The broad objective of a crop science programme is the teaching of the principles, skills and knowledge needed for appropriate production, management practices and systems to maximise the use of limited water resources for dryland farming in different climatic, soil and crop production situations. The crop, soil, machinery, water management and soil conservation aspects are considered within the social context.

The specific objectives are to:

• Apply the scientific knowledge to advance agricultural crop and horticultural production and post production activities involved in the production.
• Implement government policies related to dryland crop production, land and environmental management
• Initiate and manage horticultural and crop based agribusiness profitably.
• Provide technical expertise and support in matters relating to crop and horticultural production, mechanisation, crop storage and post harvest handling.