-
Departments
-
Colleges
Horticulture
The Department of Horticulture came into existence with the establishment of the Assam Agricultural College in 1948 for fulfilling the objective of teaching horticulture in four year B.Sc. (Agri.) degree programme. With the establishment of Assam Agricultural University in 1969, the three mandates of teaching, research and extension in horticulture came into being. The post graduate programme offering M.Sc. (Agri.) degree in Horticulture was started in 1972 while PhD programme in course credit system since 1986. Presently there are 10 seats in MSc (Agri) and 05 seats in PhD programme. The Department started post-graduate programme in Food Science and Technology (FST) since 2014 with yearly intake of 05 students.
Research in the field of Horticulture in Assam was started prior to the establishment of the University. Citrus research was initiated at Government, Citrus Fruit Research Station, Burnihat in 1933. In 1960 Govt. of Assam initiated research on a few fruit Crops in Kahikuchi. A full fledged Horticultural Research Station was established in 1973 at Kahikuchi and a Citrus Research Station at Tinsukia in 1976. Recently Citrus Research Station has been renamed as AAU Citrus and Plantation Crops Research Station and Horticultural Research Station as AAU Horticulture Research Station, Kahikuchi in 2023.
Besides post-graduate research, the department is credited with three numbers of All India Coordinated Projects (AICRP) one each for fruits, vegetables and tuber crops (other than potato) funded by ICAR. Research on horticultural crops in the department derived considerable boosting under (Technology Mission, MM- 1) Horticulture Mission for North Eastern and Himalyas which was in operation from 2001 till 2014.
The competitive projects earned by the faculty members under NATP-CGP, ICAR Ad hoc and DBT sponsored projects which were successfully completed and significant results recommended. At present various coordinated projects as well as Mission for Integrated Development in Horticulture (MIDH) Project with financial assistance from ICAR are in progress. The department has earned three projects respectively from BARC, DBT, IIT which were successfully completed.
In extension front, since inception of the university, the Department of Horticulture has been putting its efforts to address horticultural problems of the state. With the joint efforts of the university and the state Government, package of practices on horticultural crops for the benefit of the farmers of the state has been published. The scientists are putting continuous efforts to disseminate the generated horticultural technologies to the farmers of the state through the existing 23 Krishi Vigyan Kendras in various districts of the state.# | Course No. | Course Title | Course Credit | Syllabus |
1 | Elect-313 * | Protected cultivation of Horticultural crops | 3(2 + 1) | |
2 | ELP-420 * | Production of Ornamental , medicinal and aromatic plants | 5(0 + 5) | |
3 | Hort - 213 * | Production Technology of Ornamental crops, MAP and Landscaping | 3(2 + 1) | |
4 | Hort -112(i) | Introduction to Forestry | 2(1 + 1) | |
5 | Hort-112 * | Fundamentals of Horticulture | 3(2 + 1) | |
6 | THT-212 * | Production technology of plantation crop | 2(2 + 0) | * courses are compulsory |
# | Course No. | Course Title | Course Credit | Syllabus |
1 | FSC 501 * | TROPICAL AND DRY LAND FRUIT PRODUCTION | 3(2 + 1) | |
2 | FSC 502 * | SUBTROPICAL AND TEMPERATE FRUIT PRODUCTION | 3(2 + 1) | |
3 | FSC 503 * | BIODIVERSITY AND CONSERVATION OF FRUIT CROPS | 3(2 + 1) | |
4 | FSC 504 | CANOPY MANAGEMENT IN FRUIT CROPS | 2(1 + 1) | |
5 | FSC 505 | PROPAGATION AND NURSERY MANAGEMENT FOR FRUIT CROPS | 3(2 + 1) | |
6 | FSC 506 | BREEDING OF FRUIT CROPS | 3(2 + 1) | |
7 | FSC 507 | POST HARVEST TECHNOLOGY FOR FRUIT CROPS | 3(2 + 1) | |
8 | FSC 508 | GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT OF HORTICULTURAL CROPS | 3(2 + 1) | |
9 | FSC 509 | BIOTECHNOLOGY OF HORTICULTURAL CROPS | 3(2 + 1) | |
10 | FSC 510 | ORGANIC HORTICULTURE | 2(1 + 1) | |
11 | FSC 511 | PROTECTED FRUIT CULTURE | 3(2 + 1) | |
12 | FSC 512 | GAP FOR HORTICULTURAL CROPS | 1(1 + 0) | |
13 | FSC 513 | CLIMATE MANAGEMENT IN HORTICULTURAL PRODUCTION | 1(1 + 0) | |
14 | VSC 501 | PRODUCTION TECHNOLOGY OF COOL SEASON VEGETABLE CROPS | 3(2 + 1) | |
15 | VSC 502 | PRODUCTION TECHNOLOGY OF WARM SEASON VEGETABLE CROPS | 3(2 + 1) | |
16 | VSC 503 | BREEDING OF VEGETABLE CROPS | 3(2 + 1) | * courses are compulsory |
# | Course No. | Course Title | Course Credit | Syllabus |
1 | FSC 601 * | ADVANCES IN BREEDING OF FRUIT CROPS | 3(2 + 1) | |
2 | FSC 602 * | ADVANCES IN PRODUCTION OF FRUIT CROPS | 3(2 + 1) | |
3 | FSC 603 | ADVANCES IN GROWTH REGULATION OF FRUIT CROPS | 3(2 + 1) | |
4 | FSC 604 | GENOMICS AND BIOINFORMATICS IN HORTICULTURE | 3(2 + 1) | |
5 | FSC 605 | BIOTIC AND ABIOTIC STRESS MANAGEMENT IN HORTICULTURAL CROPS | 3(2 + 1) | * courses are compulsory |
Projects
-
On Going
- BAARC sponsored project on "BAARC-AAU MoU Project/Mutation breeding in carambola and Indian gamboge", projcet cost Rs.0.35 Lakh
- ICAR IGFRI sponsored project on "Livelihood improvement of livestock farmers of Assam through year round fodder cultivation and preservation", projcet cost Rs.14.00 Lakh
- ICAR CIFT sponsored project on "Entrepreneurship development among scheduled tribe fishing communities through post harvest management and value addition of fish catch", projcet cost Rs.30.00 Lakh
- Govt. of Assam, Agriculture Department sponsored project on "Establishment of Natural Farming and Organic Agriculture under R& D", projcet cost Rs.25 Lakh
- BARC sponsored project on "Induced mutagenesis in dolichos bean", projcet cost Rs.0.15 Lakh
- BAARC sponsored project on "BAARC-AAU MoU Project/Breeding Project of Ornamentals", projcet cost Rs.1 Lakh
- National Bank For Agriculture And Rural Development sponsored project on "Doubling farmers income through cultivation of high value fruit crop- Dragon fruit in Kokrajhar District", projcet cost Rs.7.47 Lakh
- DBT sponsored project on "Sustainable rural livelihood through introduction and development of scientific bee keeping in hill districts of Assam", projcet cost Rs.8390000 Lakh
- DBT-MST sponsored project on "Utilization ofcitrus microbiome in rejuvinating khasi mandarinplant affected by important citrus disease", projcet cost Rs.25236968 Lakh
- DR (Agri) sponsored project on "Planting material production of house plants", projcet cost Rs.5 Lakh
- ICAR sponsored project on "NAHEP Component 2 Project on "Investments in ICAR Leadership in Agricultural Higher Education", Subproject 2A: Investments in ICAR to support excellence in AUs", projcet cost Rs.2500000 Lakh
- DBT-NER-BPMC-GoI sponsored project on "Downstream processing for utlization of banana waste for natural fibre extraction, fibre based products, biomass briquettes and utility components", projcet cost Rs.27.46 Lakh
- Govt. of India, New Delhi sponsored project on "Farmers First Project",
- DBT, New Delhi sponsored project on "DBT project on ‘Development of seedless Bhimkol through CRISPR/Cas9 and mutation approaches",
- DBT sponsored project on "Downstream processingfor utilization of Banana waste for banana fibre extraction. fibre based products, biomass briquettes and utility compounds", projcet cost Rs.27.46 Lakh
- Ministry of AYUSH, Govt of India sponsored project on "National AYUSH Mission on Medicinal Plants", projcet cost Rs.37.50 Lakh
- GOI-AYUSH sponsored project on "Post Harvest Lost Assesment .... Some Important Medicinal Plants of Assam", projcet cost Rs.1100000 Lakh
- OIL sponsored project on "Augmentation of Agriculture through Efficient Resource Utilization with Participatory Approach", projcet cost Rs.16436163 Lakh
- RKVY-GoA sponsored project on "RKVY Project on Collection, conservation and quality evaluation of indigenous fruit crops", projcet cost Rs.5.5 Lakh
- IIT sponsored project on "Design Innovation Centre (DIC) project on Improved packaging for long distance transportation of high value horticultural crops", projcet cost Rs.600000 Lakh
- ICAR,New Delhi sponsored project on "Participatory technology assessment for enhancing farming system productivity and developing entrepreneurship for sustainable rural livelihood under Farmers' FIRST project as Co-PI",
- World Bank sponsored project on "Assam Agri-Business and Rural Transformation(APART)", projcet cost Rs.120 Crore
- ICAR sponsored project on "Attracting and Retaining Youth in Agriculture(ARYA)", projcet cost Rs.61.50 Lakh
- GoI and State Govt sponsored project on "Mission for Integrated development of Horticulture (MIDH)",
- ICAR sponsored project on "National Innovation on Climate Resilient Agriculture", projcet cost Rs.24.35 Lakh
- ICAR sponsored project on "AICRP on Vegetable Crops", projcet cost Rs.19144900 Lakh
- ICAR sponsored project on "AICRP on Fruits",
- ICAR sponsored project on "AICRP on Map & Batelvine",
- ICAR sponsored project on "AICRP on Tuber Crops",
-
Completed
- Design and innovation Centre sponsored project on "Improved packaging for long distance transportation of high value horticultural crops", projcet cost Rs.6.0 Lakh implemented in 2017. (PI/Co-PI/Associated Scientist : Dr. Pritom Kumar Borthakur)
- ICAR, New Delhi sponsored project on "ICAR sponsored project on Tribal sub plan project on " Promotion of Agriculture Centric Livelihood Security for Tribal Farmers of Assam as Co-PI", implemented in 2014. (PI/Co-PI/Associated Scientist : Dr. Sangita Mahanta)
- Ministry of Food Processing Industries, Govt. of India sponsored project on "Development of value added products from selected minor fruits of Assam", projcet cost Rs.65.93 Lakh implemented in 2014. (PI/Co-PI/Associated Scientist : Dr. Ananta Saikia)
- DBT sponsored project on "A value chain in Jackfruit and its value added products", projcet cost Rs.27.19 Lakh implemented in 2013. (PI/Co-PI/Associated Scientist : Mr. Bhabesh Deka)
- sponsored project on "Involved in the implementation of TSP project"Promotion of Agriculture centric sustainable livelihood security for tribal farmers of Assam" .", implemented in 2013. (PI/Co-PI/Associated Scientist : Dr. Ira Sarma)
- Govt. of India sponsored project on "Involved in the project entitled "Promotion of Agriculture-centric sustainable livelihood security for tribal farmers of Assam"", implemented in 2013. (PI/Co-PI/Associated Scientist : Dr. Ira Sarma)
- DBT, New Delhi sponsored project on "DBT Collaborative Project with UAS, Bangalore on A Value Chain of Jackfruit and its Value Added Products", implemented in 2012. (PI/Co-PI/Associated Scientist : Dr. Utpal Kotoky)
- National Horticulture Board sponsored project on "" Establishment of mother plant nurseries for high pedigree planting materials of fruit crops". As a Co-PI.", implemented in 2012. (PI/Co-PI/Associated Scientist : Dr. Ira Sarma)
- National Horticulture Board, Gurgaon, Haryana sponsored project on "NHB project on Establishment of Mother Plant Nurseries for High Pedigree Planting Materials of Fruit Crops", projcet cost Rs.25.16 Lakh implemented in 2011. (PI/Co-PI/Associated Scientist : Dr. Utpal Kotoky)
- Govt. of India (Central Sector Scheme) sponsored project on "Horticulture Mission for North East and Himalayan States (MM-I)", projcet cost Rs.8 Crore implemented in 2010. (PI/Co-PI/Associated Scientist : Dr. Ananta Saikia)
- Govt. of India (Central Sector Scheme) sponsored project on "Horticulture Mission for North East and Himalayan States (MM-I)", projcet cost Rs.8 Crore implemented in 2010. (PI/Co-PI/Associated Scientist : Dr. Sailen Gogoi)
- Govt. of India (Central Sector Scheme) sponsored project on "Horticulture Mission for North East and Himalayan States (MM-I)", projcet cost Rs.8 Crore implemented in 2010. (PI/Co-PI/Associated Scientist : Dr. Utpal Kotoky)
- DBT sponsored project on "DBT sponsored project on Biotech led organic farming in India as Co-PI", implemented in 2010. (PI/Co-PI/Associated Scientist : Dr. Sangita Mahanta)
- Department of BiotechnologyGovt. of India sponsored project on "" Biotechnology Led Organic Farming in NER" as a Co-PI, implemented in 2010.", implemented in 2010. (PI/Co-PI/Associated Scientist : Dr. Ira Sarma)
- ICAR sponsored project on "Establishment of PHT and Value Addition Centre", projcet cost Rs.1 Crore implemented in 2009. (PI/Co-PI/Associated Scientist : Dr. Ananta Saikia)
- NBM, Govt. of India, N. Delhi sponsored project on "Standardization & Dissemination of Technologies for increasing Productivity & Production of Bamboo & Bamboo based cropping system", projcet cost Rs.36 Lakh implemented in 2008. (PI/Co-PI/Associated Scientist : Dr. Sunil Bora)
- DBT, New Delhi sponsored project on "DBT Mission for Quality Planting Material Production and Utilization for the North East", implemented in 2007. (PI/Co-PI/Associated Scientist : Dr. Utpal Kotoky)
- Ministry of Food Processing Industries, Govt. of India sponsored project on "Establishment of Food Technological Laboratory", projcet cost Rs.50.0 Lakh implemented in 2005. (PI/Co-PI/Associated Scientist : Dr. Ananta Saikia)
- ICAR sponsored project on "ICAR Ad-Hoc Project “Improvement of indigenous orchid of North East Region of India through hybridization” (2005-2008)", projcet cost Rs.19 Lakh implemented in 2005. (PI/Co-PI/Associated Scientist : Dr. Madhumita Choudhury Talukdar)
- Central Sector Scheme, GoI sponsored project on "Primary and Secondary Processing of Horticultural Produces [Sub-activity of Horticulture Mission for North East and Himalayan States Central Sector Scheme", implemented in 2004. (PI/Co-PI/Associated Scientist : Dr. Ananta Saikia)
- National Agricultural Technology Project, ICAR sponsored project on "CGP project on Post-harvest value addition to indigenous plant resources of North East India for development of natural food colorants", projcet cost Rs.25.56 Lakh implemented in 2001. (PI/Co-PI/Associated Scientist : Dr. Ananta Saikia)
- Ministry of Food Processing Industries, Govt. of India sponsored project on "Establishment of Quality Control Laboratory", projcet cost Rs.25.5 Lakh implemented in 2001. (PI/Co-PI/Associated Scientist : Dr. Ananta Saikia)
- GOI sponsored project on "Lead Scientist in Activity 1.2.1 - Seed production of Vegetable crops under TM ( MM1 )", implemented in 2001. (PI/Co-PI/Associated Scientist : Dr. Deepa Borbora Phookan)
- GOI sponsored project on "Lead Scientist in Activity 1.2.1 - Seed production of Vegetable crops under TM ( MM1 )", implemented in 2001. (PI/Co-PI/Associated Scientist : Dr. Jumi Saikia)
- GOI sponsored project on "Lead Scientist in Activity 1.2.1 - Seed production of Vegetable crops under TM ( MM1 )", implemented in 2001. (PI/Co-PI/Associated Scientist : Dr. Sailen Gogoi)
- GOI sponsored project on "Technology Mission ( MM1 )", implemented in 2001. (PI/Co-PI/Associated Scientist : Dr. Jumi Saikia)
- GOI sponsored project on "Precision Farming Development Centre.", implemented in 2001. (PI/Co-PI/Associated Scientist : Dr. Deepa Borbora Phookan)
- GOI sponsored project on "Precision Farming Development Centre.", implemented in 2001. (PI/Co-PI/Associated Scientist : Dr. Sailen Gogoi)
- ICAR, New Delhi sponsored project on "NATP (CGP) project on Integration of Water Harvesting and Drip Irrigation for Increasing Productivity of High value Fruit Crops of Assam", projcet cost Rs.21.56 Lakh implemented in 2001. (PI/Co-PI/Associated Scientist : Dr. Utpal Kotoky)
- ICAR sponsored project on "Horticulture Mission for N.E.India and Himalayan States ,MM 1 (2002014) Lead Scientist, Activity 1.3.1. Production of Nucleus/basic seed and planting material production of marigold, chrysanthemum, gerbera, gladiolus, tuberose ,anthurium and orchid", projcet cost Rs.12 Lakh implemented in 2001. (PI/Co-PI/Associated Scientist : Dr. Madhumita Choudhury Talukdar)
- ICAR sponsored project on "Horticulture Mission for N.E.India and Himalayan States ,MM 1 (2001-2014) Lead Scientist, Activity 2.7.1. Refinement of Technology of different flower crops.", projcet cost Rs.12 Lakh implemented in 2001. (PI/Co-PI/Associated Scientist : Dr. Madhumita Choudhury Talukdar)
- ICAR sponsored project on "NATP(CGP) on Standardization of some agro-techniques of Anthurium (Anthurium andreanum Lind.) production in low-cost polyhouse under Assam condition", projcet cost Rs.19.80478 Lakh implemented in 2001. (PI/Co-PI/Associated Scientist : Dr. Preeti Hatibarua)
- GOI sponsored project on "Technology Mission, TM (MM1) Activity 2.2.4 - Production of planting material- Amorphophallus", implemented in 2001. (PI/Co-PI/Associated Scientist : Dr. Jumi Saikia)
- ICAR sponsored project on "CGP Project on “Development of appropriate post-harvest technologies for handling and transportation of pineapple”, ICAR", projcet cost Rs.29.76 Lakh implemented in 2001. (PI/Co-PI/Associated Scientist : Dr. Ananta Saikia)
- ICAR sponsored project on "CGP Project on “Economics of post-harvest management of perishable commodities in Assam”", projcet cost Rs.15.44 Lakh implemented in 2001. (PI/Co-PI/Associated Scientist : Dr. Ananta Saikia)
- ICAR sponsored project on "PSR Project on “Improved indigenous technology for milling, drying and storage of rice”", projcet cost Rs.9.55 Lakh implemented in 2001. (PI/Co-PI/Associated Scientist : Dr. Ananta Saikia)
- NATP (CGP) ICAR sponsored project on "NATP (CGP) “Screening chrysanthemum cultivars and standardization of technique for off-season flowering in plastic green house cum rain shelter” (2000-2003)", projcet cost Rs.22 Lakh implemented in 2000. (PI/Co-PI/Associated Scientist : Dr. Madhumita Choudhury Talukdar)
- ICAR sponsored project on "i) “Screening of Carambola cultivars found in Assam and standardization of Postharvest technique for the best cultivar.”", projcet cost Rs.8.5 Lakh implemented in 1999. (PI/Co-PI/Associated Scientist : Dr. Pritam Coomar Barua)
- ICAR sponsored project on "Screening of carambola cultivars found in Assam and standardization of the post harvest techniques for the best cultivar", projcet cost Rs.8.01405 Lakh implemented in 1999. (PI/Co-PI/Associated Scientist : Dr. Manoranjan Neog)
- ICAR sponsored project on "ii) “Preservation and Processing of some important Indigenous fruits of NE India with special reference to Assam”", projcet cost Rs.7.0 Lakh implemented in 1996. (PI/Co-PI/Associated Scientist : Dr. Pritam Coomar Barua)
Our Faculties
Achivements
-
Achievement in Teaching
The department has implemented 5th Dean Committee’s recommendations in formulating UG Course curricula while the PG Course curriculum is being followed as per 4th Dean Committee’s recommendations. Most of the modern tools of education viz. Audio-visual aids, hands on training, skill development, exposure visit etc are used for teaching the students. A number of practical manuals for each course of both Faculty of Agriculture and Horticulture have been published for the students.
· Two students are sent for international exposure in Malayasia and Thailand
· One student earned Jawaharlal Nehru Fellowship for pursuing PhD
· One student earned ICAR National Fellowship for pursuing PhD
· Two M.Sc and two Ph.D students bagged Bayer’s Fellowship for their study
· Twenty five students cleared ICAR NET.
-
Achievement in Research
The Department has been working in the development of many recent technologies in different horticultural crops. The production technologies for different fruit crops, vegetables, flowers and a few medicinal & aromatic plants and also post-harvest technologies have been developed. The relevant research findings have been incorporated in the Package of Practices of Horticultural Crops for the state of Assam .which are being updated with new research findings every two years. Recently, detailed package of practices has been worked out for growing Bhut Jalakia (Capsicum chinense).
Technologies on protected cultivation have been developed and disseminated for high value vegetable and flower crops
The department is giving emphasis on organic cultivation of horticultural crops and organic package has already been developed for a number of vegetables and a few flower crops. Technology for off season flowering of marigold (Summer Marigold) has been developed and recommended.
The department has developed/ identified a number of improved varieties in different crops which are recommended for Assam. Some of these varieties are listed below:
Sl.No.
Crop
Variety
Remark
A.
FRUITS
1.
Banana
Jahaji
Recommended as a Dwarf Cavendish variety in Assam
Chenichampa
Malbhog
Barjahaji
Recommended as Medium Tall varieties in Assam
Pura Kal
Manohar
Jati and Bhimkal
Recommended as Tall varieties in Assam
B.
VEGETABLE
1.
Brinjal
JC 1
JC 2
Released through CVRC, notified by MoA, Govt. of India and on 8th Sept, 2013 both varieties have come under public domain.
2.
Amaranthus
Shyamali and Rodali
These two varieties are recommended for Assam.
C.
FLOWERS
1.
Gerbera
Red Gem, Classic Beauty, Orange Gleam and Pink Melody
The colours are red, light orange, dark orange and light pink respectively. The no. of flowers per plant per year ranges from 35 to 55.
2
Anthurium
Fire, Calore, Acropolis, Moment, Evita Pink and Evita Red
The colours are red, white and pink. These varieties are recommended for agro climatic condition of Assam under shade net house in soil less culture.
3
Chrysanthemum
Snow Ball, Dignity, Sonar Bangla, Heather Gem, White Spider
Standard chrysanthemum varieties (ground and pot) recommended for Assam.
Gulmohar, Ravi Kiran, Nirod, Basanti and Prof. Harris.
Spray chrysanthemum varieties (polyhouse) recommended for Assam.
Yellow Bangla, Yellow Decorative, Purple Anemone and Sadbhavana
Superior Spray cultivars for open field (ground & pot) recommended for Assam.
4
Gladiolus
American Beauty, Priscilla, Gester, Red Candyman, Sunny Boy, Novalux, Spic and Spun, White Prosperity
The colours of the identified varieties for Assam are bicolour (red and white), yellow, bright pink, deep purple, yellow, bicolour (orange and white) and white respectively.
5
Marigold
Seracole
Recommended as a Summer Marigold variety for Assam condition.
-
Achievement in Extension
The Department conducted about 350 nos. of training programme on different horticultural aspects like fruits, vegetables, flowers, post harvest technology, organic cultivation, medicinal and aromatic plants etc. It holds two success stories in Floriculture sectors in the areas Hajo (Kamrup) and Titabor (Jorhat) in tuberose with black polythene mulch and marigold. Under DBT Mission project, a total area of 124 ha in 9 districts, 10 ha in 2 district and 18 ha in one district of Assam was brought under banana, citrus and black pepper cultivation respectively. One certificate course on “Cut flower production and floral design” was also organised by the Department. This particular training generated considerable enthusiasm among the trainees and some of them have taken up not only commercial cut flower production but also established themselves as floral decorator (Hall, Pandal and Car).The department organizes Horticulture Show and competition every year in which farmers and growers from different districts of Assam participated in large numbers. Also, a number of research and extension bulletins have been prepared by the faculties of the Department to disseminate the technology to the farmers.
-
Achievement in consultancy/ advisory services
Delivered consultancy services on Landscaping to Indian Institute of
Advance Study in Science & Technology, Guwahati, ONGC and DC bunglow,
Jorhat.