Horticulture | APPSC State Specific Preparation Course - APPSC (Andhra Pradesh) PDF Download

Introduction

• Definition: Horticulture is a division of agriculture encompassing the cultivation of various plants for different purposes.
• Scope: It involves the art, science, technology, and business aspects of growing plants such as medicinal plants, fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, herbs, sprouts, mushrooms, algae, flowers, seaweeds, and non-food crops like grass and ornamental trees.

Andhra Pradesh Horticulture: Present Scenario

• Production Trend: Over the past two decades, horticulture production in Andhra Pradesh has exhibited a consistent increase.
• Data Representation: A visual representation in the form of a graph displays the rising trends in total area and production in the state.

Horticulture in Andhra Pradesh: Development Schemes and Future Scope

• Department of Horticulture: Established in 1981, the Department of Horticulture plays a crucial role in offering crop diversification choices to farmers, supporting agro-industries, and generating employment opportunities.
• Government Emphasis: The government of Andhra Pradesh focuses on enhancing horticulture production and productivity, developing post-harvest infrastructure, and facilitating market access, with the sector contributing significantly to the state's GSDP growth.

Five Layer Model of Horticulture Crops

• To enhance horticulture production and control the rising prices of fruits and vegetables, the Andhra Pradesh government is promoting a new farming approach known as 'zero budget natural farming with five-layer model of horticulture crops'.
• This innovative concept, inspired by Indian agriculturist and Padma Sri awardee Subash Palekar, diverges from traditional farming practices by allowing the cultivation of up to five different horticulture crops on a small plot of land.
• On an acre of agricultural land, a base unit of 100 sq m is considered, where five species of crops are grown in a specific layout with three trenches of 2.5 feet each.
• The outer layer and corners of the base unit house the first layer of crops such as coconut, mango, and sapota. The second layer includes citrus and other plants. In the third layer, there are banana, papaya, and other fruits, while the fourth layer contains plants like apple.
• The fifth layer is reserved for pulses, vegetables, and potentially paddy based on soil suitability. Agricultural authorities provide guidance on plant numbers, varieties, and placement, which must be replicated in all base units across the farmer's land.