The horticulture sector has emerged as a prominent source of livelihood as well as a source of positive growth for the economy. This sector provides diverse employment opportunities. It also has various courses which can be pursued by the horticulture enthusiasts.

In this article we will discuss the various courses available in the horticulture field. Further, we will also discuss the career opportunities available in this field.

But a question might come to your mind that: 

Why choose horticulture as a career? 

In India, diverse opportunities are available in the field of horticulture and also there is a great demand for horticulturists in the country. India is a diverse country with different geographical locations which are suitable for plant cultivation. Moreover, people are becoming more health conscious in the modern world which has led to an increase in the demand for healthy fruits and vegetables. 

Therefore, a career in horticulture can be a great option if you have interest in plant cultivation. 

Read our article : Horticulture: The Garden Cultivation: An Introduction to know more about horticulture, its history and horticulture trends in India.

Let us now start with the courses available for you in the field of horticulture:

Diploma course in Horticulture

1. Overview: Diploma courses in horticulture covers basics of horticulture, agroforestry, commercial agriculture, value addition of horticultural crops, etc.
2. Eligibility: 10th or 10+2 or equivalent: Varies according to different institutions. 
3. Duration: Different institutions provide this course in different time frames varying from 1-2 years.
4. Suitable for: Horticultural enthusiasts who want to get jobs faster as well as complete their education in a less time frame. It will build a strong foundation for a career in the field of horticulture.

Undergraduate courses in Horticulture

Bachelor of Science Horticulture (B.Sc Horticulture)

1. Overview: B.Sc Horticulture course covers areas such as crop physiology, introductory soil science, statistics, genetics, horticultural crops, commercial floriculture, microbiology, etc.
2. Eligibility: 10+2 with minimum aggregate of 50% in Science stream with physics, chemistry and biology as the mandatory subjects (PCB/PCMB).
3. Entrance exams: HORTICET: Horticulture Common Entrance Test, CGPAT: Chhattisgarh Professional Examination Board.
4. Admission process: Admission can be done both on merit basis as well as through entrance exams conducted by selected colleges.  
5. Duration: 3-4 years
6. Suitable for: Students interested in making a career in the field of horticulture after completing their 12th standard in science stream can opt for this course.

Bachelor of Technology in Horticulture

1. Overview: B.Tech horticulture course covers areas such as technologies involved in horticulture, crop physiology, applied mathematics, agricultural economics, etc.
2. Eligibility: 10+2 or equivalent from a recognized university with 80% as the minimum aggregate with physics, chemistry, and biology/ maths/ agriculture as mandatory subjects.
3. Entrance exam: JEE: Joint Entrance Examination, HITSEEE: Hindustan Institute of Technology and Science Engineering Entrance Examination, ICAR AIEEA: ICAR All India Entrance Examination for Admission.
4. Admission process: Admission can be done both on merit basis as well as through counselling after entrance exams.
5. Duration: 4 years
6. Suitable for: Students who want to learn the technical aspects of the horticulture industry and also work in it.

Post graduate courses in Horticulture

Master of Science in Horticulture 

1. Overview: M.Sc Horticulture covers areas such as systematic horticulture, orchard management, floriculture, breeding of horticultural crops, etc.
2. Eligibility: Bachelor’s degree in science with a minimum of aggregate of 50%
3. Entrance exams: ICAR AIEEA: ICAR All India Entrance Examination for Admission, MCAER PG CET: Maharashtra Council of Agriculture Education and Research Common Entrance Test, AGRICET: Agriculture Common Entrance Test, BHU PET: Banaras Hindu University Postgraduate Entrance Test.
4. Admission process: Admission can be done both on the basis of marks in bachelor’s degree as well as through entrance exams conducted by colleges.
5. Duration: 2 years
6. Suitable for: Students who want to specialize in the field of horticulture can opt for a master’s degree in this field or in any sub-branch of this field.

Doctor of Philosophy in Horticulture

1. Overview: Ph.D. Horticulture involves doctoral level study in the field of horticulture and covers areas such as crop management, arboriculture, genealogy of plants, biological composting, etc.
2. Eligibility: Two years Master’s in horticulture or Master of Philosophy (M.Phil) in relevant fields with a minimum aggregate of 55%.
3. Entrance exam:  NET: National Eligibility Test, RET: Research Entrance Test, GATE: Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering, and other P.hD. Entrance tests conducted by the respective institutions.
4. Admission Process: Admission is done both on merit basis as well as through entrance exams.
5. Duration: 3-6 years
6. Suitable for: Students who seek a greater depth of knowledge in the field of horticulture as well as have a sincere interest in research can go for a Ph.D. in horticulture.

Career opportunities in the field of horticulture

Horticulture is a fast growing field with immense as well as diversified employment opportunities. You can do a job both in private as well as public sector. Also, you can start your own business in this field like starting your own nursery, landscape designing, etc. Horticultural experts also go in the field of writing to share their knowledge with the world.

A few career opportunities are enlisted below:

• Horticulturist
• Floriculturist
• Horticulture Manager
• Horticulture Inspector
• Fruit & Vegetable Inspector
• Horticulture Production Manager
• Horticulture Consultant
• Researcher
• Scientist
• District Horticulturist
• Landscape Designer
• Pest Management
• Lecturer 
• Writer
• Nursery manager
• Plant care
• Plant Pathologist
• Farm owner/ operator

I have only enlisted a few common areas of employment. Apart from these there are other various options to choose from. 

With the growing population, the responsibility of feeding this population is also becoming huge. The field of horticulture is a crucial element in feeding the population. Also, there is a great demand for young grads with technical knowledge of this field. Hence, a career in this field can be a great option.