TNPSC Agricultural Officer: Job Responsibilities and Eligibility Criteria

TNPSC Agricultural Officer: Job Responsibilities and Eligibility Criteria

Tamil Nadu Public Service Commission (TNPSC) conducts recruitment for the post of Agricultural Officer (AO) in the Tamil Nadu Agricultural Extension Subordinate Service. The post of Agricultural Officer is an important position in the agricultural sector of Tamil Nadu. The role of an Agricultural Officer is to work towards the development of the agricultural sector in the state by implementing various schemes and programs of the government. In this article, we will discuss the job responsibilities and eligibility criteria for the post of TNPSC Agricultural Officer.

Job Responsibilities of TNPSC Agricultural Officer

The job responsibilities of a TNPSC Agricultural Officer are as follows:

1. To work towards the development of the agricultural sector in the state by implementing various schemes and programs of the government.
2. To provide technical guidance and advice to farmers on various aspects of agriculture, including crop production, soil conservation, pest management, and use of fertilizers.
3. To conduct field visits to assess crop health and provide recommendations for crop improvement.
4. To organize and conduct training programs for farmers and other agricultural workers on various aspects of agriculture.
5. To coordinate with other government agencies and departments to implement various schemes and programs related to agriculture.
6. To maintain and update records of various schemes and programs implemented by the government.
7. To participate in various agricultural fairs and exhibitions to showcase new agricultural technologies and practices.
8. To monitor the implementation of various schemes and programs related to agriculture and submit reports to higher authorities.
9. To provide assistance to farmers in obtaining credit and financial support from various government agencies.

Eligibility Criteria for TNPSC Agricultural Officer

The eligibility criteria for the post of TNPSC Agricultural Officer are as follows:

1. Educational Qualification: The candidate should have a degree in Agriculture from a recognized university or institution. Candidates who have a degree in Agricultural Engineering or Horticulture are also eligible to apply.
2. Age Limit: The candidate should be between 18 and 30 years of age. However, there are age relaxations for candidates belonging to reserved categories.
3. Nationality: The candidate should be a citizen of India or a subject of Nepal, Bhutan or Tibet.
4. Physical Fitness: The candidate should be physically fit and free from any physical disability.
5. Language Proficiency: The candidate should have knowledge of the Tamil language.
6. Experience: No prior experience is required to apply for the post of TNPSC Agricultural Officer.

Selection Process for TNPSC Agricultural Officer

The selection process for the post of TNPSC Agricultural Officer consists of two stages:

1. Written Examination: The written examination consists of two papers – Paper I and Paper II. Paper I is a general studies paper, while Paper II is a subject-specific paper on Agriculture. The total marks for the written examination are 500.
2. Interview: Candidates who qualify in the written examination are called for an interview. The interview carries a weightage of 70 marks.

Skills Required for TNPSC Agricultural Officers

TNPSC Agricultural Officers require certain skills and qualities to perform their duties effectively. Some of the key skills required are as follows:

1. In-depth knowledge of agriculture and related fields such as soil conservation, crop production, and pest management.
2. Strong communication and interpersonal skills to effectively interact with farmers, government officials, and other stakeholders in the agricultural sector.
3. Analytical and problem-solving skills to identify and resolve issues related to agriculture.
4. Ability to work in a team and coordinate with other departments and agencies.
5. Physical fitness and stamina to conduct field visits and work in rural areas.
6. Proficiency in Tamil language, as it is the primary language of communication in the state.

Salary and Benefits for TNPSC Agricultural Officers

The salary of TNPSC Agricultural Officers is as per the pay matrix level 10, which ranges from Rs. 36,900 to Rs. 1,16,600. In addition to the basic salary, they are also entitled to various allowances such as Dearness Allowance, House Rent Allowance, and Travel Allowance.

They also get various benefits such as medical facilities, insurance coverage, and pension scheme, etc. The job provides a good work-life balance as the work is mostly outdoors and involves working closely with farmers and rural communities.

Conclusion

The post of TNPSC Agricultural Officer is a crucial position in the agricultural sector of Tamil Nadu. The job responsibilities of an Agricultural Officer include implementing various schemes and programs related to agriculture, providing technical guidance to farmers, and conducting training programs. The eligibility criteria for the post of TNPSC Agricultural Officer include educational qualification, age limit, language proficiency, and physical fitness. The selection process for the post of TNPSC Agricultural Officer consists of a written examination and an interview.