The Work

The work covers horticultural farms, parks and gardens, plant pathology, fruit and vegetable processing, preservation and marketing, etc. Production covers the growing and harvesting of raw

fruits, vegetables and flowers, carried out mainly by farmers.

Much of the work is farming, involving management and supervision of agricultural practices for maximizing yields. With the widespread commercialization of this activity, there are now industrial houses, which handle large-scale and scientific cultivation of fruits and vegetables.

Processing covers all aspects of handling fruits and vegetables for distribution whether in natural form or as processed foods. New and scientific methods of farming have made it possible to extend the shelf life of these perishables.

Is best suited to those who enjoy an outdoor life and are interested in the practical side of horticultural farming. The work would normally cover all aspects of soil preparation, sowing, harvesting, administration of nutrients and fertilizers, and the scientific management of climatic conditions.

It is recommended that those from an urban background wanting to make a career of horticultural farming spend a year or so on a farm gaining practical experience and making sure that this is the life they wish to lead.

Involves various tasks, from the procurement of the raw material to the final distribution of the end

product, which may remain in natural form or be packaged. Experienced horticulturists can become plantation assistants or quality inspectors for commercial canning in quick-freezing stations or packaging for the domestic and export market.

Note: More information on fruit and vegetable processing is available in the chapter on Food Processing.

Involves all aspects of cultivation of flowers, flowering plants, shrubs, and ornamental trees for decorative purposes in gardens. Grafting, collecting seeds and de-budding are some of the other functions, which have to be performed. Development and maintenance of town and country parks, picnic areas, golf courses, as also landscaping of gardens, lawns, hothouses and nurseries are other areas handled by horticulturists in amenity horticulture.

Horticulturists look for ways to improve and breed new varieties of fruits and vegetables or flowers, by the application of scientific techniques such as tissue culture, micro propagation, embryo culture, etc. This would generally be undertaken in government-funded research institutions, although there are research and development laboratories being set up by private sector companies in the business of processing or marketing horticultural foods.

Development also includes multiplication and distribution of planting material and establishment of nucleus production centers.

Is for those considering a career in teaching horticulture at an agriculture or horticulture institute, or in a management or advisory position at a horticultural products organization. Work here could also include motivation of fruit growers, and liaison with marketing agencies within the country and abroad.