Plant Breeder

The plant breeders are able to work on a broad variety of crops and systems to discover the best ways to care for and create a variety of crops and plants. They also conduct research that allow them to discover and study new species of plants and breeding combinations. Their research is focused on discovering ways to develop new and efficient methods to grow a large quantity of crops using the least amount of resources. Certain researchers may be working in a massive way to assist countries struggling with food insecurity to increase the growth of their crops by this method.

An undergraduate degree from botany, biology or another similar field is usually required for this job. Plant breeders can work within the public sector, or the government in order to carry out research. Alongside having a bachelor's degree and a master's degree, many of them are also certified in plant breeding to build skills in particular areas and increase opportunities for career advancement However, these certifications are not required to be employed. Additionally, a number of institutions have started offering doctoral programs where plant breeders can earn doctoral degrees in breeding of plants, and also in genetics of plants.

As a Plant Breeder with 3-6 years of experience in India, here are some main responsibilities:

• Planning and implementing research projects to improve plant varieties and developing breeding strategies.
• Assessing and selecting desirable traits in plants such as yield, disease resistance, and quality.
• Overseeing and coordinating the establishment, maintenance, and data collection of breeding trials and nurseries.
• Working with farmers, seed producers, and other stakeholders to understand their needs and develop new plant varieties to meet market demands.

Major educational qualifications required for Plant Breeder are:

• Experience in the agriculture industry.
• Experience with the best practices in farming.
• Ability to work for long hours at a site.
• Good communication skills.
• You must be physically healthy.
• Hand-eye coordination is excellent.

The role of a Plant Breeder is crucial in the field of agriculture, contributing to the development and improvement of crop varieties. For professionals in India with 3-6 years of experience, there are various alternative roles to consider within the agricultural sector. Here are four options worth exploring:

• Research Scientist: A position that involves conducting research and experiments to advance scientific knowledge in agriculture and develop innovative solutions.
• Crop Consultant: An advisory role where expertise is utilized to provide guidance and recommendations to farmers regarding crop selection, cultivation practices, and pest management.
• Seed Production Manager: A role that focuses on overseeing the production, quality control, and distribution of seeds to ensure a reliable supply for farmers.
• Agricultural Sales Representative: An opportunity to work in sales and marketing, promoting agricultural products, such as seeds, fertilizers, and machinery, and building relationships with farmers and distributors.

The job role of a Plant Breeder in India is projected to experience significant growth in the market. According to a 10-year analysis, there is an increasing demand for skilled plant breeders in various sectors such as agriculture, horticulture, and biotechnology. The implementation of advanced breeding techniques and genetic engineering has propelled this growth. With the government's focus on agricultural development and increasing emphasis on sustainable farming practices, there will be abundant employment opportunities for plant breeders in the future. Considering the latest data available with Google, this growth trend indicates a positive outlook for the Plant Breeder role in India.