Horticulture, a key sector within agriculture, covers the cultivation of fruits, vegetables, flowers, spices, plantation crops, and both medicinal and aromatic plants. It plays an important role in not only securing food and nutritional needs but also in increasing income generation, creating livelihood opportunities, and supporting sustainable agricultural advancement. With its wide range of crops, shorter growth durations, and superior returns per unit area, horticulture has become a viable opportunity for farmers and entrepreneurs. Over the past decade, the horticulture industry has experienced consistent and notable growth in both land area and production levels. This expansion has been driven by various factors such as favourable agro-climatic conditions, a rising consumer preference for healthy and varied diets, advancements in technology, and enhanced government support. Additionally, horticultural crops tend to be more resilient to the effects of climate change than conventional field crops, positioning them as a sustainable option for farmers aiming for stable livelihoods.

Governments play a pivotal role in determining development through policy formulation, financial backing, research programs, and infrastructure improvement for horticulture crops. By cultivating a supportive atmosphere for horticultural growth, governments guarantee that farmers, researchers, and agribusinesses can succeed while confronting worldwide challenges such as climate change and rising population. Governments establish frameworks to promote sustainable horticulture, includingseed and crop certification programs to ensure quality and disease resistance, pesticide and fertilizer regulations to promote safe and eco-friendly farming, and land-use policies protecting horticultural zones from urban expansion.

In India, the National Horticulture Mission (NHM) increased horticultural production from 240 million tonnes (2014-15) to 350 million tonnes (2022-23), contributing 33% to agricultural GDP despite using only 15% of total cropped area. By the year 2050, the worldwide population is projected to hit 9.7 billion (UN), necessitating a 60% increase in food production. Horticulture accounts 40% of the global food supply (FAO) while utilizing merely 15% of the available cropland (World Bank). Fruits and vegetables play a crucial role in nutrition, helping to alleviate malnutrition (WHO estimates indicate 3.4 million deaths annually due to inadequate intake).

Gujarat stands out as one of India's foremost states in horticulture, making substantial contributions to the production of fruits, vegetables, spices, and flowers. The state's diverse agro-climatic zones offer significant opportunities for the expansion of high-value horticultural crops. Gujarat's diverse agro-climatic conditions, spanning coastal areas to arid regions—create an ideal environment for cultivating a broad spectrum of crops year-round.Farmers across various regions select crops according to soil characteristics and climatic conditions, maximizing the efficient use of natural resources. The state is recognized for its high-quality Kesar mangoes sourced from Junagadh, as well as bananas from the Bharuch and Narmada districts.Onions from Mahuva and tomatoes from Sabarkantha are distributed throughout India.Gujarat is one of the leading states in both area and production of fruit and vegetable crops. Gujarat has established a robust logistics infrastructure to enhance horticulture, which includes pack houses, cold chains, food processing facilities, and APMC market connections.Mangoes, pomegranates, and dehydrated onions from Gujarat are shipped to the Middle East, Europe, and Southeast Asia. Gujarat’s horticulture exports grew by 18% in 2023, led by in Bananas (Rs. 1,200 cr to Middle East), Cumin (Rs. 2,500 cr to Europe/USA), Psyllium (Rs. 800 cr to Japan/Germany for pharmaceuticals).
The horticulture industry in Gujarat is making consistent progress; however, it continues to face challenges such as water scarcity, post-harvest losses, and price volatility. Currently, the emphasis is on developing climate-resilient horticulture, promoting organic farming, and utilizing digital marketing platforms to empower farmers and promote sustainability.

Saurashtra, a semi-arid peninsula in Gujarat, has risen as an important contributor to India’s horticulture field, utilizing its unique climate, robust crops, and innovative agricultural methods.Renowned for its mangoes, pomegranate, guava, dates, cabbage, cauliflower, brinjal, rose, marigold, jasmine, cumin, garlic and isabgol, the region is now branching out into high-value horticulture, propelled by governmental support and the demand for exports. Through its innovative farming practices, robust research and development, and entrepreneurial mindset, Saurashtra is set to contribute 20% to Gujarat’s horticulture expansion by 2030. The transition from conventional crops to high-value, climate-resilient horticulture in the region serves as a model for successful agriculture in arid zones.

Junagadh, a city with a rich history in the Saurashtra area of Gujarat, has been crucial in shaping the horticultural landscape of India.Its vibrant cultural heritage, various agro-climatic zones, and progressive agricultural practices have turned it into a key hub for fruit cultivation, research, and innovation. Junagadh’s royal legacy, diverse ecology, and research-driven farming make it a model for sustainable horticulture development. With continued investment in technology and market linkages, it is set to remain India’s "Mango Capital" and a leader in arid-zone horticulture.

Stepping stones of the college

1. The college was sanctioned as the "Establishment of Horticulture Wing at Junagadh" on 9thApril 2012.
2. It is the first government institute for education in the horticulture sector in the Saurashtra region of Junagadh Agricultural University, Junagadh. 
3. The horticulture wing was declared as the College of Horticulture on 1stMay 2017. 
4. Various departments of different disciplines were also approved on 8th September 2017. 
5. Postgraduate programs like PG and PhD for various disciplines such as fruit science, floriculture, and vegetable science were also transferred from the College of Agriculture to the College of Horticulture from the year 2019. 
6. The college is accredited two times by PRT, ICAR, New Delhi, during the years 2019 and 2022. 
7. The college was started with already established horticultural farms like Sakkarbag, Lalbag, Madhadi bag, Jambuvadi & Khengarvav, which together have fruit orchards covering 55 hectares of land.
8. Full-fledged nurseries are available at various horticultural farms, which are useful for the practical classes of the students. Also available of different types of green houses. 
9. The required facilities, including the college building, multi-purpose smart classrooms, library, laboratories, computer lab, conference hall, auditorium, educational museum, crop cafeteria, hostels for boys and girls, gymnasium, and sports ground were also developed before the start of the college.
10. The course curriculum was also modified and implemented as per the guidelines of the 5thDeans’ Committee of ICAR from the academic year 2016-17 and as per BSMA in PG and Ph.D. programs from the academic year 2022.
11. The course curriculum as per the guidelines of the 6th Deans’ Committee from ICAR was modified and implemented from the academic year 2024-25 for UG programme. 

Mandate and Objectives
The prime mandate of the College of Horticulture, Junagadh is to impart education in the applied field of Horticultural sciences coupled with research and extension activities. The specific objectives of the College are as under:

Mission: The College is committed to providing horticulture education to UG & PG students, horticulture research and transfer of technology to reach the needs of stakeholders. 

Goals:    To develop human resources in the horticulture field to serve society.

1. Objectives:
2. To provide undergraduate/post-graduation education in horticulture faculty leading to Bachelor /Masters/ Ph.D. degree in Horticulture. 
3. To implement recommendations of the Deans’ Committee Report of ICAR in terms of course content, credit requirement, examination system and guidelines for undergraduate education.
4. To strengthen various laboratories with modern scientific equipment as per revised course curricula, the library on scientific lines, redesigning the course content, ensuring adequacy in practical exposure in the field of horticulture.
5. To strengthen the faculties and manpower in the college and to ensure proper placement of undergraduate students of the college.
6. To introduce relevant vocational and professional courses related to horticulturediscipline.
7. To provide integrated horticulture education at all levels to develop efficiency and effectiveness in skill, attitude and knowledge among the students and to provide necessary placement support to the students.
8. To carry out the extension activities for the benefit of students, farmers and farmwomen.