It is important to understand the difference between the terms horticulture and agriculture. These terms are often a source of confusion among the students and the general public and often end up getting used interchangeably. This blog will help clear this confusion and will act as a good companion piece to understand the other blog “Importance of Horticulture in India: Its impact on Agricultural Sector.”
Now let us understand the difference between the two terms horticulture and agriculture.
Horticulture and agriculture are two closely related disciplines, but they differ in many ways. Generally speaking, horticulture is a sub-branch of agriculture. The differences between the two branches are:
- Horticulture can be defined as the art and practice of cultivating fruits, vegetables, flowers, spices, and herbs. It is a branch of science that deals with the cultivation and study of plants.
- Agriculture, on the other hand, is the science, art, and practice of cultivating crops, livestock, and other animals for human consumption. Thus, agriculture involves animal rearing whereas horticulture is concerned with plants.
- Horticulture focuses on the cultivation of plants. It involves the propagation, breeding, and improvement of plants, as well as the selection of plant species best suited to a particular environment. Horticulturists not only grow plants for food but also for aesthetic purposes. Horticulture is often associated with other activities apart from plant cultivation like landscaping, floral design, gardening, and floriculture.
- The main goal of agriculture is to produce food for humans, but it also includes industrial crops, such as cotton. Agriculture is closely related to horticulture, but it goes beyond the cultivation of plants. It also encompasses animal husbandry and the management of livestock.
- When it comes to the use of land, horticulture is much more specialized than agriculture. Horticulturists carefully select the best plants for their gardens, and they cultivate those plants in very specific ways. The same is true with the selection of soil types and the development of irrigation systems.
- In contrast, agricultural activities often require large tracts of land. Farmers must manage their land for both crop and livestock production. Farmers may also need to use pesticides and herbicides to keep away pests and weeds.
- When it comes to the workforce, horticulture often requires fewer workers than agriculture. Horticulturists are more likely to work solo, while farmers may require teams of workers.
- Finally, the outputs of horticulture and agriculture can vary significantly. Horticultural products are often ornamental plants, fruits, vegetables, and flowers, while agricultural products can include meat, dairy, grains, and other food products.
While there is some overlap between the two professions, it’s important to note that there are distinct differences between them.
What Makes SGT amongst the Best Colleges for Agricultural Courses?
The formidable Faculty of Agricultural Sciences (FASC) makes SGT amongst the best agricultural colleges in Delhi NCR and Haryana. It has an incredible group of teachers that are provided with state-of-the-art facilities to educate students on the most modern up-to-date education on agriculture science.
The FASC has established partnerships with highly reputable businesses and academic institutions to facilitate undergraduate /postgraduate student internships and faculty research and development projects. These notable partnerships include:
- ICAR – Central Soil salinity Research Institute, Karnal, Haryana
- The University of Queensland, Australia
- Harper Adams University, Newport, United Kingdom
- National Seed Corporation (NSC)
