Bountiful nature beckons

<div class="section1"><div class="Normal">One always finds solace in the lap of nature as its beauty has driven human imagination from time immemorial. Here, the role of the floriculturist and horticulturist have come into sharp focus, as it''s they, who have played a key role in maintaining sanity in our environment. <br /><br />Education Times speaks to M L Choudhary, Head, Division of Floriculture and Landscaping (DFL), Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI), Pusa Road, on what a career as a floriculturist is all about.<br /><br /><span style="" font-weight:="" bold="">Floriculture </span><br /><br />It is a part or division of horticulture. Floriculture, ''floris'' plus ''culture'', means cultivation of flowers. Earlier, people used to take up floriculture as a hobby, but today they grow flowers for commercial purposes. <br /><br />Cultivation of flowers is more beneficial and remunerative than other traditional crops. A floriculturist can conduct experiments on various problems pertaining to plantation. <br /><br />Experiments are carried out to develop new or improved varieties of flowers with quality control, resistance to disease, higher yield, or adaptability to climates and soils and other processes.<br /><br /><span style="" font-weight:="" bold="">Traits and qualities</span><br /><br />One needs to grow with flowers and nature to pursue a career as a floriculturist. An aspirant should have the patience and dedication to grow flowers as well as an understanding of nature. <br /><br />Besides, it is more important to have a scientific bent of mind as one needs to keep oneself abreast of upcoming technologies and their applications.<br /><br /><span style="" font-weight:="" bold="">Training</span><br /><br />This field needs no formal training. No fancy degree is required as far as setting up a nursery is concerned. But, a B Sc in horticulture does help when it comes to studying the growth patterns and conditions of various floral plants. <br /><br />For a full-fledged career in floriculture, a B Sc degree in either horticulture or agriculture, which is a three, four or a five-year course depending upon the institute, is essential. <br /><br />There are agricultural colleges spread across the country which offer a B Sc in Horticulture or Agriculture. And, when it comes to research, the minimum qualification is an M Sc in the subject.<br /><br /><span style="" font-weight:="" bold="">Career prospects and remuneration</span><br /><br />Prospects are really bright in this field. Technological advancements offer immense commercial opportunities in horticulture. Floriculturists can pursue opportunities in research, teaching and entrepreneurship. <br /><br />The entry of large private corporations have given an impetus to research-oriented jobs. There are jobs available in government organisations as well. The best part of this field is that it provides a lot of scope for self-employment schemes. <br /><br />Notably, entrepreneurship in floriculture can be lucrative, once you have taken into account the demand for the product, the growing region and marketability. India''s climate and natural resources offer an enormous potential. <br /><br />More than cent per cent profit can be made in this field even after deducting all expenses. In fact, sky is the limit as far as remuneration is concerned.</div> </div>