Basic Knowledge in Agriculture #31

Hello everyone On this occasion I would like to participate in a contest held by @hive-118902 about the Steem-agro Contest: "Basic Agricultural Knowledge #31" following my previous entry I would like to invite my friends @sabbirakib @anjinoor @chiagoziee to participate in this contest

Book Title: Horticulture-Practices,problems,and Solutions
Horticulture: Horticulture is the branch of agriculture that deals with cultivation of garden plant ( fruits, vegetables and flower and ornamental) similar to crops. Horticultural activites are seed selection, nursery planting and maintenance;or harvesting & post harvest. Horticulture serves a critical role in safeguarding the source of food, improving environment quality, and contributing to the livelihood of farmer and aesthetically beautifying residential areas.

In the real world, horticulture is very tricky due to horticultural crops being a type of food more climate- and environmental-sensitive than food crops. Tomatoes or chillis (vegetable plants) fertilize often, water well, need protection from pests and disease. Horticultural management techniques include propagation methods (cuttings, grafting, budding) and using greenhouses to optimize crop yields and quality.

Still, a large number of problems faced by farmers and investors are observed in the application of horticultural practices. The most common issues are pest attacks and diseases, dependency on weather, sub-standard seeds and high dependent infrastructure such as irrigation, markets etc. Further more, significant price fluctuations in horticultural products often result in losses for farmers when the major crop harvests happen and supply to exceed market demand.

The solutions to agricultural issues are to be taken, in an integrated manner. Just to begin with the farmers have to be trained and also give them both hands on technical assistance which they will know how to do something correct and environmentally friendly like organic botanical pesticide use as well as crop rotation. Second, the agricultural extension system and agricultural innovation research need to be reinforced so that appropriate technology could be delivered as superior disease-resistant varieties, water-saving drip irrigation system. Thirdly the government and private sector should develop a cost effective supply chain for the marketing of horticulture products ensuring a stable price level of market. Fifth, vertical farming, hydroponics and urban farming are just some modern ag systems that can be developed as options for dealing with land limitations while still maintaining food security in cities.

If right way is taken, Horti-Culture can be pivotal driver for achieving sustainable agriculture and enhance livelihood for the community.