How to become a Horticulturist?
To become a horticulturist, an individual must have a degree in horticulture or a related field, such as agriculture, botany, or plant science. Several colleges and universities in India offer undergraduate and postgraduate courses in horticulture. The minimum eligibility criteria for undergraduate courses is 10+2 or equivalent with science stream, while for postgraduate courses, a bachelor’s degree in horticulture or a related field is required.
Students interested in horticulture can opt for bachelor’s programs such as B.Sc. in Horticulture, B.Tech in Horticulture, or B.Sc. in Agriculture. For postgraduate studies, students can opt for courses such as M.Sc. in Horticulture, M.Tech in Horticulture, or Ph.D. in Horticulture.
After completing their degree, graduates can apply for jobs in various fields such as agriculture, floriculture, landscaping, research, and academics. Horticulturists can also start their own businesses or work as consultants in the field.
Horticulturist Job Description
A horticulturist’s job responsibilities vary depending on their specialization and the employer. Some common job responsibilities of a horticulturist include:
- Conducting research to improve plant growth, yield, quality, and resistance to pests and diseases.
- Designing and maintaining gardens, parks, and landscapes.
- Managing the production and distribution of fruits, vegetables, flowers, and ornamental plants.
- Advising farmers and growers on plant cultivation techniques and strategies.
- Conducting workshops and training sessions on horticulture-related topics.
All About Horticulture Courses
| Course Available | Certificate, Diploma, PG Diploma, Undergraduate, Postgraduate, Doctoral |
| Eligibility | Merit and Entrance Based |
| Average Annual Course Fee | INR 5,000 – INR 3,00,000 |
| Courses Offered | BSc in Horticulture, BTech in Horticulture, MTech in Horticulture, Ph.D. in Horticulture |
| Top Colleges | Calcutta University, Mumbai University, Punjab Agriculture University, Mahatma Phule Krishi Vidyapeeth, etc |
| Jobs, and Scope | Horticulturalist, Pomolgist, Agronomist, Farm Manager, Seed Analyst, Horticulture Technician, Horticulture Inspector, Floriculturist, etc. |
| Average Annual Salary | 2 Lakhs – 6 Lakhs |
Best Colleges for Horticulture Courses
Horticulture courses are offered by various universities across India. Following is the list of top colleges that offer horticulture courses.
| College | Location |
|---|---|
| Anbil Dharmalingam Agricultural College and Research Institute | Tamil Nadu |
| Govind Ballabh Pant University of Technology and Agriculture | Uttarakhand |
| Calcutta University | Kolkata |
| Mahatma Phule Krishi Vidyapeeth | Pune |
| Mumbai University | Mumbai |
| Punjab Agricultural University | Punjab |
| Indian Agricultural Research Institute | New Delhi |
Horticulturist Salary
The salary of a horticulturist varies depending on their job responsibilities, work experience, and location. A fresh horticulture graduate can expect a salary of around Rs. 25,000 to Rs. 30,000 per month. However, with experience and expertise, horticulturists can earn more than Rs. 1 lakh per month in managerial positions.