Horticulture continues to play a pivotal role in ensuring food, nutritional, and economic security in India. The sector has witnessed remarkable growth, with the total horticulture production in 2023-24 estimated at approximately 352.23 million tonnes, the production was achieved over an area of 28.6 million hectares, reflecting the sector’s resilience and adaptability.

India’s diverse agro-climatic conditions allow for the cultivation of a wide range of horticultural crops, making it the second-largest producer of fruits and vegetables globally. The production of fruits is expected to reach 112.6 million tonnes, primarily due to increases in banana, lime/lemon, mango, guava, and grapes. Vegetable production is estimated at 204.9 million tonnes.

With the challenges of shrinking land and limited natural resources, the future of Indian horticulture lies in the adoption of hi-tech practices to enhance productivity and quality. Protected cultivation offers a viable solution, enabling the production of high-quality vegetables, flowers, and certain fruits throughout the year, while maximizing water and nutrient use efficiency.

Recognizing the need for skilled manpower in this evolving sector, we established the Institute of Horticulture Technology (IHT). Our institute is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities and a team of experienced professionals dedicated to training individuals in modern horticultural technologies, including hydroponics, aeroponics, high-density planting, micropropagation, drip irrigation, fertigation, integrated pest and weed management, and post-harvest management.

Based on my past academic experience as Vice Chancellor in Acharya N D University of Agri & Tech, Ayodhya, U.P; Dr B R Ambedkar University of Social Sciences, Indore, M.P; Birsa Agricultural University, Ranchi and Mahatma Gandhi University of Horticulture and Forestry, Durg, Chhattisgarh, I assure that we strive to groom our students and prospective entrepreneurs to enable them to turn into excellent professionals and achievers. The basic aim of the Institute is to develop a future generation scientist, professionals, entrepreneurs yearning for global competitive excellence. We want to give wings to your dreams by offering educational excellence and innovative research that takes pride to our Nation. The institute has academic collaborations with world’s best academic and research institutions for academic and research exposure of students and scientists, besides, number of national and international conferences, seminars, workshops, training programme, exhibitions etc are organized by the Institute to provide variety of experiences and exposure to the students.

IHT has been empanelled by the Government of Uttar Pradesh for hi-tech horticultural trainings and has been conducting programs under the Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH), a centrally sponsored scheme aimed at the holistic growth of the horticulture sector. Over the past 12 years, we have trained farmers, extension officials, and students from various Indian states, including Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Jharkhand, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Sikkim, Nagaland, Mizoram, and Odisha. Additionally, we have had the privilege of training international participants from countries such as Tunisia, Ethiopia, Ghana, Sudan, Tajikistan, Palestine, Vietnam, Tanzania, Sri Lanka, Kenya, and Bahrain.

I hope the prospective entrepreneurs, agricultural graduates, horticultural officers and progressive growers desirous of having hands on experience in modern technology of horticulture including precision/protective cultivation will continue to take advantage of various trainings and courses and participate in the scientific growth of horticulture industry in India.