Can you Study Horticulture after 12 Non-Medical?

Horticulture is defined as the study of plant agriculture along with the study of crops, fruits and vegetables. B.Sc horticulture is a three – year undergraduate program. Topics like food technology, production, cultivation, harvesting come under this branch. B.Sc horticulture fees range from Rs. 5,000/- to Rs. 2 Lakhs.

The average salary ranges after completing horticulture from Rs. 2 lakhs to Rs. 10 Lakhs with job profiles like Horticulturists, Floriculturists, Pest Controller, Sales Executive and many more. The courses discussed further in this article can be done after 12th Non – Medical. 

The Horticulture course syllabus is ranged from medium to difficult. Below is the list of the syllabus for six semesters.

1. Semester – I

1. Basics of Horticulture
2. Plant Propagation Practices
3. Fundamentals of Agronomy
4. Soil & Fertility Management
5. Farm Machinery
6. Livestock Management & Poultry Production
7. Physical Education
8. Communication Skills

Semester – II

1. Fruit Crop Production Technology
2. Dry Land Horticulture
3. Ornamental Gardening & Landscaping
4. Agroforestry
5. Irrigation
6. Silvihorticulture
7. Weed Management
8. Plant Protection

Semester – III

1. Vegetable Crops Production Technology
2. Flower Crops Production Technology
3. Spice Crops Production Technology
4. Crop Pests Management
5. Crop Diseases & Management
6. Commercial Agriculture

Semester – IV

1. Plantation Crops Production Technology
2. Protected Cultivation
3. Practical Training
4. Tours
5. Post Harvesting Handling
6. Value Addition of Horticulture Crops
7. Farm Management & Marketing

Semester – V

1. Organic Farming
2. Introduction of major Crop Fields
3. Introductory Agro-forestry
4. Principles of Plant Biotechnology

Semester – VI

1. Remote Sensing
2. Entrepreneurship Development
3. Seed Production
4. Medicinal & Aromatic Plants
5. Processing of Horticulture Crops
6. Horticulture Business Management

The four-semester topics are covered in the syllabus of the diploma in Horticulture. The undergraduate degree has extensive subjects adding two more semesters. However, the four semesters are the same in the undergraduate degree and diploma. The other two semesters are different in B.Sc Horticulture as stated above. 

Horticulture Courses in India

There is a diploma, undergraduate, post – graduate and a doctorate degree available in Horticulture. 

Diploma & Certification:

The basics of Horticulture are covered in this course. The course duration varies from 2 Months to 2 Years. Students can only have some basic knowledge of the subject in this course. In order to know the course, a certification course is the best you can begin with to have an overview. 

Undergraduate Degree:

There is a detailed analysis of the subject in this course. Each topic is given separate attention and are analytically studied. You must do this course if you are interested in doing Horticulture and take this up as the job option. Students can get an In-depth knowledge in this course.

Masters Degree:

More professionalism is added to this degree. For a well-established career as a horticulturist, you need to apply for this degree. This is a two–year course and many reputed governments and private universities offer this degree. 

Ph.D. in Horticulture:

This is the highest level of qualification and more professional in its approach. This degree can range from three to six years. Job roles like that of an assistant, agriculture officer are provided who have completed this doctorate program. After completing the course, a good - pay salary is provided to the horticulturist.    

Now, what is the Horticulture salary in India? Well, there are different posts and salaries in India for the job of a horticulturist. Below is a table depicting the salaries and job titles of horticulturists in India.

These are some of the salaries of Horticulture officers. The average salary ranges from Rs. 22,000/- to Rs. 27,000/- per month. The government and private sector provide employment in areas like Plantation, Agriculture Machinery, Equipments, Agriculture Production and many more. B.Sc Horticulture scope is seen in these areas and courses. 

Which is better Agriculture or Horticulture? This is a valid question as students are confused between Agriculture and Horticulture as the subjects are somewhat the same. Horticulture includes technicalities and equipment in practical applications. Whereas, agriculture does not include such technical application.

Agriculture deals with the production and cultivation of crops, animal husbandry and farming. On the other hand, Horticulture only deals with cultivation. This is the main difference between horticulture and agriculture. Horticulture is better than Agriculture as the pay grade is better as compared to agriculture. 

Horticulture is a good degree and offers a very promising career. There are various job profiles and the related salaries are also good. You can apply for B.Sc Horticulture to have a good job. The exam ranges from medium to difficult and many universities offer this course. The above – mentioned courses can be done after 12th Non – Medical. Therefore, Horticulture is a good career option for the ones who are interested in learning the basics of cultivation.

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