Introduction to Career in Horticulture
Horticulture is small-scale agriculture which offers great career opportunities. Career in horticulture is suitable for those who have interest in gardening.
What is Horticulture?
Horticulture is a term derived from the Latin words ‘hortus’ means garden and ‘cultura’ means cultivation. They together means garden cultivation. Thus horticulture is the science and art of gardening. That is, small-scale cultivation of fruits, vegetables, flowers, spices, ornamental plants, plantation crops, tuber crops, medicinal plants, aromatic plants etc.
One who study horticulture are called horticulturist. A horticulturist uses the basic information of different scientific fields to apply in gardening for the benefit of people and the environment.
Roles and Responsibilities of a Horticulturist
Roles and responsibilities of horticulturist varies with position and rank of their work. The role varies from field work to managerial positions. Research works are also available in this field. Supervision and artistic roles are also there in horticulture field.
Educational Qualification Required for Career in Horticulture
Minimum educational qualification required depends on which rank you want to get the job and to advance. A bachelor’s degree in agriculture science with horticulture as a subject or as a discipline will help to get a job in this field. Some diploma courses are also available in this field of study. Some jobs in this field even don’t require a formal education in horticulture.
Skills and Knowledge required for a Career in Horticulture
Main and important skills a horticulturist required is the love and interest to nature, agriculture procedures, plants, etc. Good communication and observation skills are essential for this job. Practical and analytical mind is also required to do the job. For those who are interested in research need to have research oriented skills also. Advisory, supervisory and managing capacities are also part of their successful career in this field.
How to become a Horticulturist?
One who want to go for BSc. in agricultural science or horticulture should take 10+2 Science with biology. They can also join for a diploma course in agriculture or horticulture. After this they can continue their studies to MSc. in Horticulture and then to M Phil. A good candidate can also get a PhD in the subject.
Different branches of Horticulture
Five branches of horticulture are:
- Floriculture (Study of growing and marketing of flowers and foliage plants).
- Landscaping (Design, construction and maintenance of landscapes)
- Olericulture (Study of production and marketing of vegetables)
- Pomology (Study of production and marketing of fruits)
- Postharvest Physiology (Maintaining quality and preventing spoilage of horticultural crops)
Where do I get the Job?
Career options are available with different industries as this field is related to these industries. It includes fruit and vegetable industry, spice industry, floriculture industry, gardening and nursery, landscaping, etc. It also extends its hands to medicine field through horticulture therapy.
Self-employment opportunities are also available in this field. Agribusiness, botanical gardens, crop management, floral design, food and vegetable production, landscape management, city planning, research and development are some of the fields where you can get a job.