Horticulture-2/”>Horticulture in Meghalaya
Meghalaya has three factors conducive for the development of horticulture – vast land suitable for Horticulture Development, diversity in agro-climatic factors making cultivation of an array of crops feasible and established tradition of horticulture activity making further expansion easy.
A large extent of land is available in the form of fallows, cultivable waste and miscellaneous tree crops. Most of this land is in hill slopes and is more suitable for plantation and fruit crops than traditional agricultural crops. With diversity in elevation, temperature, topography and rainfall a variety of horticultural crops can be grown.
Meghalaya has a long history of growing horticultural crops. Potato, Pineapple, orange, turmeric, ginger and areca nut are grown traditionally and besides these crops, a variety of new crops like tea, cashew and strawberry have been introduced. Most of the land used for these crops is not suitable for traditional agricultural crops like Cereals, pulses, oil seeds and fibres. With the introduction of 
Horticulture Mission for North Eastern & Himalayan States, a lot of area expansion has taken place, but the programme has had little impact on Marketing and processing. This can be taken as a potential for future development of the sector.
Strategy
- Cluster approach to strengthen the existing concentration of crops. For each crop post harvest management and value chain management will be given emphasis so that additional income and EMPLOYMENT will be generated in the State itself.
- New technologies in Post-Harvest Infrastructure-2/”>INFRASTRUCTURE like grading, packaging, ripening chambers will be introduced for the major crops in areas of their concentrations. As it is difficult to attract huge Investment to start large scale processing units, small scale and cottage units will be encouraged and support will be provided for them.
- Farmers associations (FPOs & FIGs, etc) will be promoted for development of horticulture as a holistic approach.
- Convergence with other programmes will be established for optimising the resource use.
- Demonstration of new technologies and crop management practices are being taken up with farmers and other stakeholders.
Quality planting material production
As good quality planting material is the backbone of any horticultural economy, this is one of the most important issues to be addressed, especially since there has been tremendous expansion of cultivation (under convergent schemes like the RKVY, BRGF, NREGS in addition to the normal schemes of the Department) and since around 60% of planting material is imported into the State either from nurseries in other States or from outside the country, resulting in increased production costs and draining of valuable Foreign Exchange. Moreover, the bulk of supply is from small, unregistered nurseries where quality is difficult to enforce.
The State will seek the involvement of the private sector through the establishment of nurseries, which could be registered and affiliated with the NHB and other recognised agencies, so that quality standards are adhered to and a system of surveillance and certification of the operating standards and planting material are put in place.
It is envisged that this will usher in income-earning opportunities for retired Departmental officers and entrepreneurial avenues for fresh unemployed graduates. The Planting Material Production Centres (PMPCs) set up with grants from the 13th Finance Commission, will produce quality planting material for new crops like strawberry, kiwi, raspberry and blackberry as well as for traditonal crops like potato, cashew, citrus (orange and sweet oranges), pineapple, spices (turmeric, ginger, black pepper) and temperate fruits. These PMPCs will be geared to cater not only to the planting material needs of their own clusters, but also to the needs of the other districts of the State as well as other States of the North East. The objective, in the long run, is to turn Meghalaya into a planting material destination for the entire North East.
Area expansion
Model orchards : There are a number of unique fruit crops which are indigenous to the State with tremendous commercial potential, but which have never been properly utilized due to the lack of organized cultivation. The area under many of these crops is declining and some are on the verge of extinction. Keeping in view the need to preserve the horticultural heritage of the State and to provide for the commercial cultivation and exploitation of these crops, there is an imperative need to demonstrate the economic viability of these crops through the establishment of model orchards. In order to make these model orchards successful, for emulation by the farming community, and to ensure their continuity, it is proposed that the orchards be set up within and in Conjunction with the integrated farming proposed to be implemented in the micro-watersheds.
Theme villages : The remarkable success achieved in the ‘’Strawberry Village’’ of Sohliya in the Ri Bhoi district will be transferred to different crops and villages of the State. At least 1000 farmers in each such area will be motivated to take up cultivation of selected crops – Orchid Valley in Zikzak horti-hub area, Kiwi Village in the uplands in the vicinity of Shillong, Strawberry Villages in other districts, Citrus Hills in the Nokrek range, Pineapple Hills in the Chibinang area, etc.
Rejuvenation of citrus & cashew: The senile plantations of citrus and cashew will be brought under systematic and scientific rejuvenation to restore the profitability of these traditional crops for the benefit of this group of farmers, especially considering the potential for export of these crops to neighboring Bangladesh.
Post harvest management and processing
Meghalaya is predominantly a horticultural state where a wide range of fruit crops both indigenous and exotic are grown abundantly in different altitudes of the State. During the peak season of harvest the State experiences glut in the market and the farmers are not getting remunerative prices for their produces. To overcome the said problem the State had established two processing centres located in Shillong, East Khasi Hills district and Dainadubi in North Garo Hills district.
The objectives of these Centres were to demonstrate, develop value addition technology for the farmers and entrepreneurs of the State. These two Processing Centres are being upgraded and the products marketed as MEG brand. The Department had initiated programme on modernization of arecanut soakage tanks traditionally practiced by the farmers. These improved technologies have generated additional livelihood to the arecanut growers of the state. The Lakadong variety of Turmeric has high Curcumin content between 7 to 8 percent. Capitalizing on the potential of the turmeric grown in the State the Government had taken step to improve the processing technology adopted by the farmers. Effort is being made to attract private investment in the PHM sector by scaling up volume of production, especially targeting Niche markets outside the country and setting up of scientific modern storage facilities across the state Traditional crops like ginger, turmeric, pineapple, citrus, potato and vegetables are the mainstay of a majority of the farmers of the State.
Marketing infrastructure
Farmers markets, implemented during the 11th Plan, will be expanded to cover more areas within the State during the 12th Plan, where farmers market will be tried on the hub and spoke model – large central markets and satellite markets in their hinterland. The effective functioning of farmers markets depends to a large extent on the flow and easy availability of market related information to enable farmers to take proper and profitable market decisions based on reliable real time data. Market information system is thus a crucial and urgent intervention that would be made in order to make Farmers Markets viable and vibrant entities leading to the evolution of a much more transparent marketing system.
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Horticulture is the science and art of growing fruits, vegetables, flowers, and ornamental Plants. It is a major Industry in Meghalaya, accounting for over 10% of the state’s GDP. The state has a diverse Climate and Soil conditions, which are ideal for growing a variety of crops.
The main fruits grown in Meghalaya are apples, bananas, citrus fruits, mangoes, and pineapples. Apples are grown in the Khasi Hills, while bananas are grown in the Garo Hills. Citrus fruits, such as oranges, lemons, and limes, are grown in the Jaintia Hills. Mangoes are grown in all three hill districts. Pineapples are grown in the lowlands.
The main vegetables grown in Meghalaya are potatoes, tomatoes, brinjals, cabbages, and cauliflowers. Potatoes are grown in the Khasi Hills, while tomatoes are grown in the Garo Hills. Brinjals, cabbages, and cauliflowers are grown in all three hill districts.
The main flowers grown in Meghalaya are orchids, roses, lilies, and carnations. Orchids are grown in the Khasi Hills, while roses are grown in the Garo Hills. Lilies and carnations are grown in all three hill districts.
The main spices grown in Meghalaya are ginger, turmeric, chillies, cardamom, and black pepper. Ginger is grown in the Khasi Hills, while turmeric is grown in the Garo Hills. Chillies, cardamom, and black pepper are grown in all three hill districts.
The main other crops grown in Meghalaya are tea, coffee, rubber, jute, and bamboo. Tea is grown in the Khasi Hills, while coffee is grown in the Garo Hills. Rubber is grown in the Jaintia Hills. Jute and bamboo are grown in all three hill districts.
The main horticultural practices in Meghalaya are planting, Irrigation, fertilization, pest control, harvesting, and marketing. Planting is done by hand or by machine. Irrigation is done by canals, wells, and tanks. Fertilization is done with organic and inorganic Fertilizers. Pest control is done with pesticides and insecticides. Harvesting is done by hand or by machine. Marketing is done through local markets, wholesale markets, and export markets.
The main horticultural research in Meghalaya is focused on crop breeding, pest control, post-harvest technology, and value addition. Crop breeding is done to develop new varieties of crops that are resistant to pests and diseases. Pest control is done to develop new methods of controlling pests and diseases. Post-harvest technology is done to develop new methods of storing and processing crops. Value addition is done to develop new products from crops, such as juices, jams, and jellies.
The main horticultural extension in Meghalaya is focused on training, demonstration, and advisory Services. Training is provided to farmers on how to grow crops, control pests and diseases, and market their produce. Demonstrations are held to show farmers new techniques of growing crops. Advisory services are provided to farmers on a variety of issues, such as crop selection, planting, irrigation, fertilization, pest control, harvesting, and marketing.
The main horticultural policy in Meghalaya is focused on land use, water management, input subsidies, and marketing support. Land use policy is designed to ensure that land is used for the most productive purposes. Water management policy is designed to ensure that water is used efficiently and effectively. Input subsidy policy is designed to provide farmers with financial assistance to purchase inputs, such as seeds, fertilizers, and pesticides. Marketing support policy is designed to provide farmers with assistance in marketing their produce.
The main horticultural organizations in Meghalaya are government agencies, non-governmental organizations, farmers’ cooperatives, and private companies. Government agencies are responsible for developing and implementing horticultural policies. Non-governmental organizations are involved in providing training, extension, and marketing support to farmers. Farmers’ cooperatives are involved in marketing produce and providing other services to farmers. Private companies are involved in the production, processing, and marketing of horticultural products.
Horticulture is a vital part of the economy of Meghalaya. It provides employment for millions of people and contributes significantly to the state’s GDP. The government of Meghalaya is committed to promoting the development of horticulture in the state. It has developed a number of policies and programs to support the sector. These policies and programs are aimed at increasing production, improving quality, and expanding markets for horticultural products.
What is horticulture?
Horticulture is the science and art of cultivating plants, including the process of growing and harvesting fruits, vegetables, flowers, and ornamental plants.
What are the different types of horticulture?
There are many different types of horticulture, including:
* Fruit and vegetable horticulture: This type of horticulture focuses on the cultivation of fruits and vegetables.
* Ornamental horticulture: This type of horticulture focuses on the cultivation of flowers and other ornamental plants.
* Landscape horticulture: This type of horticulture focuses on the design and maintenance of landscapes, including gardens, parks, and other outdoor spaces.
* Nursery horticulture: This type of horticulture focuses on the production and sale of plants, including seedlings, cuttings, and potted plants.
What are the benefits of horticulture?
There are many benefits to horticulture, including:
* It can provide a source of food and income. Horticulture can be used to grow food for personal consumption or for sale.
* It can improve mental and physical Health. Horticulture can be a relaxing and enjoyable activity that can help to reduce Stress and improve physical fitness.
* It can promote environmental sustainability. Horticulture can help to reduce our reliance on imported food and can also help to improve air quality and water conservation.
* It can educate and inspire others. Horticulture can be a great way to learn about plants and the natural world. It can also be a great way to connect with others and to share your knowledge and passion for plants.
What are the challenges of horticulture?
There are some challenges associated with horticulture, including:
* It can be labor-intensive. Horticulture requires a lot of time and effort, especially if you are growing plants for commercial purposes.
* It can be expensive. The cost of land, equipment, and supplies can be a barrier to entry for some people.
* It can be risky. The weather and other factors can affect plant Growth and yield, which can lead to financial losses.
* It can be competitive. The horticulture industry is a competitive one, and it can be difficult to stand out from the competition.
What are some tips for starting a horticulture business?
If you are thinking about starting a horticulture business, there are a few things you should keep in mind:
* Do your research. Before you get started, it is important to do your research and to develop a business plan.
* Get the necessary permits and licenses. Depending on where you live, you may need to obtain certain permits and licenses before you can start your business.
* Choose the right location. The location of your business is important, so you should choose a location that is easily accessible to your target market.
* Invest in the right equipment. You will need to invest in the right equipment, such as tools, machinery, and greenhouses.
* Market your business. Once you have everything in place, you need to market your business to attract customers.
What are some Resources for Learning more about horticulture?
There are many resources available for learning more about horticulture, including:
* Books and articles: There are many books and articles available on the subject of horticulture.
* Online resources: There are many online resources available, such as websites, forums, and blogs.
* Horticultural organizations: There are many horticultural organizations that offer information and resources to members.
* Horticultural schools: There are many horticultural schools that offer courses and programs on the subject of horticulture.
Which of the following is not a type of horticulture?
(A) Floriculture
(B) Olericulture
(C) Horticulture in Meghalaya
(D) PomicultureWhich of the following is the most common type of horticulture?
(A) Floriculture
(B) Olericulture
(C) Pomiculture
(D) ViticultureWhich of the following is the study of fruits and vegetables?
(A) Floriculture
(B) Olericulture
(C) Pomiculture
(D) ViticultureWhich of the following is the study of flowers?
(A) Floriculture
(B) Olericulture
(C) Pomiculture
(D) ViticultureWhich of the following is the study of grapes?
(A) Floriculture
(B) Olericulture
(C) Pomiculture
(D) ViticultureWhich of the following is the study of trees?
(A) Arboriculture
(B) Pomiculture
(C) Viticulture
(D) FloricultureWhich of the following is the study of shrubs?
(A) Arboriculture
(B) Pomiculture
(C) Viticulture
(D) FloricultureWhich of the following is the study of vines?
(A) Arboriculture
(B) Pomiculture
(C) Viticulture
(D) FloricultureWhich of the following is the study of ornamental plants?
(A) Floriculture
(B) Olericulture
(C) Pomiculture
(D) ArboricultureWhich of the following is the study of edible plants?
(A) Floriculture
(B) Olericulture
(C) Pomiculture
(D) Arboriculture