Horticulture is an important stream of agriculture and this term is derived from the latin word hortus and culture, which means garden and cultivation respectively. It is a branch of agricultural plant sciences dealing with the production of ornamentals, nuts, vegetables and fruits.

The sector of horticulture is acting as a main source of employment and food to a major population in India. The horticulture sector includes several divisions like landscape architecture, arboriculture, etc…, which also offers employment opportunities.

Government organizations operating in the horticulture sector in India:

• National Horticulture Board, Haryana

• Directorate of Cashew net and Cocoa Development

• Directorate of Areca nut and Spices Development

• National Horticulture Research & Development Foundation, Nashik

• Indian Institute of Horticulture Research

In addition to these, each state in India has its own Directorate of Horticulture, like Himachal Pradesh Directorate of Horticulture.

Recent job notification in the horticulture sector:

Recently, the following government organizations invited applications from eligible candidates for jobs in horticulture sector:

• Horticulture Assistant – Karnataka Public Service Commission

• Technical Officer (Horticulture) - National Horticulture Research & Development Foundation, Nashik

• Section Officer (Personnel) - National Horticulture Research & Development Foundation, Nashik

• Senior technical officer (Horticulture) - National Horticulture Research & Development Foundation, Nashik

• Joint Director - National Horticulture Research & Development Foundation, Nashik

• Field Technician - Indian Institute of Horticulture Research

• Lower Division Clerk - Indian Institute of Horticulture Research

• Horticulture Extension Officer – Directorate of Horticulture, Himachal Pradesh

Educational qualification needed for finding a job in the horticulture sector:

As the industry deals with horticulture, candidates with any of the following educational qualifications can find government jobs in horticulture sector:

• Bachelor of Science in Horticulture

• Master of Science in Horticulture with specialization in

o Plant protection

o Horticulture, floriculture, landscaping

o Vegetable sciences

o Post harvest technology & fruit production

o Plant breeding & genetics

o Agriculture

• Diploma in

o Vegetable production

o Fruit production

o Floriculture

What are the different job positions available for Horticulture graduates in government organizations?

Some of the job positions offered to horticulture graduates in this sector are as follows:

• Agricultural inspector

• Agricultural development officer

• Section officer

• Horticulturist/supervisor

• Farm supervisor

• Training assistant

• Fruit & vegetable inspector/horticulture inspector

• Technical assistant/officer

Therefore, a wide range of employment opportunities is available in the field of horticulture, not only to candidates with graduation in horticulture and related subjects, but also for candidates belonging to other streams of education as well.