Horticulture originates from the Latin word “Hortus” which means gardening and “Culturea” which means cultivation, together they literally translate as “Garden Cultivation”. Horticulture is defined as the art and science of growing fruits, nuts, vegetables, and ornamentals. It is also known as “garden or yard culture”
Branches of Horticulture
Pomology
It deals with the cultivation of fruit crops
Olericulture
It deals with the cultivation of vegetable
Floriculture
It deals with the cultivation of flower crops
Plantation of crops
It deals with the cultivation of crops like coconut, areca nut, rubber, coffee, tea, etc.
Spices crops
It deals with the cultivation of crops like cardamom, pepper, nutmeg, etc.
Medicinal and aromatic crops
It deals with the cultivation of medicinal and aromatic crops
Technology In Horticulture
Hydroponics
This is a method of growing plants without soil, using a nutrient-rich solution. Hydroponics can be used to grow plants in a variety of settings, including greenhouses, indoor farms, and even on ships. It can be a more efficient way to grow plants than traditional methods, and it can also be used to grow plants in areas with poor soil quality.
Aeroponics
This is a type of hydroponics in which plants are suspended in the air and misted with a nutrient-rich solution. Aeroponics can be even more efficient than traditional hydroponics, and it can also be used to grow plants in a wider variety of environments.
Vertical farming
This is a method of growing plants in vertically stacked layers. Vertical farming can be used to grow plants in urban areas, where land is limited. It can also be used to grow plants year-round, regardless of the weather.
Robotics
This is being used in horticulture to automate tasks such as planting, weeding, and harvesting. Robotics can help to reduce labor costs and improve efficiency.
Economic Importance of Horticulture
Contribution to GDP
•The horticulture sector contributes to Pakistan’s gross domestic product (GDP) by generating substantial revenue.
• It accounts for a significant portion of the agricultural sector, which plays a vital role in the country’s economy.
• The exact economic value in terms of GDP can vary from year to year due to factors such as weather conditions, market demand, and export opportunities. According to the Pakistan Horticulture Development and Export Board (PHDEB), the horticulture sector contributes approximately 12 % to the country’s GDP in the fiscal year 2020-2021
Employment Generation
•Horticulture in Pakistan provides substantial employment opportunities, contributing to rural livelihoods and poverty reduction.
• With a vast workforce engaged in various horticultural activities, such as farming, harvesting, processing, and marketing, the sector acts as a crucial source of income for numerous individuals and families.
Export Earnings
•Pakistan exports a variety of fruits, including mangoes, oranges, apples, and grapes, as well as vegetables like onions, tomatoes, and potatoes.
•These exports generate valuable foreign exchange earnings for the country. In the fiscal year 2020-2021, Pakistan earned USD 854 million from the export of fruits and vegetables alone.
•Major export destinations for Pakistani horticultural products include the Middle East, Europe, and Central Asia.
Value Addition and Processing
•Horticulture offers value addition and processing, which further enhances its economic value.
•The processing of fruits into juices, jams, jellies, and canned products increases their shelf life and allows for export to distant markets.
•Similarly, the production of essential oils, perfumes, and flower extracts from ornamental plants adds value to the sector.
•The rose industry in Pakistan, which produces rose water, rose oil, and dried rose petals, is an excellent example of value addition in the horticulture sector.
Tourism and Recreation
•Ornamental gardens and parks attract tourists, contributing to the tourism industry’s economic value.
•Visitors spend money on entrance fees, events, and related services, benefiting local economies.
Drawbacks of Horticulture Sector
Despite several economic importance, there are some drawbacks/limitations associated with horticulture in Pakistan, which are discussed below:
• One of the biggest challenges for horticulture in Pakistan is the limited water resources. The country is facing a severe water crisis, and this has a direct impact on horticulture. The lack of water availability not only affects the production of horticultural crops but also affects their quality and quantity. Moreover, many farmers in Pakistan do not have access to modern irrigation systems, which further exacerbates the problem.
• Horticulture is highly dependent on climatic conditions, such as temperature, humidity, rainfall and sunlight. Pakistan’s horticulture sector is vulnerable to weather-related risks such as droughts, floods, heat waves and pests , which can affect the quantity and quality of crops.
• Some plants are very expensive to buy , which makes it very costly to set up a garden.
•Some plant-specific organic fertilizers are not easily available.
Conclusion
•There are a plethora of job opportunities in horticulture and the agriculture industry.
•Horticulture is what you eat, enjoy in the landscape and in the home, and what you play sports on.
•If you don’t have horticulture……what would life really be like
• So, remember at your dinner table to thank you Horticulturists.
English 
Urdu