Feasible Reasons Why Youths Should Start Their Career In Agriculture
Nigeria’s agro industry is one of the few industries that has been neglected for long and yet they are the ones that’s ought to feed the Nation.
While it has seen incredible growth in the 60’s, it cannot be said to be contributing a large quota to the Nations economy as of today. It’s also an industry that has often overlooked by young professionals and recent graduates. Today, recent graduates are realizing the enormous benefits of launching their careers in agriculture and its personal and financial rewards.
AgroNaira has decided to outline the feasible reasons why our teaming Nigerian youths should start a career in Agriculture.
1) Diverse career selection
It’s true that much of the work in agriculture is the cultivation of plants. But the diverse careers available to aspiring professionals are often glossed over.
Your role doesn’t need to be on a farm – and for most people, it isn’t. There is an incredible variety of career options for recent grads and professionals, and you can be sure that there is something for everyone!
The industry needs marketing and advertising professionals to not only sell agricultural products to consumers, but to also determine what they want.
It also needs scientists to study the soil, changing weather conditions and conduct genetic research to develop new strains of plants that are resistant to drought or parasites.
Agriculture also needs sales professionals to sell products to consumers, and agricultural equipment to manufacturing firms. The industry also works in conjunction with logistics professionals who are able to develop supply chain management strategies that ensure productions levels meet demand, and that storage, transport and consumption of raw materials is sound.
2) A growing industry
Consumer demands for agricultural products are growing both at home and around the world. In fact, according to CropLife Canada, world food demands are expected to swell by 70% by the year 2050.
The opportunity for greater development and export is already something beneficial.
Growing demand also means different kinds of agricultural products – particularly in the homes of consumers.
3) Jobs, Jobs, Jobs
In recent years, the consumption of agricultural products has seen exponential growth. Consumer demand is at an all time high – so it’s natural that the industry is looking to hire recent graduates and young professionals as soon as possible.
In fact, according to University of Guelph’s Ontario Agricultural College, there are THREE jobs waiting for every agronomics graduates.
This trend doesn’t seem to be changing anytime soon.
4) Sustainability at the Core
At the heart of Nigeria’s agro industry, there is a huge focus on environmental sustainability. Many industry professionals are committed to ensuring that food production demands are met well into the future, and that cultivation is pursued in the same manner.
The industry is also looking to utilize methods that are environmentally-friendly, replacing existing sources of energy that are otherwise detrimental.
5) Technological Innovation
With a demand for higher quality and quantity of food and related products, Nigeria’s agro industry, should be centered around technological innovation.
The industry in recent times due to the recession that hit the country in the year 2017 has invested in research and development to develop and innovate with the environment in mind. Scientists today are interested in developing crops that are pesticide-free, resistant to disease, and able to withstand difficult weather conditions.