eChapters

The Horticultural crops show wider adaptation and therefore exact delineation of the agro-climatic areas specific to each crops is not possible, except for the typical temperate and tropical species. However, our country can be broadly divided into seven zones for horticultural crops as indicated below:

1. Temperate Northern Region

Comprising of states of Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Hilly areas of Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal. Temperate fruits, cool season vegetables are the important horticultural crops in the zone.

2. North Western Arid Region

Comprising ofthe entire Rajasthan state, Gujarat and parts ofPunjab & Haryana. Arid fruit crops like ber, pomegranate, amla, date palm, wood apple and seed spices like coriander, cumin, fennel occupy major area in this zone.

3. North Eastern Sub-tropical Humid Region

Comprising of states and union territories like Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland and Tripura. Fruit crops like banana, pineapple, citrus, jack besides plantation crops like tea and large cardamom are also grown here.

Introduction

Since times immemorial, world agriculture is following the traditional agri-horticultural methods for livelihood support. With unusual growth of population and faster development of industrial sector, a steep competition surfaced among the domestic, industrial and agricultural sectors for land, water and other natural resources. Though agriculture uses a major chunk of land and water for crop production, it becomes insufficient to provide food, nutritional and aesthetic security to the growing millions at global level in general and the third world nations in particular. Hence, there lies a need to take the avenue of Integrated Farming practices by following the logics of Precision Farming. All over the world, farmers work hard but do not make money, especially small farmers because there is very little left after they pay for all inputs (seeds, livestock breeds, fertilizers, pesticides, energy, feed, labour, etc.). The emergence of Integrated Farming Systems (IFS) based on horticulture farming could help to develop a framework for an alternative development model to improve the feasibility of small sized farming operations in relation to larger ones. Integrated farming system (or integrated agriculture) is a commonly and broadly used word to explain a more integrated approach to farming as compared to monoculture approaches.

The Indian arid and semi-arid regions are characterized by immature, structure less, coarse textured soils with low water holding capacity and poor nutrient status. The moisture deficit conditions dominate for a long time throughout the year, which acts as the major limiting factor for establishment and growth of woody plant. Due to harsh edapho-climatic conditions, arable crop production is risky in arid and semi arid regions and threatening the agriculture, under such situation, horticulture based cropping system is considered effective strategy for improving productivity, employment oppornitues and nutritional security. Most of the cropping systems operating in the limited irrigated    area of arid ecosystems have very high water requirement and are highly unsustainable, hence location specific models have to be developed involving fruit crops, multipurpose tree species and arable crops in an agri-silvi-horti production system for increasing irrigation water use efficiency (IWUE), productivity, profitability and sustainability of the system. An attempt has been made to present the status of available research data on some of horticulture based farming systems for arid and semi arid regions

Fruits and vegetables play an important role in balanced diet. These provide not only energy rich food but also provide vital protective nutrients/elements and vitamins. Comparatively fruits and vegetables are the cheapest source of natural nutritive foods. Since most of Indians are vegetarians, the incorporation of horticulture produce in daily diet is essential for good health. Realizing the worth of fruits and vegetables in human health, Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) recommended the use of 120g fruits and 300g vegetables per capita per day. With the growing awareness and inclination towards vegetarianism worldwide the horticulture crops are gaining tremendous importance.

Functions of fruits and vegetables in human body

Fruits and vegetables provide palatability/taste.

Improves appetite and provides fiber to overcome constipation.

They neutralize the acids produced during digestion of proteins and fatty acids.

They improve the general immunity of human body against diseases, deficiencies etc.

They are the important source of vitamins and minerals for used in several bio-chemical reactions occur in body.

German Prof. Peter Laurenberg conceived first the word horticulture. The term “Horticulture” is known in written form first in seventeenth century in a book entitled “New World of Words” by Phillips.

Etymologically the word “Horticulture” is derived from two Latin words viz. ‘Hortus’ [garden or enclosure] and ‘Cultura’ [cultivation]. So, literally horticulture means ‘garden or enclosure culture’ or ‘cultivation of garden crops within protected enclosures’.

Garden: Garden is a broad term derived from the Latin word Gyrdan meaning “to enclose”.

DIVISIONS AND DEFINITION OF HORTICULTURE

Pomology: (pomum = fruits, logy = science) It is a branch of horticulture which deals with study or cultivation of fruit crops starting from raising of saplings and intercultural to harvesting operations. The ‘pomology’ term is derived from latin word pomum (means fruits) and greek word logy (means science).

Abstract

Deserts cover about one fifth of the earth’s land surface. Most of hot and dry deserts are near the Tropics of Cancer or the Tropics of Capricorn. Cold deserts are near the Arctic part of the word. Deserts are of two types: Hot and Cold. Some of the important among them are given in Table 1. Spread over an approximate area of 74,809sq km, the cold desert area in India covers 12 out of 131 desert blocks. Leh and Kargil districts of Ladakh in Jammu and Kashmir and Lahual and Spiti along with some part of Chamba and Kinnaur districts of Himachal Pradesh comprise this cold desert area (Fig 1). Similarly, their physiographic location and the consequent geomorphic processes shall unfolding in the region lend to this entire region a largely similar texture. In terms of area, the cold desert of Spiti may be too tiny as compared to the seven major cold deserts of the world (Table 1), but in terms of its high mountains, extreme climate and poor economic conditions of the people, it is one of the most scourged areas on the earth. Located in the interior of continents, away from any source of moisture, cold desert manifest resemble ecological verity and biological diversity. Their geographic remoteness and unfriendly climatic conductions greatly constrain economic growth and development. Envirmental degradation, which is on increase, is an additional cause of concern.

India is the seventh largest country in the world with a total geographical area of 328.73 million ha and has second largest population after China. The gross cropped area is 198.36 million hectares of which 70% is under rainfed cultivation. Around 55 to 60 per cent of the total population depends on agriculture and allied activities.

One of the important features of India prevalence is varied agro-climatic conditions; which enables to strengthen the horticulture industry. Many numbers of horticultural crops namely fruits, vegetables, ornamental and flower crops, spices and condiments, plantation crops, aromatic and medicinal plants, etc. are grown in almost all the parts of country. Thus, horticulture sector has become one of the major drivers of growth in agriculture having major share in agriculture GDP.

Horticulture involves the cultivation of fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, herbs, sprouts, mushrooms, algae, flowers, seaweeds, non-food crops such as grass and ornamental trees and plants. Various agricultural implements and tools are used in horticulture to facilitate the cultivation, care, and harvesting of these crops. Some common implements and tools used in horticulture:

Hand Tools

Pruning Shears/Secateurs: Used for cutting and shaping plants by removing unwanted branches or stems.

Hand Trowel: Small handheld tool used for digging, planting, and transplanting.

Pruning Saw: Used for cutting larger branches or stems.

The Indian subcontinent is bestowed with a great variety of climate and soil conditions.

• Broadly the country can be divided into Tropical, subtropical and temperate regions.
• Within each broad category there are differences due to rainfall, humidity, altitude etc.
• Considering these aspects six different horticultural zones have been identified so that appropriate choice of the crops can be made and development is planned. They are;
• Temperate: Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, North Uttarakhand, Sikkim and part of Arunachal Pradesh.
• N.W. Subtropical: Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Central Uttar Pradesh and North M.P.
• N.E. Subtropical: Bihar, Jharkhand, Assam, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Manipur.
• Central tropical: South Madhya Pradesh, Chattisgarh, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Orissa and West Bengal.
• Southern tropical: Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu.
• Coastal tropical humid: Konkan, Goa, Kerala, Western Ghats, Eastern Ghats in Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Orissa.

Introduction

The ongoing need to create effective agricultural systems that can meet a farmer’s needs is driven by the demand for food, feed, fodder, and natural resources. More than 86 percent of Indian farm families, compromising marginal and small farmers, live in risky, diversified production conditions. There is limited room for horizontal growth of land for agriculture due to the increasing population and declining land per capita. Small and marginal farmers, who make up 84.97 percent of all operational holdings and operating 44.31 percent of the area, need a powerful tool to ensure income, livelihood security, nutritional security and employment in a sustainable manner.

After independence, the Government of India realized the need of diversification in agriculture during the mid-eighties with an objective to make it more profitable through efficient land use. Due to diverse agro-climatic conditions, rich diversity in genetic resources of horticultural crops, sincere efforts through education and research, implementation of standardized technology by horticulturist in the field has achieved not only the production, productivity and export of horticultural produce but also the food and nutritional security. Such horticulture development in India is proudly said as “Golden Revolution”. Horticulture is also said to be a sunrise industry as it has potential to raise farm income, provide livelihood security and earn foreign exchange through export.

The horticulture industry is now expanding in many commercial sectors such as cultivation, production, post-harvest handling, processing, marketing, etc. Horticulture crops are grown on an area of 10% of India’s gross cropped area, as compared to over 50% of the area under food grains production. 

Introduction

We live in India, a country which is in its developing phase and would be developed soon and also where most of the population is concentrated in the rural areas. So, eventually, rural development emerges to be of much importance for the overall economic development of the nation. But it’s a big disgrace for us that the population in the majority lies below the line of poverty. The development of households in rural areas is of much significantly related to entrepreneurship. Entrepreneurship can be regarded as a tool to fasten up the process of rural development.

Introduction
Horticulture, the science and art of cultivating fruits, vegetables, and ornamental plants, is a vital component of agriculture that contributes significantly to food security, economic growth, and environmental sustainability. This chapter provides a comprehensive overview of horticulture, exploring its various branches, including fruit and vegetable production, floriculture, landscape design, and greenhouse management. Horticulture is unique in its integration of scientific principles, artistic design, and business acumen, making it a dynamic and multifaceted field.
The chapter begins by introducing the fundamental concepts of horticulture and its importance in modern agriculture. It delves into the specifics of fruit and vegetable production, emphasizing the techniques and practices that enhance yield and quality. Floriculture and landscape design are also discussed, highlighting the aesthetic and environmental benefits of ornamental plants. The chapter further explores post-harvest handling and storage, crucial aspects that ensure the longevity and marketability of horticultural products.
In addition to traditional practices, the chapter addresses modern horticultural techniques, such as greenhouse management, which plays a crucial role in extending growing seasons and improving crop quality. Sustainable horticultural practices are also emphasized as key strategies for addressing global challenges like climate change and food security.
Horticulture is a branch of agriculture that focuses on the cultivation, production, and management of plants, particularly fruits, vegetables, ornamental plants, and flowers. This chapter explores various aspects of horticulture, including an introduction to horticulture, fruit and vegetable production, greenhouse management, floriculture and landscape design, and post-harvest handling and storage. Horticulture plays a vital role in agriculture, encompassing the science and art of growing plants for food, aesthetics, and environmental enhancement. This chapter delves into the exciting world of horticulture, exploring the cultivation and management of fruits, vegetables, ornamental plants, and flowers. Horticulture combines scientific knowledge, practical skills, and artistic creativity to maximize plant growth, yield, and aesthetic appeal. By studying horticulture, we can gain insights into the principles and practices that contribute to successful fruit and vegetable production, greenhouse management, floriculture and landscape

1. IMPORTANCE

India is bestowed with a varied agro-climate, which is highly favourable for growing a large number of horticultural crops such as fruits, vegetables, root tubers, ornamentals, aromatic plants, medicinal herbs, spices and plantation crops like coconut, arecanut, cashew and cocoa. It has emerged as an indispensable part of agriculture, offering a wide range of choices to the farmers for crop diversification. It also provides ample opportunities for sustaining large number of agro-industries which generate substantial employment opportunities. India has emerged as the second largest producer of fruits and vegetables; with largest producer of coconut, arecanut, cashew, ginger, turmeric, black pepper and tea, among plantation crops.

The changing scenario encourages private investment, to go for Hi-tech Horticulture with micro-propagation, protected cultivation, drip irrigation, fertigation and integrated nutrient and pest management, besides making use of latest post harvest measures particularly in the case of perishable commodities. As a result, horticulture crop production has moved from rural confines to commercial ventures and has attracted youth since it has proved to be intellectually satisfying and economically rewarding. It is essential to appreciate the contribution of horticulture, landscaping and gardening in the hospitality industry. Aesthetic use of horticulture freshens up the atmosphere, enhances the look of the property and creates a lasting impression on guests. It also has a beneficial effect on the health.

India is the second largest producer of fruits with a total production of 81.0 million tons from 6.98 million ha in 2012-13. The leading states in terms of area and production are:

1. Leading cut flower exporter in the world is Netherlands.
2. Concept of lawn was developed in England.
3. In which garden, arrangement of rocks is main feature Japanese garden.
4. Shrubs or trees planted at regular intervals on boundry for fencing Hedges.
5. The green carpet for the landscape maintained by growing and mowing grasses. Lawn.
6. Thorny fencing plant used as a hedge Inga dulcus.

1. Area, Production and Productivity of Horticultural Crops (2013-2014)

Early reports are always path finders for future research. Earlier studies at CSIR-NBRI on characterization of bougainvillea is so important that it should be highlighted for researchers. Horto-taxonomical description of the leading Bougainvillea species/cultivars have been prepared according to their affinities to the species and hybrid seedlings (Sharma 1986a,b, 1996, Srinivas 1995, Khoshoo 1971a,b, Zadoo et al., 1975a, Jayanthi 1999). 
Abraham Kavoor : Bougainvillea x buttiana, tall, vigorous growth, young branches greenish-coppery, leaf blade ovate, green; thorn long, straight; bracts ovate, yellow-orange.
Abhimanyu : B. peruviana, bud sport of ‘Arjuna’, medium, drooping; branch greenish-coppery; leaves variegated, leaf elliptic, green; thorn long, straight, bracts elliptic, red-purple.
Aida : B. spectabilis, hybrid seedling of B. spectabilis (Lancaster 1940, Calcutta), tall, growth vigorous, young stem greenish coppery, tomentose, leaf blade ovate, base acute, apex acute to acuminate, coppery, old dark green, puberulent, thorn straight, bract young carmine changing to rose madder, elliptic, apex obtuse, profuse blooming, ideal as shrub, and pot culture.

While much has been written about the taxonomy of wild plants, the cultivated plants have always been looked at with suspicion by taxonomists. There might have feeling that cultivated plants are not natural and therefore fall outside the orbit of a taxonomist. It may be that taxonomy of cultivated plants is more difficult due to their extensive distribution needing wide sampling, rampant hybridization and high mutation rate, leading to diversity in their variation patterns. One of the principal advantages of the study of cultivated plants is that more often we know their genetic-evolutionary race history, together with its reasons and diversity. There is, therefore, a need to take up, what may be called as Hortorium Taxonomy, i.e. taxonomy of the cultivated plants so as to put the subject on a proper footing as a prelude to writing a ‘Flora of the Cultivated Plants of India’. The related wild species together with the elemental, basal or parental species of a cultivated species should be classified according to the rule of the International Code of Nomenclature for Cultivated plants based on the cultivar concept. A cultivar is not to be confused with a botanical variety.

Definition of Hospital Pharmacy

Hospital pharmacy is a specialized branch of pharmacy that focuses on the provision of pharmaceutical care within a hospital setting. It encompasses a range of activities aimed at ensuring the safe, effective, and economical use of medications for patients receiving care in hospitals. Hospital pharmacists are healthcare professionals who play a vital role in medication management, collaborating with physicians, nurses, and other healthcare providers to optimize therapeutic outcomes.

Key Responsibilities

• Medication Dispensing: Hospital pharmacists are responsible for preparing and dispensing medications to inpatients and outpatients.

• Clinical Consultation: They provide drug information and therapeutic recommendations to healthcare professionals.

• Patient Safety: Hospital pharmacists monitor medication therapy to prevent adverse drug reactions and interactions. • Education: They educate patients and healthcare staff about m