Plant Breeder

Aliases: Plant Breeding Specialist

Industry/Sector(s): Life Sciences

JOB DESCRIPTION ¹

The tasks a Plant Breeder is expected to perform include:

Conducting experiments in fields and under controlled conditions to breed improved varieties of plants in relation to size, quality, yield, resistance to frost and diseases, etc.
Studying different characteristics of plants such as their growth, yield, etc. of both imported and indigenous varieties
Growing plants in selected areas under controlled climatic conditions
Comparing the characteristics of indigenous varieties with foreign or imported varieties to select best breed for local propagation
Breeding or cross-breeding plants of one variety with another to evolve strain of improved yield, height, size, resistance to diseases, etc.
Growing plants in experimental farms in nucleus seed so as to multiply them under controlled conditions of soil, fertility, climate, irrigation, etc.
Breeding new varieties by inducing artificial mutation by use of light rays, chemicals and radioactive isotopes
Conducting sample check of yield, quality, quantity, etc.
Handling proper plant growth after variety is released
Specializing in breeding particular crop plants such as cotton, millets, pulses, oil seeds, paddy, sugarcane, etc.
Teaching the students about the various breeding processes

WORK ENVIRONMENT ^{1, 2}

It is not a desk job
Need not handle a team
Local travelling may be a part of this job role
Part-time work and contractual jobs may be available
Work from home option is not available

Working hours

Organizations usually work for 5/6 days a week and 9/10 hours everyday. This may vary from organization to organization
Shift system may be available

Is the job suitable for a candidate with special needs?

This may vary from organization to organization

EDUCATIONAL QUALIFICATIONS AND TRAINING ⁴

Preferably, M.Sc. in Plant Breeding/Plant Biochemistry/Biotechnology/Genetics

KEY COMPETENCIES ¹

Knowledge of growth, yield of both imported and indigenous varieties of plants
Skilled in growing plants under controlled climatic conditions
Complete knowledge of the characteristics of both indigenous as well as foreign varieties
Skilled in doing artificial mutation by use of light rays, chemicals and radioactive isotopes
Expertise in plant breeding including mutation induction and/or detection
Familiarity with the optimal use of nuclear and biotechnology methods for the induction and/or detection of genetic alteration in plants
Knowledge of high-throughput genotyping and phenotyping for mutation detection
Ability to communicate project needs and results effectively to experts and national counterparts

DESIRABLE COMPETENCIES ¹

Ability to work independently
Good communication skills
Analytical skills

AVAILABLE SKILL TRAINING AND LEARNING INSTITUTES

A.K.S University
www.aksuniversity.ac.in/
Agricultural College and Research Institute
www.tnau.ac.in/homesci/agrif/Home.htm
Tamil Nadu Agricultural University
www.tnau.ac.in/
Kerala Agricultural University
www.kau.in/
Junagadh Agricultural University
www.jau.in/

AVAILABLE SKILL TRAINING SCHEMES/SCHOLARSHIPS

SAMPLE OF TRAINING AND LEARNING COURSES

http://www.icar.org.in/files/edu/Revised-PG-Course-Curricula-and-Syllabi/Plant%20Sciences%2030.4.2009.pdf

CAREER PROGRESSION PATH ³

Junior Researcher → Plant Breeder → Senior Plant Breeder → Head of the Department
The progression is indicative

EXPECTED EARNINGS ⁴

For new entrants – Rs 28,000 to Rs 30,000 per month

These figures are indicative and subject to change

REQUIRED WORK EXPERIENCE ⁴

Some organizations hire new entrants too

PROBABLE EMPLOYERS ⁴

Specialist seed producers
Government and private research institutes
Commercial plant breeding companies
Agricultural sciences recruitment boards

KEYWORDS

Plant Breeder
Plant Breeding Specialist

OCCUPATIONAL CODES AND STANDARDS

Standard	Code	Description
NCO 2015	2131.0600	Plant Breeder
ISCO 2008	2131	Biologists, Botanists, Zoologists and Related Professionals
NIC 2008	72100	Research and experimental development on natural sciences and engineering
QP Reference	Not available	Not available
NSQF	Not available	Not available

REFERENCES

1	National Classification of Occupations Division 2
2	https://www.infosys.com/industries/life-sciences
3	http://www2.deloitte.com/content/dam/Deloitte/global/Documents/Life-Sciences-Health-Care/gx-lshc-2015-life-sciences-report-india.pdf
4	http://www.indeed.co.in/viewjob?jk=06b25339ca262b0e&q=Plant+Breeding&from=ifa&utm_source=publisher&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=newifa&pub=6089451791983006 http://www.sarkari-naukri.in/jobs-by-qualification/post-graduate/sr-scientist-plant-pathology.html
5	http://socialjustice.nic.in/pdf/dd3-group-c.pdf
6	https://targetstudy.com/colleges/phd-genetics-plant-breeding-degree-colleges-in-india.html
7	http://jcb.rupress.org/content/184/3/342.full
8	http://dget.nic.in/upload/uploadfiles/files/publication/Des-Div-2.pdf
9	www.censusindia.gov.in
10	http://www.dwr.res.in/sites/default/files/events/walkin3.pdf

Disclaimer: We hereby declare that utmost care has been taken to ensure that the content provided here is valid and relevant. Given the dynamic nature of the information, it may vary across organizations, institutes, cities, and states in India. The publisher, author, and printer will not be held liable or responsible for any discrepancy in the content. This content should be used for reference purpose only; it is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice or used for any commercial purposes. The contact details and website links provided in the content may have changed from the time of creation till its printing/publication. The company names that have been cited are for example purpose only. The Directorate does not endorse any of the said organizations.

Feedback

Note: Only genuine inputs related to Career Content (Job role) should be submitted. Accepting & rejecting the feedback is purely at the discretion of MoLE.