Horticulture-2/”>Horticulture:
Horticulture is a branch of agriculture. It deals with the art, science, technology, and business of growing Plants. It includes the cultivation of medicinal plants, fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, herbs, sprouts, mushrooms, algae, flowers, Seaweeds and non-Food Crops which includes grass and ornamental trees and plants.
Andhra Pradesh Horticulture: Present Scenario
Horticulture production in the state has been rising constantly for last two decades.
In the below graph we can see the constant rise in total area and total production in Andhra Pradesh. Red label indicate total production in lakh tones and green label indicates total area under production.
Area under Horticulture crops :
In the below Pie chart we can see total area under various horticulture components. Fruits bear the brunt and have the largest area under production.
Production of Horticulture Crops:
Below pie chart shows ration of various horticulture crops in total production.
Horticulture in Andhra Pradesh: Development schemes and Future scope
Department of Horticulture:
The Department of Horticulture established in the year 1981 after being bifurcated from the State Department of Agriculture. Horticulture over the years has emerged as an indispensable part of Agriculture by offering wide range of crop diversification choice to farmers and providing opportunities for sustaining large number of agro- industries, which have created EMPLOYMENT opportunities to semi-skilled and unskilled labor force. In view of the increased public Investment in Horticulture sector, the Govt., of A.P. has been giving much needed emphasis to Horticulture Development, primarily targeting at increasing the production and productivity of horticulture crops,development of Infrastructure-2/”>INFRASTRUCTURE for Post Harvest Management and providing access to domestic, and export markets.Horticulture sector contributes approximately 5.16% of the State GSDP. Horticulture sector identified as one of the Growth engines to contribute GSDP growth in state of Andhra Pradesh
Five Layer Model of Horticulture crops:
To boost horticulture production and to keep a check on spiralling prices of fruits and vegetables to make them accessible to all income groups in the state, the AP government is promoting a new concept of cultivation called ‘zero budget natural farming with five-layer model of horticulture crops’ in a big way.
This concept has been adopted from Indian agriculturist and Padma Sri awardeeSubashPalekar. Unlike the conventional practice of cultivation of one major crop in the entire stretch of the field owned by a farmer or cultivating a horticulture crop as an inter-crop along with a major crop, this concept allows cultivation of as many as five species of horticulture crops in a small land holding.
Accordingly, in an acre of agriculture land, 100 sq m will be taken as a base unit and five species of crops will be raised in a specific pattern and three trenches of 2.5 feet length will be dug in it. This will be repeated in 39 other base units as a 1-acre plot of land allows 40 base units to be developed.
As a first layer of crop, raised in the outer layer and in four corners of the base unit, a farmer can raise coconut, mango, sapota and other crops in a specified number to match the available space. In the second layer, he can raise citrus and other plants. The third layer can have 20 plants of banana, papaya and other fruit and the fourth layer can bear eight plants, including apple, among others.
The farmer could use the fifth layer to raise pulses and vegetables, and if possible, paddy too instead of pulses, based on the suitability of the Soil.
The agriculture authorities will guide the farmer on the number of plants, their varieties and their location in the base unit and the same pattern of Cropping needed to be replicated in the remaining base units in the entire land holding of the farmer.,
Andhra Pradesh is a state in southern India. It is the seventh-largest state in India by area and the sixth-most populous state. The state is known for its rich agricultural heritage, and it is one of the leading producers of fruits, vegetables, flowers, spices, nuts, and other horticultural products.
The state has a tropical Climate, with hot and humid summers and mild winters. The Average annual rainfall is about 800 mm. The state is home to a variety of Soil Types, including black soil, red soil, and alluvial soil. These soil types are suitable for the cultivation of a variety of crops.
Andhra Pradesh is a major producer of fruits, including apples, bananas, citrus fruits, grapes, mangoes, papayas, pineapples, pomegranates, sapotas, and strawberries. The state is also a major producer of vegetables, including brinjals, cabbages, carrots, cauliflowers, chillies, cucumbers, eggplants, garlic, green beans, green grams, onions, potatoes, and tomatoes.
The state is also a major producer of flowers, including jasmines, marigolds, roses, and tuberoses. The state is also a major producer of spices, including chillies, coriander, cumin, ginger, garlic, and turmeric. The state is also a major producer of nuts, including almonds, cashews, coconuts, peanuts, and walnuts.
In addition to fruits, vegetables, flowers, spices, and nuts, Andhra Pradesh is also a major producer of mushrooms, medicinal plants, ornamental plants, and Plantation Crops. The state is home to a number of government and private institutions that are involved in the research and development of new horticultural technologies.
The State Government has also taken a number of initiatives to promote the development of the horticulture sector. These initiatives include the establishment of horticulture parks, the provision of subsidies for the cultivation of horticultural crops, and the training of farmers in modern horticultural practices.
The horticulture sector is a major contributor to the economy of Andhra Pradesh. The sector provides employment to a large number of people, and it also contributes to the state’s export earnings. The horticulture sector is expected to continue to grow in the coming years, and it is likely to play an even more important role in the state’s economy.
Here are some of the benefits of horticulture:
- Horticulture provides employment to a large number of people.
- Horticulture contributes to the state’s export earnings.
- Horticulture helps to improve the nutritional status of the people.
- Horticulture helps to conserve the Environment.
- Horticulture helps to promote rural development.
Here are some of the challenges faced by the horticulture sector in Andhra Pradesh:
- Lack of awareness about modern horticultural practices.
- Lack of access to quality inputs.
- Lack of market linkages.
- Unfavorable weather conditions.
- Pest and disease infestation.
Despite the challenges, the horticulture sector has the potential to play an even more important role in the state’s economy in the coming years. The state government and the private sector need to work together to address the challenges faced by the sector and to promote its development.
What is horticulture?
Horticulture is the science and art of cultivating plants, including the cultivation of fruits, vegetables, flowers, ornamental plants, and trees.
What are the different types of horticulture?
There are many different types of horticulture, including:
- Fruit and vegetable production: This type of horticulture involves the cultivation of fruits and vegetables for human consumption.
- Ornamental horticulture: This type of horticulture involves the cultivation of plants for their beauty, such as flowers and ornamental trees.
- Landscape horticulture: This type of horticulture involves the design and maintenance of landscapes, such as parks and gardens.
- Turfgrass management: This type of horticulture involves the care and maintenance of lawns and other turfgrass areas.
- Greenhouse management: This type of horticulture involves the care and maintenance of greenhouses, which are used to grow plants in controlled environments.
- Nursery management: This type of horticulture involves the care and maintenance of nurseries, which are businesses that sell plants.
What are the benefits of horticulture?
There are many benefits to horticulture, including:
- It provides food for humans and animals.
- It provides Oxygen for the Atmosphere.
- It helps to regulate the climate.
- It provides jobs and income for people.
- It can be used to improve mental and physical Health.
- It can be used to beautify the environment.
What are the challenges of horticulture?
There are some challenges to horticulture, including:
- Pests and diseases can damage plants.
- Weather conditions can damage plants.
- Labor costs can be high.
- Water and other Resources can be scarce.
- There is competition from other industries.
What is the future of horticulture?
The future of horticulture is bright. The world’s Population is growing, and there is a growing demand for food. Horticulture can help to meet this demand by producing more food in a sustainable way. Additionally, horticulture can be used to improve the environment and provide jobs and income for people.
Which of the following is not a type of horticulture?
(A) Pomology
(B) Floriculture
(C) Viticulture
(D) AgricultureWhich of the following is the most important fruit crop in Andhra Pradesh?
(A) Mango
(B) Banana
(C) Grapes
(D) AppleWhich of the following is the most important vegetable crop in Andhra Pradesh?
(A) Tomato
(B) Onion
(C) Potato
(D) CauliflowerWhich of the following is the most important spice crop in Andhra Pradesh?
(A) Chilli
(B) Turmeric
(C) Coriander
(D) GingerWhich of the following is the most important medicinal plant in Andhra Pradesh?
(A) Neem
(B) Tulsi
(C) Arjuna
(D) AshwagandhaWhich of the following is the most important forest tree in Andhra Pradesh?
(A) Teak
(B) Sal
(C) Bamboo
(D) NeemWhich of the following is the most important ornamental plant in Andhra Pradesh?
(A) Rose
(B) Jasmine
(C) Marigold
(D) ChrysanthemumWhich of the following is the most important aquatic plant in Andhra Pradesh?
(A) Water hyacinth
(B) Lotus
(C) Water lily
(D) Water chestnutWhich of the following is the most important insect pest in Andhra Pradesh?
(A) Red spider mite
(B) Mealybug
(C) Aphids
(D) WhiteflyWhich of the following is the most important disease in Andhra Pradesh?
(A) Bacterial wilt
(B) Viral yellows
(C) Fungal leaf spot
(D) Powdery mildew