Overview

Horticulture is an aspect of agriculture that includes the cultivation of fruits and vegetables. It also covers floriculture, or the cultivation of flowers. 

Over the years, horticulture has grown from a kitchen-garden kind of activity into an organized area of agriculture. The increasing demand for fresh and hygienically packaged fruits and vegetables offers new challenges for those entering this field. 

In the area of floriculture, too, the demand has increased worldwide, at an estimated growth rate of 20% a year. According to estimates, while the annual demand for flowers in the international market is worth Rs 75,000 crore, the supply is less than Rs 45,000 crore. 

With technological advancement, great emphasis is also being laid on improving regular varieties of fruits, vegetables and flowers for processing, creating exotic species for decorative and commercial purposes, and mass-scale multiplication of species for increased productivity. 

With the liberalization of the Indian economy, the demand for agri-products has greatly increased. Moreover, India's advantageous geographical location, with its varying soil and climatic conditions and the advantage of three harvests a year, as well as an abundant labor force, provide ample opportunities for the growth of a range of agri-products throughout the year. 

The export potential for these products is very good and hence the prospects for horticultural specialists are extremely bright.

MAIN AREAS OF WORK

There are broadly two main areas of activity in horticulture: Commercial horticulture which involves growing plants for sale both as raw commodities and for processing purposes, and Amenity horticulture which involves making and maintaining gardens as pleasant environs.