Horticulturist - How to become a Horticulturist

Horticulturist is a professional expert in the art of growing fruits and vegetables one may also call him/her a skilled gardener in easy language. Horticulturist has its own importance in agrarian economy like India where agriculture sector in general and horticulture in particular play an important role in the economy of the country as a whole.

Horticulture as a profession has largely gained ground because of the commercialization of agricultural sector in India. This profession has become a commercial success due to the  high demand of its products throughout the year and that too in bulk. A qualified horticulturist can make his career as Horticulture officer or supervisor in hotels, resorts or construction companies, as Warehouse Manager, Store Manager  or Quality Manager in fruit and vegetable retailing firms. A professional Horticulturist  can also work as Plant Manager in floricultural processing units, as Estate Manager, Scientists, Professor and Research Associates in academic institutions and research organization.

India has a blooming future as far as Horticulture is concerned. Enormous genetic diversity, varied agro climatic conditions, versatile human resources etc offer India a unique scope for judicious employment of existing resources and exploration of avenues yet untouched. Taking all these consideration in mind it seems that demand for the trained Hortitulturist is on the rise in near future.

This is a kind of career which is ever demanding you cannot get relaxed any time, in fact you have to work  harder and harder with the passage of time. If you want to enjoy the beauty of the other part of the living beings then you have also to accept the responsibility attached with it. To handle thing effectively a lot of hard work, stamina, adaptability to follow difficult time schedules, good team spirit is required as this is not a time bound job.

Eligibility to become a Horticulturist

1. Educational Qualification

To be eligible for joining a course for becoming a Horticulturist one should be 10+2 preferably in medical stream.

2. Age

No age considerations are there for the age to join a course for becoming Horticulturist.

How to become a Horticulturist?

To become a Horticulturist one has to follow the below given steps:-

Step 1

One has to join one of the following undergraduate course for that one may also take an entrance test.

1. B. Sc. Agriculture/Horticulture degree

Step 2

After completing this undergraduate course one can apply for some job in government sector or public sector or may opt for the Post graduation in the specialized field.

1. M.Sc in Horticulture at the post graduate level that offers specializations in Horticulture.

Step 3

After completing the requisite qualification one can either join some big corporate house involved in this business or look for some government jobs mentioned in the newspapers from time to time. Besides one can become an entrepreneur.  

Horticulturist Job Prospects and Career Options 

Horticulturists can join the field of Horticulture as farm/estate managers, plantation experts and supervisors etc. Research and teaching are two other avenues of employment in the field. Besides this Horticulturist jobs include marketing of Horticulturist products for different social and economic ventures is emerging as a potential segment of this field.

Experienced professionals can  also work as consultant, landscape architect etc. Experts with business skills can also work as entrepreneur and offer employment to others.

Horticulturist Salary

As far as financial aspects  of this profession are concerned, there is a wider scope of increase in the income/salary of a Horticulturist. One can get anywhere near Rs.15,000 to Rs.20,000 in government service and if one starts  his own business one can earn as good as Rs.45,000 to Rs.50,000 per month.