Rural areas have always been less developed than their urban counterparts, and especially in underdeveloped and developing countries, the rural population are still in the throes of poverty. This, despite the fact that, in a majority of countries, agriculture is the main motor of the economy. This rapidly widening gap between the rural and urban, which can also be seen in the developed world today is posing a grave cause of concern. To bring the development to the rural areas requires the help of trained individuals who are equally at home in the corporate sector as well as villages. And nowadays with the attention turning to farmlands, both government and nongovernmental bodies are working overtime to spread development there. Thus, there is an overwhelming need and demand for qualified rural managers, who are especially trained to do this task. To say that a career as a rural manager is both challenging as well as interesting would be an understatement. For apart from a hefty pay cheque, the feeling that one is working for the upliftment of society will be the most prized payment. Read more of the article for further information on the courses in rural management.
Courses In Rural Management
Eligibility
Students who wish to pursue a course in rural management should have a bachelor’s degree from any disciple or an equivalent examination with the minimum percentage of marks prescribed by the university. The student should also complete his or her 10+2 years of schooling or its equivalent. Some institutes also offer a fellowship program in rural management. For this, the candidate should have completed his or her post graduation degree in any discipline. Students with a five year professional degree can also pursue this course. Those with a four year professional degree can apply for this course, provided they have a minimum of one year work experience. Apart from the mandatory educational qualifications, students will be given preference over their scores in the national and university level entrance test.
Details Of The Course Curriculum
The rural management course is designed with the view of preparing the students in assisting, establishing, developing and operating development projects in rural areas. The students will be trained in understanding the fundamentals of farming, and trading. Thus field trips to rural areas and interaction with farming communities are an integral part of this course. The course will also impart knowledge of technologies and management features. Other important areas in which the students will be trained in concentrating on rural based enterprises are:
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General management
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Marketing
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Finance
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Systems
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Project implementation
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Purchase
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Human resource development
The course will also train the students in studying operational problems, inadequacies in existing structures, organizing information etc. so that the students can work as analysts and consultants.
Specialization
In rural management course, specialization is concentrated in three broad sectors:
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Rural marketing
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Rural finance
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Rural development
Skills Required
The task of a rural manager is not confined to the desk. His job profile depends on working along with the rural folks. As such, those who wish to pursue a course in rural management should have an interest in meeting and working with the village folks. They should be willing to leave the comforts of their home and office and trudge along the dusty road. Along with the desire to work in rural areas, the students should also be very strong in the areas of research. They should also be knowledgeable about the agro industry, so that they can not only be of help, but also understand the problems faced by the rural people. Proficiency in local languages will help them to communicate better. Their written and verbal communication skills should also be of top order. Students should also have the ability to manage people and work effectively with others.
Career Prospects
Students with a degree in rural management can find employment in a variety of sectors, ranging from government agencies to non-governmental agencies to even private players. In short, any developmental schemes and programs require the help of rural management graduates for effective enforcement. International bodies like the UN hire large numbers of rural managers as also corporate to run their developmental agencies. Banks and cooperatives are other major sectors that students with this degree can find employment in. Rural managers also have the option to start their own NGOs or join any of the international research institutes that focus on research in rural areas.
Some Of The Best Institutes Offering This Course Globally
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Institute of Rural Management, India
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KIIT School of Rural Management, India
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Gandhigram Rural Institute, India
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Indian Institute Of Rural Management, India
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Gujarat Vidyapith, Centre for Rural Management, India
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Asian Institute of Technology, Bangkok
