Management of Horticultural Crops  (English, Hardcover, Pradeepkumar T.)

Horticulture crops, which are of high value, offer farmers the potential for significant returns, as well as multiple opportunities for value addition. The horticulturist must strive for total quality management, as market-driven agriculture demands excellence at every stage of production. The recently published work on Horticultural Crop Management provides a comprehensive overview of the scientific crop management of horticultural crops, including the selection of soil and the various activities involved in the production and handling of fresh produce in the field. Additionally, the book covers topics such as the scope for value addition, organic farming, protected cultivation, export potential, and economic analysis of production. India per capita availability of fruits and vegetables is insufficient to meet the nutritional and protective dietary needs of its population. Out of the country total horticultural production, only 67% is consumed locally, while 30% is lost after harvest, 2% is exported, and 0.8% is processed. There is a significant opportunity for the development of the horticultural produce market, as changing lifestyles, health consciousness, and purchasing power have created unprecedented prospects for farmers and horticultural entrepreneurs. This book aims to connect all stakeholders in the horticultural industry with scientific information on horticultural crop management. The first part of the book covers the management of fruits, vegetables, and flowers, while the second part focuses on plantation crops and spices.