Diploma in Horticulture

Diploma in Horticulture is a course that is pursued by a candidate after the competition of Class X studies. It deals with the study of methodologies and techniques involved in the cultivation of plants, crops and flowering plants.

A horticulture professional makes the best use of his specialized knowledge and skills in the production of various types of crops and plants. The purpose of offering Diploma in Horticulture course is to produce professionals who would be involved in sustainable plantation and inspection of diseased plants and crops. They also suggest solutions to get resistance against plant pests and insects.

Diploma in Horticulture Highlights

Following are the major highlights of the Diploma in Horticulture course: -

The minimum eligibility for admission in Diploma in Horticulture is given below:

• The candidate must have passed Class X board examination
• The candidates must have a minimum of 35% in Class 10^th
• In some states, preference in admission is given to the sons of farmers. A certain amount of seats is reserved for them.

Diploma in Horticulture Admission Process

There is no specific entrance examination for admission in Diploma in Horticulture course. Admission is mostly done on merit- basis. Students' performance in the Class X board is considered for admission in diploma in horticulture course.

However, admission also depends on various other factors like the number of seats available in an institute for a specific course, category wise reservation etc.

The topics that are covered in Diploma in Horticulture course in each semester is given below:

Semester 1

• Basics in Horticulture
• Plant propagation practices
• Fundamentals of Agronomy
• Soil and Fertility Management
• Farm Machinery
• Livestock Management and Poultry Production
• Physical Education
• Communication Skills

Semester 2

• Fruit crops Production Technology
• Dry Land Horticulture
• Ornamental gardening and Landscaping
• Medicinal and Aromatic crops production technology
• Agroforestry
• Silvihorticulture
• Irrigation
• Weed management
• Plant protection

Semester 3

• Vegetable crops Production Technology
• Flower crops Production Technology
• Spice crops Production Technology
• Crop Pests Management
• Crop Diseases and its management
• Commercial Agriculture

Semester 4

• Plantation crops Production Technology
• Protected cultivation
• Practical training
• Tours
• Seed production Technology of Horticultural crops
• Post Harvest Handling
• Value addition of Horticultural crops
•  Farm Management and Marketing
• Fundamentals of Extension Education

After the competition of Diploma in Horticulture course, a candidate can choose to work in various sectors like agriculture, pharmaceutical industry, perfumes and cosmetics production industries etc. The candidate can also set up his/ her business.

Growing vegetables, fruits and flowers is one of the major business opportunities available for those who want to be involved in the business. Candidates can also go for research and development as well as agriculture landscape management in future.

Some of the job roles that a candidate who completes a Diploma in Horticulture course can choose from are as follows:

• Horticulturist
• Floriculturist
• Pomologist
• Pest controller
• Marketing professional
• Sales executives