Horticulture Career Scope, Eligibility and Job Prospects

Duration:4 years, Eligibility: 10+2. You must write ICAR’s entrance exam. Private institutions have their own norms as well, Job Profiles: Horticulture officer, Horticulturists, Landscape Expert, Facilities Expert

Despite being the second largest producer of fruits in the world, India wastes nearly half of what it produces every year. The lack of trained professionals is one of the prime reasons, alongside the absence of infrastructure facilities

Course overview: You will study all kinds of plants, from medicinal and fruit-yielding trees to plants that bear flowers. Also, weather and soil conditions, plant diseases and specific treatments, and economic viability of each plant

Job opportunities: The largest employer is still the government, which recruits Horticultural officers for its various departments. Large food retailers such as Wal-Mart, Spencers, Reliance, all need horticulturists to manage, advice and regulate their large battery of suppliers. Starting out your own akin to Ferns and Petals, which retails cut flowers, is also an option. The field extends beyond fruit production, to landscaping, medicinal plants, vineyards, plantations, and orchards