Expert Lecture Sheds Light on Floriculture Business Opportunities for Botany Students.
Shimla:
The Department of Botany at Vallabh Government College, Mandi, hosted a thought-provoking expert lecture on “Avenues in Floriculture Business” for BSc Botany students on August 23, 2025. The session was led by renowned horticulture expert Professor YC Gupta, Consultant at the National Horticulture Board, Government of India, and former Dean of the College of Horticulture and Forestry, Thunag, Mandi.
Professor Gupta, a distinguished academician with decades of experience in the field of floriculture and landscaping, delivered a comprehensive talk highlighting the vast potential and emerging trends in the floriculture sector. Drawing from his tenure at the University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni, Solan, HP, he elaborated on several career and entrepreneurial opportunities available in the floriculture industry.
During his address, Professor Gupta outlined key sectors within floriculture including cut flower and loose flower production, nursery businesses, plant tissue culture, dried ornamental products, and landscape design. He emphasized the rising demand for floral products both in domestic and international markets, making floriculture a lucrative avenue for aspiring botanists and entrepreneurs alike.
Highlighting Himachal Pradesh’s favorable agro-climatic conditions, Professor Gupta spoke about the region’s suitability for cultivating a variety of flowers such as tulips, marigold, roses, chrysanthemums, lilium, and hydrangeas. He pointed out that while floriculture is gaining traction among local farmers, there remains immense untapped potential for expanding this sector sustainably and profitably.
Inspired by the informative session, the Department of Botany announced plans to organize a hands-on workshop on floriculture aimed at equipping students and community members with practical skills and industry insights. The initiative will be conducted under the guidance of Professor Gupta and the Principal of Vallabh Government College, Mandi.
The lecture witnessed enthusiastic participation from 145 undergraduate students of the Botany Department. Esteemed faculty members in attendance included Prof. Ravinder Kumar, Prof. Seema Sharma, Prof. Monika Panchani, and Shivendra. The event was successfully coordinated by the organizing committee comprising Dr. Banita Saklani, Dr. Madhavi Joshi, Dr. Neetu Pathania, and Dr. Deepali Ashok.
The expert lecture not only enriched students’ understanding of floriculture as a scientific and commercial enterprise but also motivated them to explore innovative and sustainable careers in the field.
