Agriculture is a vast and evolving field that encompasses multiple disciplines, including agronomy, horticulture, soil science, animal husbandry and agricultural engineering. Understanding key abbreviations and terminologies is essential for students, researchers and professionals preparing for competitive exams and job interviews. This guide compiles some of the most commonly used agricultural abbreviations to enhance your knowledge and confidence. Whether you are looking for common abbreviations in agriculture, modern farming terminologies or an agricultural glossary for students, this list will be highly beneficial.
Commonly Used Agricultural Abbreviations
General Agriculture
- ICAR – Indian Council of Agricultural Research
- FAO – Food and Agriculture Organization
- NABARD – National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development
- APEDA – Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority
- KVK – Krishi Vigyan Kendra
- FPO – Farmer Producer Organization
- MSP – Minimum Support Price
- PM-KISAN – Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi
- RKVY – Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana
- ATMA – Agricultural Technology Management Agency
Soil Science & Fertilizers
- NPK – Nitrogen, Phosphorus and Potassium
- DAP – Diammonium Phosphate
- MOP – Muriate of Potash
- UAS – University of Agricultural Sciences
- pH – Potential of Hydrogen
- CEC – Cation Exchange Capacity
- OM – Organic Matter
- FYM – Farmyard Manure
- IPNM – Integrated Plant Nutrient Management
Plant Protection & Biotechnology
- IPM – Integrated Pest Management
- GMO – Genetically Modified Organism
- Bt – Bacillus thuringiensis (used in Bt cotton)
- PCR – Polymerase Chain Reaction
- RNA – Ribonucleic Acid
- DNA – Deoxyribonucleic Acid
- BHC – Benzene Hexachloride
- ICM – Integrated Crop Management
- PPM – Parts Per Million
Agricultural Engineering & Technology
- GIS in Agriculture – Geographical Information System
- GPS – Global Positioning System
- AI in Agriculture – Artificial Insemination
- IoT – Internet of Things (Used in Smart Agriculture)
- UAV – Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (Drones in Agriculture)
- VRT – Variable Rate Technology
- FMS – Farm Management Software
- CFD – Computational Fluid Dynamics
- LCA – Life Cycle Assessment
Animal Husbandry & Dairy Science
- NDDB – National Dairy Development Board
- NADRS – National Animal Disease Reporting System
- VFA – Volatile Fatty Acids
- CP – Crude Protein
- TS – Total Solids
- FCR – Feed Conversion Ratio
- SNP – Single Nucleotide Polymorphism
- LSD – Lumpy Skin Disease
- AI – Artificial Insemination
Irrigation & Water Management
- CADA – Command Area Development Authority
- DWR – Directorate of Water Resources
- WUE – Water Use Efficiency
- BIS – Bureau of Indian Standards
- SWI – System of Wheat Intensification
- DSS – Decision Support System
- RIDF – Rural Infrastructure Development Fund
Agricultural Marketing & Trade
- AGMARK – Agricultural Marketing
- E-NAM – Electronic National Agriculture Market
- GDP – Gross Domestic Product
- NSC – National Seeds Corporation
- FSSAI – Food Safety and Standards Authority of India
- WHO – World Health Organization
- UNDP – United Nations Development Programme
- EXIM – Export-Import
Why Knowing These Abbreviations Matters?
- Competitive Exams & Interviews – Many agricultural exams (ICAR NET, ASRB, NABARD) frequently ask questions related to these abbreviations.
- Enhancing Technical Knowledge – These terms help professionals understand and communicate efficiently in their field.
- Policy & Government Schemes Awareness – Farmers and professionals’ benefit from knowing key government programs and financial support mechanisms.
- Adapting to Modern Technologies – Precision agriculture, smart farming and biotechnology use advanced terminologies, making it essential to stay updated.
Agriculture is continuously evolving and understanding key terminologies is crucial for success. Whether you are a student, researcher or job aspirant, keeping these abbreviations at your fingertips will give you a competitive edge. If you found this list helpful, share it with fellow aspirants and agriculture enthusiasts!
Stay tuned to Agri Coaching Chandigarh Blogs page for more informative blogs are there any abbreviations or terms you’d like to add and make a part-2 for this blog? Let us know in the comments below!





