Dr YC Zala is the Dean and Principal of the International Agribusiness Management Institute of Anand Agricultural University. He did his B.Sc. (Agri.), M.Sc. (Agri.) in Agricultural Economics and Ph.D. (Economics). He has multifarious experience in the field of teaching, research, administration and extension activities. He has been associated with Agricultural University since 1984. In his 37 years of a career, he has been associated with 10 research projects and has been a major guide to 23 students in their research projects. He has received various awards including Bharat Shiksha Ratan Award (2018) and President’s Award (2018).

International Agribusiness Management Institute, Anand Agricultural University

How do you strategize the programs to be included in the course? 

“We follow ICAR guidelines in formulating the syllabus and modify (Maximum 25 percent) the same as per requirement”

  • The agri-business management course was started in 2008 under Anand Agricultural University as a requirement for management expertise in the area. 
  • This specialization has various management sub-heads under it like Entrepreneurship, input marketing, output marketing, price forecasting, Human resource management and Financial Management in Agribusiness, MIS, and Production Management etc. 
  • We are currently offering 2 PG courses, a 2-year MBA in Agri-business Management and a 3-year PhD in ABM program.
  • Admissions are given to those who have undergraduate degrees in Agriculture and related allied fields. Such graduates can add management skills to their knowledge for better opportunities. 
  • More of our focus is on International Trade in agricultural inputs and outputs. 

How does the college build a connection with the industry?

“Focus on publication of research works & guest lectures by Industry experts”

In our program, we have 2 field segments. The first one is a 45 days internship program in the 2nd semester where students can get industry exposure and gain insights. Another is a full-time project with a company in the 4th semester. Students carry out diversified research projects with the guidance of faculty and industry experts. During the pandemic, we have organized around 30 webinars under the National Agricultural Higher Education Project in association with ICAR. Anand Agriculture University as a whole has a very strong network as different colleges under it specialize in various fields of importance. We are also associated with government projects which help students gaining insights into the policies.

How do you make the college more inclusive?

“Free education for female students and a zero-tolerance policy towards discrimination”

We do not tolerate any kind of discrimination at the university. 75 percent seats are allotted for the Gujarat based students and 25 percent seats filled by out of Gujarat domicile Students through ICAR quota. Many international students also get the admission through ICAR. We provide free education to girls and make sure they are safe and comfortable on campus. Different hostel facilities are available for both girls and boys. 

Check International Agribusiness Management Institute, Anand Agricultural University Courses & Fees

What do you think is the college’s greatest strength?

“Our dedicated faculty is our greatest strength along with the modern infrastructure”

We have highly experienced and educated professors who have graduated from esteemed universities making our college great. There is an intense focus on research work and academic support to the students. Another strength of IABMI is its excellent infrastructure. We have a library, good wifi connectivity, smart classrooms and all the equipment required for the best learning experience for our students. 

What is your leadership philosophy?

“I continuously strive to provide knowledge and best opportunities to my teammates”

With my 37 years of experience, I wish to use all my knowledge to create agricultural managers who contribute towards this long-ignored sector. I believe in creating job creators and not job seekers through this institute. Around 80% of our students are interested in innovating solutions and become entrepreneurs. I believe that being up-to-date and inculcating the ongoing practices enables better applicability of theoretical knowledge.

How has the pandemic changed the face of education in India?

“A digitally inclined mode of education is the need of the hour”

The education sector has suffered immensely due to the pandemic. Both students and teachers faced their share of challenges. We also switched to the online mode which had its challenges. This year students are more comfortable in the online mode than they were last year. For management institutes, placement was again a challenge like never before. But we were able to place 100% of our students because we switched to alternative methods of following the whole procedure.

Click International Agribusiness Management Institute, Anand Agricultural University Placement

How are the institute building graduates that can solve the modern agricultural problems?

“By training them in marketing techniques that enhance the processes of this field”

Modern agricultural problems are not the ones of production but marketing. Hence, we ensure that we teach our students courses that help in this issue. We have a market intelligence centre that trains them on how to forecast prices and other complex issues of the subject. We also focus on marketing through aggregation and utilizing economies of scale. Also, we have a research initiative called AGRESCO which is unique system in India. Under AGRESCO research faculty carry out many research projects and this would be useful for teaching purpose too. 

What suggestions do you have for the aspiring youth of the country?

“The youth must opt for and contribute to the Agricultural industry of this country”

Science students should also consider agriculture after 12th rather than just medical and engineering. There is a wide scope in this field that our youth is unaware of. Many agritech start-ups are now being launched with immense growth potential. No matter where you live, you will require food to survive, so why not contribute to that sector as well.