Plants make up the majority of living environment of the earth in the form of grasses, flowers, trees, etc… they are only the higher organisms that can change the energy of sunlight into fats, proteins and carbohydrates usable chemical energy. Plants play a crucial role as a part of healthy environment by their numerous functions that include maintenance of ecological balance. However, they also show nutrient deficiencies by getting sick, affected by environmental pollutions and attacked by pests.

They also face competition with unwanted plants like weeds and even animals cause damage to them. Therefore, it becomes essential to keep plants in good health since they entertain us, clothe us, cure us, protect us, feed us and keep us living with their aesthetic value.

Courses that can pave way in finding a job in the field of plant protection:

For getting into a career in the field of plant protection, candidates will have to first do a Bachelor’s degree in biological sciences or agriculture and for doing these UG course, they should first hold a higher secondary qualification with good percentage of marks. Some of the agricultural universities offer admission based on the merit secured by candidates in the entrance examination.

In India there are 34 agricultural universities, 3 central universities and 3 deemed agricultural universities in the nation and these universities offer UG course and PG course in agriculture and its allied disciplines. PG Course is being offered with different specializations of which plant protection is one among the specializations.

Career opportunities in Plant Protection:

When it comes to job opportunities in the field of plant protection, candidates can find both government and private jobs and they can also do their own business as well. After getting a PG degree or Ph. D in plant protection candidates can find job placement in the field of plant protection. When it comes to jobs in plant protection, multinational companies in the field of agriculture is the right option for candidates and such companies require research associates, managers and research workers for their research and development units. Professionals in the field of plant protection can find job placement in biological control base companies, biofertilizer companies, pesticides/insecticide companies, seed companies, fertilizer companies, etc…

Government jobs in the field of plant protection:

When it comes to government jobs in plant protection, candidates can engage themselves in research organizations running under the control of state or central government and these jobs require candidates to be Ph. D holders in plant protection. This qualification can enable them to find job as professors and scientists in different agricultural and research organizations working under the control of government. They can also qualify in NET Examination conducted by the CSIR or ASRB for direct eligibility as professors in the plant protection departments of universities/institutions or colleges. They can also find job opportunities in sub branches like weed sciences, nematology, entomology, plant pathology, etc…

Thus, plant protection is a field that not only protects the precious life of plants, but also enables professionals to find good job opportunities in government as well as private sectors.