The Department of Horticulture came into existence with the establishment of Assam Agricultural College in 1948, with the objective of imparting horticultural education as part of the four-year B.Sc. (Agri.) degree programme. With the establishment of Assam Agricultural University (AAU) in 1969, the Department expanded its mandate to encompass teaching, research and extension in horticulture. The postgraduate programme leading to M.Sc. (Agri.) in Horticulture was introduced in 1972, followed by the Ph.D. programme under the course-credit system in 1986. At present, the Department has an annual intake of 12 students in M.Sc. (Agri.) and 05 students in Ph.D. in Horticulture. In addition, the Department has been offering the postgraduate programme in Food Science and Technology (FST) since 2014, with an annual intake of 06 students.
The postgraduate programmes of the Department encompass major areas of horticultural science, including Fruit Science, Vegetable Science, Floriculture and Landscaping, Post-Harvest Management, and Plantation, Spices, Medicinal and Aromatic Crops. These academic programmes provide students with opportunities for advanced learning and research addressing the diverse horticultural production systems and challenges of Assam and the North-Eastern region.
Research in horticulture in Assam predates the establishment of Assam Agricultural University. Citrus research was initiated at the Government Citrus Fruit Research Station, Burnihat, in 1933. Subsequently, the Government of Assam initiated research on selected fruit crops at Kahikuchi in 1960. A full-fledged Horticultural Research Station was established at Kahikuchi in 1973, followed by establishment of a Citrus Research Station at Tinsukia in 1976. In 2023, the Citrus Research Station was renamed AAU Citrus and Plantation Crops Research Station, while the Horticultural Research Station was renamed AAU Horticulture Research Station, Kahikuchi, further strengthening the institutional research infrastructure in horticulture.
The Department has been actively contributing to nationally coordinated horticultural research programmes through the successful implementation of All India Coordinated Research Projects (AICRPs) on Fruits, Vegetables, Tuber Crops, and Medicinal and Aromatic Plants and Betelvine, funded by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR). These coordinated programmes provide a platform for collaborative research, evaluation and dissemination of improved technologies, varieties and production practices suited to different agro-climatic regions, including Assam and the North-Eastern region.
Research on horticultural crops in the Department received considerable impetus under the Technology Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture in the North Eastern and Himalayan States (Technology Mission, MM-I), which was operational from 2001 to 2014. Faculty members have also successfully obtained and implemented competitive research projects under NATP-CGP, ICAR Ad-hoc and DBT-sponsored programmes, generating significant research findings and technologies of relevance to the region.
At present, the Department is implementing various coordinated research programmes and Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH) projects, with financial assistance from ICAR. The Department has also successfully completed externally funded research projects supported by organizations including BARC, DBT and IITs.
The research programmes of the Department encompass diverse areas of horticultural science, including crop improvement, characterization and evaluation of germplasm, climate-resilient horticulture, production and resource-use-efficient technologies, protected cultivation, plant health management, post-harvest management, value addition, and sustainable horticultural production systems. The research is primarily oriented towards addressing the production constraints and emerging challenges of Assam and the North-Eastern region and developing technologies that enhance the productivity, quality, profitability and sustainability of horticultural enterprises.
Since the inception of Assam Agricultural University, the Department of Horticulture has been actively engaged in addressing horticultural production constraints and disseminating improved technologies among farmers and other stakeholders of the state. In collaboration with the Government of Assam, the Department has contributed to the development and publication of Package of Practices for Horticultural Crops, providing practical recommendations for improved crop production and management.
The Department continuously disseminates horticultural technologies, research findings and improved production practices through the University\'s extension network, particularly the 23 Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) functioning across different districts of Assam. Faculty members and scientists participate in farmer training programmes, demonstrations, technology dissemination activities, capacity-building programmes and other extension initiatives aimed at enhancing productivity, profitability and sustainability of horticultural enterprises.
Thus, over the years, the Department of Horticulture, AAU has evolved into a major centre for education, research and extension in horticulture, contributing to the development of horticultural technologies, human resource development and technology dissemination for the benefit of farmers and stakeholders of Assam and the North-Eastern region.
The Department of Horticulture has continued to strengthen its teaching and postgraduate education through updated curricula, experiential learning, practical training and research-oriented teaching. The 6th Dean Committee recommendations have been implemented for the UG curriculum, while also offering the 5th Dean Committee courses for the on-going students, including the PG courses as designed by ICAR following the standard national model syllabus for M.Sc. Agriculture (Post-Graduate) courses in India. Teaching-learning processes are supported through audio-visual aids, hands-on practical training, skill development programmes, exposure visits and other experiential learning approaches. Practical manuals for various courses offered by the Faculty of Agriculture and Faculty of Horticulture have also been developed and published to facilitate effective practical learning.
During 2021–22 to 2025–26, the Department admitted 66 students to the M.Sc. programme and 19 students to the Ph.D. programme, while 70 M.Sc. and 26 Ph.D. students successfully completed their degrees during the period. The postgraduate teaching programme has provided students with opportunities to undertake research across diverse areas of horticulture, including vegetable and fruit production, protected cultivation, natural and organic farming, crop improvement and germplasm characterization, plant growth regulation, post-harvest management, value addition, floriculture, greenhouse technology, nano-fertilizers and quality planting material production. The range of completed theses reflects the department's emphasis on research-based, practical and locally relevant horticultural education.
Major student achievements include:
The Department of Horticulture has been actively engaged in the development, refinement, standardization and dissemination of production technologies for a wide range of horticultural crops, including fruits, vegetables, flowers, medicinal and aromatic plants and tuber crops. The Department has also developed technologies related to protected cultivation, organic production, crop health management, quality planting material, crop improvement, post-harvest management and integrated horticultural production systems suited to the agro-climatic conditions of Assam.
The research findings generated by the Department and its associated research programmes are incorporated into the Package of Practices of Horticultural Crops for the State of Assam, which is periodically updated with new research findings and recommendations. The Department has also developed detailed production practices for crops of emerging importance in Assam, including Bhut Jalakia (Capsicum chinense), Lai Xaak and other high-value vegetable crops.
Technologies for protected cultivation have been developed and disseminated for high-value vegetable and flower crops. The Department has also emphasized organic and sustainable production of horticultural crops, and organic production packages have been developed for several vegetable and flower crops. Technologies for off-season production, including summer marigold, have also been developed and recommended.
The Department has developed and/or identified a number of improved varieties and promising selections of horticultural crops suitable for Assam. In addition, several production and crop-management technologies have been standardized through departmental research programmes and the ICAR-AICRP programmes implemented by the Department.
The Department has developed and/or identified several banana varieties suitable for different production situations in Assam.
Existing recommended varieties:
Jahaji – Recommended as a Dwarf Cavendish type for Assam.
Chenichampa, Malbhog and Barjahaji – Recommended as medium-tall varieties.
Pura Kal, Manohar, Jati and Bhimkal – Recommended as tall varieties.
Recent technologies and improved varieties:
Popoulu (AAB, Plantain): Identified as a high-yielding, dual-purpose banana suitable for both dessert consumption and chips making. It has a yield potential of up to 57.06 t/ha, tolerance to pseudostem weevil and Eumusae leaf spot, and approximately 32.5% chips recovery.
Kaveri Kalki (NRCB Selection-10): Identified for higher production and superior fruit quality. Its dwarf stature makes it suitable for areas prone to high winds and for high-density planting, besides offering a shorter crop duration.
Kaveri Vaaman (TBM-9): A dwarf and early Cavendish-type mutant with a crop duration of approximately 10.9 months, offering advantages where reduced plant height and shorter duration are desirable.
Macro-propagation of banana: A low-cost and effective technique for rapid multiplication of banana planting material has been recommended.
Management of Eumusae leaf spot (Sigatoka leaf spot): A sequential fungicide-based management schedule involving propiconazole, carbendazim + mancozeb, trifloxystrobin + tebuconazole and difenoconazole, along with mineral oil, has been recommended for management of Eumusae leaf spot.
Biological management of nematode pests: Application of Bacillus pumilus through soil drenching of tissue-culture plants and B. pumilus-enriched farmyard manure has been recommended for management of nematode pests in banana.
Gum-less Jack: Identified as a promising jackfruit technology/variety through the ICAR-AICRP on Fruits.
The Department has developed and standardized production technologies and improved varieties of several vegetable crops suited to Assam conditions.
JC 1 and JC 2: Released through the Central Variety Release Committee (CVRC) and notified by the Ministry of Agriculture, Government of India. Both varieties entered the public domain on 8 September 2013.
Grafting technology: Grafting of brinjal onto Solanum torvum (Bor bhekui) rootstock has been standardized for management of soil-borne diseases, particularly bacterial wilt, and nematodes.
Shyamali and Rodali: Recommended varieties for Assam.
Production practices for amaranthus under Assam conditions have been standardized and incorporated into the Package of Practices of Horticultural Crops.
Prabalee: A promising chilli variety with a yield potential of 150–170 q/ha and moderate resistance to fruit rot and Fusarium wilt. The variety has been recommended by the State Variety Release Committee (SVRC).
Laika: Yield potential of approximately 445–450 q/ha, with leaves harvestable up to 85–90 days after transplanting (DAT). Recommended by SVRC.
Kajoli: Yield potential of approximately 430–435 q/ha, with leaves harvestable up to 80–90 DAT. Recommended by SVRC.
Production practices for Lai Xaak have been standardized and incorporated into the Package of Practices.
Beanola: Promising variety with a yield potential of approximately 130–140 q/ha.
Xubhaxi: Yield potential of approximately 140–150 q/ha; highly aromatic and palatable.
Korongi: Yield potential of approximately 165–170 q/ha; highly aromatic and palatable.
Phutuki: Promising variety with a yield potential of approximately 155–160 q/ha.
The Department has developed and standardized production practices for Bhut Jalakia (Capsicum chinense) under Assam conditions. A detailed Package of Practices has been worked out for its cultivation.
Polyhouse cultivation of Bhut Jalakia: A technology for off-season production under polyhouse conditions has been developed.
Autumn transplanting: September transplanting under polyhouse conditions enables early fruit production and provides an opportunity for production during the lean season when low temperatures limit production under open-field conditions.
Grafting technology: Grafting of Bhut Jalakia onto Solanum torvum (Bor bhekui) and Capsicum frutescens (Mem Jolokia) rootstocks has been standardized for management of soil-borne diseases, particularly bacterial wilt, and nematodes.
Production practices have been standardized and incorporated into the Package of Practices of Horticultural Crops for Assam.
A production protocol for late-kharif onion cultivation in Assam has been standardized.
August sowing of Bhima Super, Bhima Dark Red and Bhima Red was found superior to September sowing in terms of growth and yield parameters.
Seed production of AFDR can be successfully undertaken in the rai-shadow belts of Hojai-Lanka.
Production practices for lettuce and celery under Assam conditions have been standardized and are being incorporated into the Package of Practices of Horticultural Crops.
The Department has developed and disseminated technologies for protected cultivation of high-value vegetable and flower crops, with emphasis on year-round and off-season production.
The following crop sequences have been standardized:
Cucumber (October–January) → Tomato (February–May) → Palak (June–July) → Palak (August–September)
Cucumber (January–March) → Yard-long bean (April–June) → Bhut Jalakia (July–December)
These crop sequences provide opportunities for continuous utilization of protected structures and year-round production of high-value vegetables.
The Department has developed and identified suitable flower varieties and production technologies for Assam conditions, including open-field and protected cultivation.
The following varieties have been identified/recommended:
Red Gem
Classic Beauty
Orange Gleam
Pink Melody
The corresponding flower colours are red, light orange, dark orange and light pink, respectively. The number of flowers produced per plant per year ranges from approximately 35 to 55.
Fire
Calore
Acropolis
Moment
Evita Pink
Evita Red
These varieties include red, white and pink flower types and are recommended for the agro-climatic conditions of Assam under shade-net house conditions in soilless culture.
Standard chrysanthemum varieties for ground and pot cultivation:
Snow Ball
Dignity
Sonar Bangla
Heather Gem
White Spider
Spray chrysanthemum varieties recommended for polyhouse cultivation:
Gulmohar
Ravi Kiran
Nirod
Basanti
Prof. Harris
Superior spray cultivars recommended for open-field ground and pot cultivation:
Yellow Bangla
Yellow Decorative
Purple Anemone
Sadbhavana
The following varieties have been identified/recommended for Assam:
American Beauty
Priscilla
Gester
Red Candyman
Sunny Boy
Novalux
Spic and Span
White Prosperity
The identified varieties represent a range of flower colours, including red and white bicolour, yellow, bright pink, deep purple, orange and white bicolour, and white.
Seracole: Recommended as a summer/off-season marigold variety for Assam conditions.
Technology for off-season flowering of marigold (Summer Marigold) has been developed and recommended.
The Department has given emphasis to organic and sustainable production of horticultural crops. Organic production packages have been developed for a number of vegetables and flower crops. Biological approaches for pest and disease management have also been standardized for selected horticultural and medicinal crops.
These technologies are aimed at reducing dependence on chemical inputs, improving soil and plant health and promoting environmentally sustainable horticultural production systems.
The Department has undertaken research on tuber crops and developed/identified promising varieties and production systems suited to Assam.
Greater yam ‘Hatiaalo’: A promising high-yielding variety with yield potential of approximately 22 t/ha and good cooking quality; under pipeline for release.
Stolon/swamp taro ‘AAUST-2 (Bhola Kachu): Promising selection with caudex yield of approximately 17.5 t/ha, stolon yield of 7 t/ha and good cooking quality; under pipeline for release.
Lesser yam ‘Sree Kala’: Developed by ICAR-CTCRI, Thiruvananthapuram, and standardized for commercial cultivation under Assam conditions.
Tuber crop-based farming system: A raised-and-sunken-bed farming system has been developed for low-lying areas, particularly for small and marginal farmers with limited landholdings.
The Department has developed and standardized several production technologies for medicinal and aromatic plants under Assam conditions.
Mandukaparni (Centella asiatica): A spacing of 20 × 20 cm has been recommended for Assam conditions.
Pippali (Piper longum): Integrated nutrient management involving NPK 175:75:75 kg/ha + FYM 10 t/ha + neem cake 5 q/ha resulted in higher dry yield and favourable economics.
Pippali: Plant geometry of 60 × 40 cm without support under 50% shade has been recommended for Assam.
JPL-19 (Piper longum): Identified as a promising plant type and recommended for commercial cultivation in Assam.
Aloe vera, Pippali and Sarpagandha: Technologies have been incorporated into the Package of Practices of Horticultural Crops for Assam.
The Department has also worked on the introduction and diversification of medicinal and aromatic plants into existing cropping systems, including Piper longum as an intercrop in young tea plantations and in bamboo-based agroforestry systems.
Technologies for rapid multiplication and production of quality planting material have been developed for medicinal and aromatic plants and betelvine.
A rapid multiplication technique has been standardized under 50% shade-net conditions, enabling round-the-year preparation of cuttings by maintaining favourable relative humidity and reducing the adverse effect of dry periods.
A community nursery model has been developed for production of medicinal and aromatic plants and betelvine, facilitating decentralized production and dissemination of quality planting material.
A baroj-type cultivation system under 50% shade net has been standardized for Assam Pan. The system provides an alternative to the traditional practice of allowing betelvine to grow on arecanut trees and facilitates harvesting, maintenance and management of pests and diseases.
The technology has also demonstrated considerable potential for improving returns from betelvine cultivation.
A multilayered intercropping system involving lemongrass, citronella and vetiver in arecanut orchards has been developed. Intercropping aromatic plants in existing arecanut plantations provides an opportunity for additional income and diversification of the plantation system.
A protected cultivation technology for Aloe vera has been developed using LDPE as the top covering material and 50% shade net as a secondary covering. The system helps avoid conditions conducive to basal stem rot and stem rotting associated with wet and cold conditions.
The Department has developed and standardized integrated disease-management technologies for horticultural, medicinal and aromatic crops.
Important recommendations include:
Betelvine: Sanitation followed by Bordeaux mixture and Trichoderma harzianum for management of leaf spot complex, leaf rot and basal rot.
Betelvine: Bordeaux mixture + streptomycin sulphate for management of leaf spot complex.
Piper longum: Mustard oil cake fortified with Trichoderma harzianum for management of basal stem rot.
Betelvine: Trichoderma harzianum and Bacillus subtilis for management of leaf spot.
Piper longum: Tebuconazole + trifloxystrobin @ 0.1% for management of leaf blight.
Acorus calamus: Tebuconazole + trifloxystrobin @ 0.1% for management of rust.
Black turmeric: Tebuconazole + trifloxystrobin @ 0.1% for management of leaf spot.
A Nutrition Garden Model has been standardized for household production of vegetables and fruits required for kitchen consumption. The model includes a suitable layout, crop combinations and cropping sequences designed to facilitate a regular supply of fresh horticultural produce throughout the year.
The Department has also undertaken research and development in post-harvest management, processing and value addition of horticultural crops. Technologies developed through departmental research contribute to reduction of post-harvest losses, improvement of product quality, enhancement of shelf life and generation of value-added horticultural products.
The Department continuously integrates validated research findings into the Package of Practices of Horticultural Crops for Assam. The Package is periodically revised to incorporate newly developed and recommended technologies.
Recent crop-specific production practices standardized by the Department include:
Amaranthus
Bhut Jalakia
Lai Xaak
Lettuce
Celery
The Department also disseminates technologies through demonstrations, training programmes, quality planting material production and farmer-oriented extension activities, thereby facilitating adoption of improved horticultural technologies under Assam conditions.
Through its research, teaching and extension programmes, the Department has contributed to the development of crop-specific production technologies, improved varieties, protected cultivation systems, organic and biological production practices, disease-management strategies, quality planting material technologies, crop diversification models and value-addition approaches for horticultural development in Assam. The integration of these technologies into the Package of Practices and their dissemination to farmers and stakeholders has strengthened the scientific and technological base for sustainable and commercially viable horticulture in the state.
The Department of Horticulture has been actively engaged in the dissemination of horticultural technologies through training programmes, frontline demonstrations, on-farm trials, input and planting-material distribution, farmer-oriented extension activities, certificate courses, horticulture shows, extension publications and community-based interventions. Over the years, the Department has conducted about 350 training programmes covering diverse aspects of horticulture, including fruit and vegetable production, floriculture, post-harvest technology, organic cultivation, medicinal and aromatic plants, protected cultivation, nursery management and other improved horticultural practices.
Under the AICRP on Tuber Crops, extension activities have been strengthened through 7 Frontline Demonstrations (FLDs) and 1 On-Farm Trial (OFT). Improved planting materials were distributed to farmers, including 5,000 cuttings of improved sweet potato varieties, 100 kg of lesser yam tubers, 200 kg of greater yam tubers and 150 kg of taro cormels. A total of 27 training programmes were conducted, covering 735 beneficiaries, comprising farmers, farm women, extension functionaries and rural youth.
Under the AICRP on Vegetable Crops, a series of farmer-oriented training programmes were conducted during 2021–22 to 2025–26 on vegetable production, model kitchen gardens, quality seedling production, commercial vegetable production, organic production and management, home-scale seed production, remunerative vegetable production, protected cultivation and summer vegetable production. These programmes were organized in different locations of Karbi Anglong, Dima Hasao, Baksa and Jorhat, with a total participation of approximately 530 beneficiaries in the programmes for which participant numbers were reported. Input and seed distribution were also undertaken as an integral component of several of these programmes.
The AICRP on Vegetable Crops also contributed to technology dissemination through seven extension bulletins, including publications on improved production of leafy vegetable seedlings, Bhut Jolokia, Bengena grafting, microgreens, model kitchen gardens for the North-Eastern Plains and quality vegetable seedling production. These publications were prepared in Assamese and English for wider dissemination among farmers and other stakeholders.
The AICRP on Medicinal and Aromatic Plants and Betelvine has made significant contributions towards technology dissemination, quality planting-material production and capacity building. During 2017–18 to 2024–25, the programme conducted 108 training programmes on medicinal and aromatic plants and betelvine. More than 200 farmers participated in training programmes on Good Agricultural Practices and quality planting material under the SCSP programme in Karbi Anglong, Kokrajhar and Jorhat districts. Under the SCSP programme, 70 farmers in Jorhat and Karbi Anglong were also provided knapsack sprayers and quality planting material of Piper longum to promote medicinal-plant cultivation and commercialization.
The programme has also generated and distributed substantial quantities of quality planting material. During 2017–18 to 2021–22, a total of approximately 1.82 lakh planting materials of Piper longum and 1.37 lakh planting materials of betelvine were generated, besides planting materials of Giloy, Sugandhmantri, lemongrass, citronella, Bach and vetiver. Community nurseries for medicinal and aromatic plants and betelvine were also developed, including interventions benefiting SC communities.
Important technologies developed and disseminated under the AICRP on MAP and Betelvine include identification of JPL-19 of Piper longum for commercial cultivation in Assam, introduction of Piper longum as an intercrop in young tea plantations and agroforestry systems, baroj-type cultivation of Assam pan under 50% shade net, rapid multiplication of Piper longum, protected cultivation of Aloe vera, and multilayered intercropping of lemongrass, citronella and vetiver in arecanut orchards. Several production and plant protection technologies have also been standardized and incorporated into the Package of Practices.
The Department has also made significant contributions to floriculture-based livelihood development. Two notable success stories have been documented in the areas of Hajo (Kamrup) and Titabor (Jorhat) involving tuberose cultivation with black polythene mulch and marigold cultivation. A certificate course on “Cut Flower Production and Floral Design” was organized by the Department, which generated considerable interest among trainees. Some participants subsequently adopted commercial cut-flower production and established themselves as floral decorators for halls, pandals and cars, demonstrating the entrepreneurship potential of skill-oriented horticultural training.
Under the DBT Mission project, horticultural development interventions resulted in the coverage of 124 ha in nine districts, 10 ha in two districts and 18 ha in one district of Assam under banana, citrus and black pepper cultivation, respectively.
The Department also organizes the Horticulture Show and Competition annually, providing a platform for farmers and growers from different districts of Assam to display their horticultural produce, exchange knowledge and interact with experts. The event has contributed to wider recognition and dissemination of improved horticultural practices and encouraged farmers towards quality production.
In addition, the faculty members of the Department regularly prepare research papers, extension bulletins, technical literature and other knowledge resources for dissemination of research findings and improved technologies to farmers, extension personnel and other stakeholders. The extension activities of the Department thus provide a strong linkage among research, teaching, technology dissemination, capacity building, entrepreneurship development and farmer adoption, contributing to the development of horticulture-based livelihoods in Assam.
Faculty members are also associated with the trainings organised by Directorate of Extension Education, long term consultancy services to nurseries, farmers and school and colleges, student internship programmes,and organisation of trainings for Extension workers associated with various organisations such as NABARD.