Prestige University, Indore, is a leading educational institution committed to academic excellence and innovation. Offering a diverse range of MBA programs, the university is dedicated to preparing students for the challenges of a rapidly changing global economy. With a focus on experiential learning, state-of-the-art facilities, and a faculty comprised of industry experts, Prestige University provides an enriching environment for students. Among its various programs, the MBA in Food & Agribusiness stands out as a program designed to equip aspiring professionals with the skills and knowledge necessary to excel in the vital food and agricultural sectors.
The Growing Landscape of Agribusiness
The agribusiness sector in India is experiencing significant growth, creating a wealth of opportunities for professionals in this field. According to the India Agribusiness Report by Fitch Solutions (2020), the projected market value of Indian agribusiness is expected to reach $500 billion by 2024. This burgeoning market underscores the critical need for skilled professionals to meet rising demand. A BCG analysis of 233 companies across seven sectors—including agrochemicals, tobacco, FMCG, edible oil, fertilizers, sugar, and alcohol—projects a demand for 8,000 to 10,000 professionals in the Indian agribusiness sector annually from 2020 to 2023. However, the current supply of skilled graduates from top Indian institutes remains a challenge, with fewer than 1,000 graduates entering the workforce each year, as indicated by the AISHE Report (2018-19). This significant gap highlights the urgent need for specialized education in agribusiness, which the MBA program at Prestige University aims to address.
Industry Perspectives on Agribusiness Skills
Industry experts emphasize the critical skills and knowledge needed for success in the agribusiness sector. The Co-founder and COO of Jumbotail states, “Understanding changing consumer preferences, value creation through market linkages, pricing, marketing and branding, leveraging technology to solve farmer issues, sustainable agricultural practices, and evolving trends in agribusiness will be crucial.” This insight reflects the multifaceted nature of the sector, where professionals must adapt to dynamic market demands. Furthermore, a Senior Officer at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation notes, “Today’s courses do not give exposure to any latest technologies like Artificial Intelligence, Drone applications, and Robotics in Agribusiness. Given the pace of development in agriculture, case studies on agri-based technologies are very crucial.” These perspectives highlight the need for comprehensive education that incorporates modern technological advancements, which is a central focus of Prestige University’s MBA in Food & Agribusiness program.
MBA in Food & Agribusiness at Prestige University
Prestige University’s MBA in Food & Agribusiness is meticulously designed to prepare students for the unique challenges and opportunities within the agricultural sector. This program combines a robust curriculum with real-time practical exposure through internships and capstone projects, ensuring that students gain valuable insights into the industry. The comprehensive and industry-relevant curriculum will facilitate students to adapt to changing consumer preferences, transform end-to-end agri value chains, leverage technology to grow value, and implement sophisticated agri-financing strategies. The application of the program extends to diverse sectors such as Logistics & Warehousing, Agri Retail Marketing, Commodity Trading, Agri Finance, and Procurement & Sourcing. Additionally, students can build domain expertise in the last two terms by opting for one of three specialization tracks: Agri Sales & Marketing, Agri Finance & Trading, or Agri Supply Chain Management. By bridging theoretical knowledge with practical application, this program equips graduates with the necessary skills to thrive in a rapidly evolving agribusiness landscape.
Employment Scope of Food & Agribusiness Professionals
The demand for skilled professionals in the Food & Agribusiness sector is set to rise significantly, with a projected increase of approximately 8,000 to 10,000 agribusiness professionals needed by the year 2023, according to BCG. India’s agriculture sector is a crucial contributor to the economy, accounting for 19.9% of the GDP and serving as its backbone. As a developing nation, India is witnessing substantial investments from corporate giants in technological advancements and modern research aimed at enhancing agricultural productivity. At the entry level, a Business Analyst in the Food & Agribusiness field can expect a median salary of ₹7.2 LPA, reflecting the strong earning potential in this vital industry.
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