Book

Introduction to Horticulture is a foundational and integrative text that presents horticulture as both a scientific discipline and a practical art central to human well-being, environmental stewardship, and sustainable agricultural development. The book systematically introduces readers to the origin, scope, and evolution of horticulture, highlighting its transformation from traditional gardening practices to a dynamic, technology-driven sector contributing significantly to food security, nutrition, employment generation, and economic growth. Emphasis is placed on the multifaceted role of horticultural crops—fruits, vegetables, flowers, plantation crops, spices, medicinal and aromatic plants—in improving dietary quality, combating malnutrition, enhancing farm income, and promoting ecological balance. The text carefully explains the relationship between horticulture and human nutrition, detailing the nutritional importance of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, dietary fiber, and phytonutrients derived from horticultural produce, and their role in maintaining health, preventing lifestyle diseases, and supporting food and nutritional security. Climatic and soil requirements of horticultural crops are discussed in depth, enabling readers to understand crop–environment interactions and the influence of temperature, rainfall, humidity, light, soil texture, structure, fertility, and pH on growth, productivity, and quality. The book also offers a clear exposition of horticultural zones of India, providing insights into agro-climatic diversity and regional crop suitability, which is essential for rational crop planning and sustainable production. By integrating scientific principles with region-specific examples, the text helps readers appreciate how climatic variability, resource availability, and ecological conditions shape horticultural practices across different landscapes. Throughout the book, complex concepts are explained in a lucid and accessible manner, ensuring that learners with diverse academic backgrounds can develop a strong conceptual understanding of horticulture as a science closely linked with nature, society, and the economy.