WHAT IS HORTICULTURE?
MSc Horticulture, or Master of Science in Horticulture, is a postgraduate program that focuses on the study and application of advanced principles in the cultivation, management, and improvement of horticultural crops. Horticulture is a branch of agriculture that deals with the science and art of growing fruits, vegetables, ornamental plants, and various other crops. This program delves into various aspects of horticulture, including plant physiology, breeding and genetics, soil management, pest and disease control, post-harvest technology, and sustainable crop production practices. Students gain a deep understanding of horticultural techniques, modern technologies, and research methodologies.M.Sc. Horticulture: Course Highlights
| Course Level | Post Graduate |
| Duration | 2 years |
| Examination Type | Semester wise |
| Eligibility | Bachelor’s or equivalent degree in science. |
| Admission Process | counselling after taking entrance examination |
| Average Course Fee | INR 15,000 to 1,00,000 |
| Average Starting Salary | INR 1,20,000 to 6,00,000 |
M.Sc. Horticulture: Admission Process
- Educational Eligibility: Candidates must hold a bachelor’s degree in a related field, such as BSc in Horticulture, Agriculture, Botany, or a closely related discipline. The minimum required percentage can vary but is usually around 50% to 60% or as specified by the institution.
- Entrance Exams (if applicable): Some universities and colleges may conduct entrance exams specifically for MSc Horticulture programs. These exams evaluate the candidate’s knowledge in horticulture and related subjects. For example, the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) conducts AIEEA-PG (All India Entrance Examination for Admission to Postgraduate Programs) for admission to agricultural and horticultural programs.
- Application Process: Candidates need to fill out application forms for MSc Horticulture programs at their chosen universities or colleges. The application process can often be completed online.
- Merit-Based Admissions (if applicable): In cases where entrance exams are not conducted, institutions may offer merit-based admissions. Admission is granted based on the candidate’s performance in their undergraduate degree.
- Counseling and Seat Allotment (if applicable): In cases where multiple candidates apply for the same program, universities may conduct counseling sessions to help candidates choose their preferred specialization or branch. Seats are then allotted based on the candidate’s choices and their merit ranking.
- Document Verification: Shortlisted candidates will need to provide documents for verification, including transcripts, certificates, and proof of eligibility.
- Payment of Fees: Once admitted, candidates are required to pay the course fees as per the institution’s schedule.
M.Sc. Horticulture: Eligibility
| Eligibility Criteria | Description |
| Educational Qualifications | Candidates should have a bachelor’s degree in Horticulture, Agriculture, or a closely related field, typically with a minimum of 50% to 60% aggregate marks, as specified by the university or college. |
| Common Entrance Exams (if applicable) | Some institutions may require candidates to clear specific entrance exams for admission to MSc Horticulture programs. Minimum qualifying scores may apply. |
| Age Limit | Generally, there is no specific age limit for admission to MSc Horticulture programs. |
| Reservation Criteria (if applicable) | Many institutions have reservation criteria for candidates belonging to specific categories, such as Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), Other Backward Classes (OBC), and Economically Weaker Sections (EWS). Candidates from these categories may have certain relaxations in terms of eligibility requirements and admission processes. |
Top M.Sc. Horticulture Course/College in Uttarakhand
M.Sc. Horticulture: Syllabus & Course Description
| SEMESTER I |
| – Fundamentals of Horticulture |
| – Plant Physiology and Biochemistry |
| – Horticultural Crop Improvement |
| – Soil Science and Management |
| – Research Methods in Horticulture |
| – Seminar |
| – Fundamentals of Horticulture |
| SEMESTER II |
| – Crop Production Technology |
| – Protected Cultivation and Greenhouse Technology |
| – Post-Harvest Management and Value Addition |
| – Pest and Disease Management in Horticultural Crops |
| – Weed Management in Horticulture |
| – Seminar |
| SEMESTER III |
| – Organic Horticulture and Sustainable Practices |
| – Fruit Science |
| – Vegetable Science |
| – Floriculture and Landscape Horticulture |
| – Medicinal and Aromatic Plants |
| – Dissertation Proposal |
| – Practical Training and Field Visits |
| SEMESTER IV |
| – Research Project/Dissertation |
| – Viva Voce/Thesis Defense |
M.Sc. Horticulture: Scope & Job Prospect
| Job Role | Job Description | Average Salary (Approx.) |
| Horticulturist | Horticulturists manage the cultivation and maintenance of ornamental and edible plants. They work in nurseries, botanical gardens, and landscaping companies. | ₹3.5 – ₹6 lakhs per year |
| Landscape Designer | Landscape designers plan and create outdoor spaces, including gardens, parks, and public areas, with a focus on plant selection and aesthetics. | ₹3.5 – ₹6 lakhs per year |
| Plant Breeder | Plant breeders develop new plant varieties with desired traits, such as disease resistance or improved yield. They work in research institutions and agricultural companies. | ₹4 – ₹7 lakhs per year |
| Research Scientist | Research scientists in horticulture conduct experiments and studies to improve plant growth, health, and productivity. | ₹5 – ₹9 lakhs per year |
| Greenhouse Manager | Greenhouse managers oversee the cultivation of plants in controlled environments. They manage crop schedules, pest control, and plant health. | ₹3 – ₹6 lakhs per year |
| Extension Officer | Agricultural extension officers work with farmers, providing them with information and advice on horticultural practices, pest management, and crop selection. | ₹3 – ₹6 lakhs per year |
| Quality Control Inspector | Quality control inspectors ensure the quality and health of horticultural products in nurseries, farms, and production facilities. | ₹3 – ₹5.5 lakhs per year |
| Nursery Manager | Nursery managers run plant nurseries, overseeing the propagation, care, and sale of plants. | ₹3 – ₹6 lakhs per year |
| Arborist | Arborists specialize in the care and maintenance of trees, focusing on tree health, pruning, and disease management. | ₹3 – ₹6 lakhs per year |
| Seed Analyst | Seed analysts assess the quality and viability of seeds, ensuring they meet industry standards. | ₹3 – ₹6 lakhs per year |
| Farm Manager | Farm managers supervise horticultural farms, managing crop production, staff, and overall operations. | ₹4 – ₹7 lakhs per year |
| Food Technologist | Food technologists work in the food industry, focusing on the development and quality control of horticultural products in processed foods. | ₹4 – ₹7 lakhs per year |
| Horticultural Consultant | Consultants provide expert advice to individuals or organizations on horticultural practices, plant selection, and landscape design. | ₹3.5 – ₹6 lakhs per year |
Organization May Recruit Horticulture Graduates
- Monsanto
- Syngenta
- DuPont Pioneer
- Corteva Agriscience
- State Horticultural Departments
- National Agribusiness Companies (e.g., Cargill, ADM)
- Food Processing Companies (e.g., Nestlé, PepsiCo)
- Environmental and Conservation Organizations (e.g., WWF, The Nature Conservancy)
- Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) involved in horticulture and rural development
- Seed and Biotechnology Companies
- Horticultural Consulting Firms
- Educational Institutions and Agricultural Universities
- Government Horticultural Research Institutes
- Greenhouse and Nursery Companies
- Landscape Design and Architecture Firms
- Fruit and Vegetable Processing Companies
- Botanical Gardens and Arboretums
- Floriculture and Ornamental Plant Production Enterprises