Agricultural Journalism – A Unique Career Option in India
When we speak about the media, specifically journalism, there are various career paths an individual can take. One of them is agricultural journalism.
What is Agricultural Journalism?
- Agricultural journalism is a specialised area of study that covers a wide range of subjects related to agricultural research, food, fodder, processing, nutrition, marketing, health, and consumption of agricultural products.
- Just like other traditional courses, agricultural journalists receive professional training, so that they understand the agricultural system thoroughly.
- It is a great career option for students who like outdoor work, enjoy interacting with people, and have strong communication skills.
- Agricultural journalism is a career which offers a plethora of options. An agricultural journalist can pursue a career as a news writer, editor, news reporter, technical writer, and others.
- He/she can have career opportunities in newspapers, magazines, government agencies, radio channels, TV studios, non-profits, and other organizations.
What is the Eligibility to Pursue a Career in Agricultural Journalism?
- In order to make a career as an agricultural journalist, a student needs to be a minimum graduate in Agriculture or allied degree course from any Agricultural University recognized by the UGC/ICAR.
- He/she should have secured at least a second class.
- A student can also apply for the agricultural journalism course, when he/she is studying in the final year.
Where can Students Find a Course for Agricultural Journalism in India?
- There are not many institutes or universities in India offering agricultural journalism courses. Unlike other journalism courses, which are offered by almost all mass communication and journalism colleges, agriculture journalism is not a commonly available course.
- This can be due to a lack of knowledge and therefore, demand among students.
- Still, top mass communication and journalism colleges like NIMCJ (National Institute of Mass Communication and Journalism) offer MJMC and BJMC course to aid students to become successful agriculture journalists.
- A candidate who has completed his/her graduation in agricultural sciences or any allied field can pursue a MJMC and start a career as an agricultural journalist.
What are the Roles and Responsibilities of an Agricultural Journalist?
- An agricultural journalist writes feature stories related to agriculture.
- Planning and producing key articles related to the latest trends in agriculture, for both print and web mediums.
- Research and verify data from authentic sources.
- Proofread and edit the content as needed.
- Cover various agricultural events and activities happening in the country.
- Create a social media calendar to post stories related to agriculture.
An agricultural journalist may cover topics related to weather and climate, rainfall, crops, latest agricultural technologies, farming practices, agricultural diseases, fairs, and exhibitions of agricultural products. He/she may also cover topics related to farmers and their problems, seeds and fertilizers, etc.
Agricultural journalism has got tremendous scope and potential, keeping in mind that India is an agricultural country.
Contact NIMCJ for Mass Communication and Journalism Course.
13 May 2022
Post by : NIMCJ
