Remunerative Horticulture: Strategies for Profitable Growth

This book provides a comprehensive and practical overview of modern horticulture with a strong focus on innovation, sustainability, and profitability. It explores how horticulture can go beyond traditional practices to become a skill-driven, income-generating, and globally competitive profession. The content bridges the gap between academic knowledge and real-world application, making it relevant in today’s rapidly evolving agricultural landscape.

The chapters cover a wide spectrum of topics, including urban and vertical gardening, organic farming, hydroponics, post-harvest technologies, value addition, waste utilization, advanced packaging, and marketing strategies. It also introduces readers to the use of cutting-edge technologies such as AI, robotics, and ICT in horticultural practices. Each chapter not only builds conceptual understanding but also demonstrates practical techniques that enhance the commercial value of horticultural produce, like dehydration, fermentation, flower tinting, and fiber extraction.

This book serves as a valuable reading resource for undergraduate and postgraduate students of agriculture and horticulture. It is equally useful for professionals, entrepreneurs, and hobbyists who wish to gain hands-on insights into skill-based horticulture and explore profitable ventures.

Dr. Ankan Das is an Associate Professor in the Department of Horticulture and Post Harvest Technology, Palli Siksha Bhavana, Visva-Bharati, India. Previously he has served in the capacity of Assistant Professor in the Department of Horticulture, Institute of Agricultural Science, University of Calcutta for more than 9 years. He has completed B.Sc. (Hons.) in Horticulture from Uttar Banga Krishi Viswavidyalaya, Cooch Behar and Master’s and Ph.D. programme from Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya, Nadia, West Bengal. He is a recipient of University Gold Medal for B.Sc. (Hort.) Hons. and University Gold Medal for M.Sc. (Hort.) in Post Harvest Technology of Horticultural Crop. He has published many research & review papers in Journals of national and international repute (including UGC-CARE listed journals) and book chapters in renowned Publishers. To his credit, also there are some articles in Magazines and popular Bengali Newspapers.  He has also delivered some lectures in events of academic importance and have presented and participated in many National and International symposiums. He also has gone through academic trainings and workshops and has completed required Faculty Development Programs as of now.

Dr. A. B. Sharangi is Professor & Former Dean (Faculty of Horticulture) of BCKV (Agricultural University), India, attached with teaching and research in herbs, spices & MAPs for more than 29 years. He is Fellow of 10 international and national academies including the Royal Society of Biology (London, UK), National Academy of Biological Sciences, International Society of Noni Sciences, Academy of Science & Technology (WB), etc. and life members of a good number of societies including the National Academy of Sciences, Indian Academy of Horticultural sciences, etc with 120 peer-reviewed papers in scientific journals. He has published 40 authored/edited books and numerous book chapters from various international publishers; engaged with 75 journals worldwide as editor-in-chief, editorial board member, subject and review editor, active reviewer (Publons Academy graduate). Prof Sharangi has visited abroad extensively on academic mission and obtained several international laurels viz., ENDEAVOUR Post-doctoral Award (Australia), INSA-RSE Visiting Scientist Fellowship & Chartered Biologists (UK), FULBRIGHT Visiting Lecturer Fellowship (USA), Achiever’s Award (SADHNA), Marquis Who’s Who (USA), Man of the Year (UK), Outstanding Scientist, Bharat Ratna Mother Teresa Gold Medal, Honorary Professorship by the Cypress International Institute University (Texus, USA), etc. He has delivered a couple of invited and keynote lectures in home and abroad (India, UK, USA, Australia, New Zealand, Thailand, Israel, Jordon and Bangladesh) on several aspects of herbs and spices, chaired/co-chaired and convened on about seven international and five Technical sessions. He is associated with a number of research projects as Principal & Co-Principal Investigators having academic and empirical implications. Prof Sharangi has served as a member of Selection Committee, Board of Studies, Faculty Council, Executive Council and presently a member of BSMA (a specially empowered national body constituted by Director General ICAR, Government of India to restructure the Post Graduate and PhD Syllabus). He is active member of several science academies and societies like NASI, NABS, ISNS, IAHS, CHAI, CWSS, SAH including the New York Academy of Science (NYAS), World Academy of Science, Engineering and Technology (WASET), African Forest Forum, American Biological Society, to name a few.