Fundamentals of Horticulture

Introduction

• India is the seventh largest country in the world with a total geographical area of 328.73 m ha. and has second largest population 121 crores (2011) after China.
• The total arable land available is 144 m.ha.
• Around 55-60 per cent of population depends on agriculture and allied activities.
• Horticulture crops constitute a significant component of total agricultural productionin the country.
• The term horticulture is derived from latin words: “hortus” meaning “garden” and “cultura” meaning “cultivation”. In ancient days the gardens were protected enclosures with high walls or similar structures surrounding the houses.
• The enclosed places were used to grow fruit, vegetables, flowers and ornamental plants. Therefore, in original sense “Horticulture refers to cultivation of garden plants within protected enclosures”.
• Present days the horticulture may be defined as the science and technique of production, processing and merchandizing of fruits, vegetables, flowers, spices, plantations and medicinal and aromatic plants.