Technology and Management, Bhubaneswar | MBA in Agribusiness Management | 2 years | Centurion university entrance exam |
MBA in Agriculture Abroad
Studying MBA in Agriculture from abroad is a dream of many students. This requires an understanding of the right university and its requirements. The following are the top universities to pursue an MBA in Agriculture:
Universities | Location | Courses Available in MBA in Agriculture |
Royal Agricultural University | UK | MBA Innovation in Sustainable Food and Agriculture |
University of Nicosia | Cyprus | MBA in Agribusiness and Food Enterprise Management |
Southern Arkansas University | Magnolia | MBA with Agri-Business Emphasis |
University of Alberta | Canada | Integrated MBA & Masters of Agriculture |
Kazan Federal University | Russia | MBA in Agriculture |
Purdue University and Indiana University (Integrated Degree) | US | MS-MBA in Food and Agribusiness Management |
International School of Agri Management | Spain | International Agribusiness Management |
Lincoln University | New Zealand | Master of Management in Agribusiness |
University of Waikato | New Zealand | Master of Management Studies – Agribusiness |
Kansas State University | USA | Master of Agribusiness and Professional Master of Business Administration |
Also Read: Top Agriculture Courses
Other Master’s Degree Courses in Agriculture
There are a variety of other postgraduate courses to consider if you plan to grow in the field of agriculture. Some of these courses with its related institutes are discussed in the table below:
University or Business School | Course |
The University of Adelaide | Master of Global Food and Agricultural Business |
Audencia Business School | MS in Food and Agribusiness Management |
Colorado State University | MSc in Agricultural and Resource Economics |
University of Lincoln | M.Sc in Agri-food Technology |
Estonian University of Life Sciences | M.A in Agrifood Business Management |
University of Copenhagen | MSc in Agricultural Economics |
Van Hall Larenstein, University of Applied Sciences | MSc in Agricultural Production Chain Management |
Poznan University of Life Sciences | MSc Economics – Agribusiness |
New Mexico State University | Master of Agriculture – Agribusiness |
University of Maryland | Master of Science in Agricultural and Resource Economics |
Oklahoma State University | Master of Agriculture in Agribusiness |
Queen’s University Belfast | PgDip Business for Agri-Food and Rural Enterprise – Business Communication |
The University of Queensland | Master of Agribusiness |
North Dakota State University | Master of Science in International Agribusiness |
North Dakota State University | Master of Science in Agribusiness and Applied Economics |
MBA in Agriculture Syllabus
MBA in Agriculture includes a number of subjects on the specialised fields. THese subjects includes topics related to them and improve the understanding of students. The following are the topics included in the syllabus of the MBA in Agriculture:
First Year Subjects | Second Year Subjects |
Agricultural & Food Policy Agricultural Finance Marketing of Agricultural Inputs Strategic Food Marketing International Agri-Food Trade Value Chain Management – Applications in Agribusiness CINE: Understanding Creativity, Innovation, Knowledge, Networks And Entrepreneurship Food and Agri-business International Strategies and Organisations Micro Finance Management Food Supply Chain Management Analysing and Building Competencies in Carbon Finance Public Policy Social Entrepreneurship: Innovating Social Change Sales and Distribution Management For Agriculture Management for Agribusiness Projects Agribusiness Entrepreneurship Agribusiness Leadership Agricultural Futures and Option Markets Agricultural Markets and Pricing Economics of Food Quality Applied Agricultural Trade and Policy Analysis Managing Sustainability Managing Energy Businesses Investigating Corporate Social Irresponsibility | Agricultural & Food Policy Agricultural Finance Marketing of Agricultural Inputs Strategic Food Marketing International Agri-Food Trade Value Chain Management – Applications in Agribusiness CINE: Understanding Creativity, Innovation, Knowledge, Networks And Entrepreneurship Food and Agri-business International Strategies and Organisations Micro Finance Management Food Supply Chain Management Analyzing and Building Competencies in Carbon Finance Public Policy Social Entrepreneurship: Innovating Social Change Sales and Distribution Management For Agriculture Management for Agribusiness Projects Agribusiness Entrepreneurship Agribusiness Leadership Agricultural Futures and Option Markets Agricultural Markets and Pricing Economics of Food Quality Applied Agricultural Trade and Policy Analysis Managing Sustainability Managing Energy Businesses Investigating Corporate Social Irresponsibility |
Popular Courses after MBA in Agriculture
Agriculture courses are here for students to understand the practice of farming along with management. Here are some popular courses to pursue after an MBA in Agriculture-
- PhD in Agriculture
- PhD in Agribusiness Management
- PhD in Agriculture and Food Security
- PhD in Agricultural and Extension Education.
- PhD in Agricultural, Environmental and Development Economics.
- PhD in Agri-Environmental Economics.
- PhD in Transformation of Global Agri-Food.
MBA in Agriculture from IGNOU
IGNOU is one of the most popular open universities in India. They offer a wide range of programmes and courses to students who wish to study remotely and gain valuable skills to advance in their careers. IGNOU does not offer an MBA in Agriculture; rather, the institution offers PG diploma, certificate and diploma courses in the field of agriculture. Here is a list of courses offered by IGNOU-
- Post-Graduate Diploma in Food Safety and Quality Management
- Post-Graduate Certificate in Agriculture Policy
- Diploma in Dairy Technology
- Diploma in Value-Added Products from Fruits and Vegetables
- Diploma in Watershed Management
- Diploma in Meat Technology
- Certificate in Sericulture
- Certificate in Water Harvesting and Management
- Certificate in Poultry Farming
- Certificate in Beekeeping
- Certificate in Organic Farming
- Awareness Programme on Dairy Farming
MBA in Agriculture in the USA
MBA in Agriculture is a popular MBA specialisation in the USA. It is offered by universities like North Dakota State University, Northwest Missouri State University, University of Minnesota, Indiana University Bloomington and North Dakota State University. Here are some popular courses for an MBA in Agriculture in the USA-
- MBA in Agribusiness
- MS in Food and AgriBusiness Management
- MS in Applied Economics
- MS in Supply Chain Management
- MBA/MS in Agricultural Economics
- MBA/MS in Business Analytics
Career After MBA in Agriculture
The need for innovation in the agricultural industry is increasing more than ever. To achieve the goal, companies require professionals who can strategise and implement new ideas to boost the production and effective distribution of food. The industries that offer jobs to graduates with an MBA in Agriculture include:
- Food Production Companies
- Farming Industries
- Public and Private Sector
- Marketing Industries
- Retail Industries
- FMCG Companies
- Tea/Coffee Plantation Gardens
- FCI Offices
- Colleges & Universities
- Food Processing Companies
Job Profiles & Career Prospects After an MBA in Agriculture
There is a number of job profiles in agribusiness that you can find while choosing a career in Agriculture. Here are some of the job positions you can take after an MBA in Agriculture:
- Agricultural Manager
- Agriculture Operations Specialist
- Marketing Analyst
- Accounting Manager
- Bioterrorism Consultant
- Financial Analyst
- Agribusiness Owner/Manager
- Alternative Energy Consultant
- Business Manager
- Operation Officer
- Credit Analyst
- Sales Manager
- Rural Manager
- Planning
- Commercial Executive
- Investment Analyst
- Sales Representative
- Relationship Manager
MBA in Agriculture Salary
Some of the most popular employment options available following an MBA in Agri-Business are listed below, along with an annual salary. Look at them to understand the well-paying option for the graduates.
Job Profile | Annual Salary |
Farm Appraiser | INR 4 Lac |
Agriculture Policy Analyst | INR 3-4 Lac |
Market analyst | INR 6 Lac |
Financer | INR 6 Lac |
Quality Controller | INR 5 Lac |
Marketing Head | INR 7 Lac |
Bio compost sales head | INR 5 Lac |
Relationship manager | INR 4-10 Lac |
Operation Manager | INR 4-5 Lac |
FAQs
MBA in Agribusiness Management is the best choice for agriculture. It combines core management skills with agricultural expertise, preparing students for careers in agribusiness, supply chains, and rural development.
The scope is wide, covering agribusiness firms, food processing, supply chains, and rural banking. Graduates can work in government projects, start-ups, NGOs, and multinational agriculture-based companies.
Yes, you can pursue MBA in Agriculture after completing a bachelor’s degree in any field, preferably BSc Agriculture, BBA, or related science and commerce streams.
Yes, it’s a great option. MBA adds management skills to your agricultural knowledge, opening up high-paying jobs in agribusiness, food companies, and rural development sectors.
Agriculture Field Officer salaries range from 6.3 lakhs to 10.4 lakhs, according to available data.
Also Reads:
BSc Agriculture: Course, Scope, Jobs, Salary | MBA Without Work Experience |
MBA in Financial Management | MBA In Forest Management |
MBA Abroad for Indian Students | 7+ Top Online Courses for MBA in Finance |
The agricultural industry is a whole new world to explore with a collection of job profiles. If you’ve made up your mind to pursue an MBA in Agriculture, our counselors at Leverage Edu are here to help you in choosing the right university to take the first big step towards a cultivated career. For the latest updates around study blogs, you can follow us on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook & also subscribe to our newsletter.