IKON
Sai Ramakrishna Karuturi is the Founder and Managing Director of Karuturi Global Ltd, is widely regarded as the pioneer of cut flower revolution in the World. Under his leadership, Karuturi Global has become the world’s largest producer of cut-roses by identifying Kenya & Ethiopia as a hub for cultivation and export of roses. Ram Karuturi was instrumental in acquiring 3, 11,000 Ha of land in Ethiopia for strategic foray into Agriculture production. Mr. Sai Ramakrishna Karuturi holds a Bachelors’ degree (Rank Holder) in Mechanical Engineering from Bangalore University and an MBA (Dean’s Honor) from Case Western Reserve University, Ohio.
Almost his entire produce is exported to high-value markets such as Holland, Germany, United Kingdom, Italy, Singapore, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Bahrain, Muscat, Dubai, Australia, Japan, New Zealand, Brunei and North America, with a small portion sold in India.
What is this job all about?
Horticulture / Floriculture is all about cultivation of plants, vegetables, flowers, fruits, herbs, shrubs, bushes, for commercial / medicinal purposes. Besides this, Landscaping of gardens, Maintaining nurseries, Green Houses, Orchards and Plantations, etc.
Can I go for it?
If you have Green fingers and are prepared to work hard, there is a tremendous potential in this field. If you have a fair sized Garden, you could go in for Vegetable plantation or even go Commercial with Anthuriums, Orchids, etc. Experts tell us that our climate is ideally suited for Orchid and Anthurium plantations. Mushroom plantation is also very profitable.
Now a day, we see many small businesses have sprung up all over the main Highways selling seasonal plants i.e. vegetables / flowers / fruits, etc.
But the best success story is of young Rosario De Silva from Sinquetim in Salcete. After doing his Vocational program in agriculture at the 10 + 2 level, he ventured into commercial Floriculture. His 100 sq.m. shade net cultivation is the first success story of Gerbera flower cultivation in Goa.
Is there a future in this Job?
India is the second largest producer of vegetables and fruits in the world and has an equally strong floriculture base. India is presently the largest exporter of spices and cashew. Development of improved varieties / hybrids of fruits, vegetables, plantation crops, medicinal and aromatic crops, flowers and ornamental crops, spices, cashew and oil palm also have high production potential and export value.
Goa is a land blessed with nature. Now Goa also has many 5 / 4 Star Hotels and other places that attract tourists. What better way to give the place a look of class, than having a well manicured Lawn with pretty flowers and shrubs to match.
Where to study?
In Goa
After Std. X, join the Vocational Stream in Horticulture (Two years after Std. X). Those who feel they want to move upwards, can then join the Yeshwantrao Chavan Open University – the Centre in Goa being the Saraswat College in Mapusa.
The Indian Council for Agricultural Research (ICAR), Krishi Vigyan Kendra, at Ela Farm, Old Goa, conducts various training Courses in Horticulture, e.g. A Short course in mushrooms cultivation. http://www.icargoa.res.in
Floriculture on a modest scale, would involve an investment of around Rupees one lakh, of which the Government provides 25% subsidy. There are other Schemes also available with the Agriculture Department.
Even if this is found to be too tedious, then you can join one of the Short Term Courses offered by the Agriculture Department. Or alternatively you can join Short Term courses – offered from time to time by St. Xaviers College,Mapusa, e.g. Anthurium cultivation, etc. or Ela farms at Old Goa
You would also be advised to join the Entrepreneurship Program at Padre Agnel, Verna –where you are taught the techniques of running an effective business, on methods to obtain Loans from various Government authorities, etc.
The higher form of study would be a degree in Agricultural Science. Don Bosco’s has recently opened an Agriculture College in Quepem Agriculture Department – has an arrangement with a few Agriculture Universities, where some seats are reserved for Goan students.
Outside Goa
ANAND NIKETAN COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE, CHANDRAPURCHANDRAPUR, MAHARASHTRA AFFILIATED WITH NAAC.
B.Sc (Agriculture)
MAHATMA PHULE KRISHI VIDYAPEETH – [MPKV], PUNEPUNE, MAHARASHTRA AFFILIATED WITH AICTE, NAAC, UGC
B.Sc (Agriculture)
KK WAGH COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE, NASHIKNASHIK, MAHARASHTRA AFFILIATED WITH AICTE
B.Sc (Agriculture)
Employment / Business Avenues:
There are openings in Government organizations as also Private Vegetable / Fruit Companies. You could also venture into your own business.Take up Contracts to maintain Lawns / Gardens of Hotels etc.
Monies:
Rs. 7500/- to Rs. 10000/- initially, and thereafter it goes much higher when you become professional in your approach. Business has much better financial rewards.
Please do not be satisfied with just acquiring a Degree/Diploma – try and enhance your CV by doing online learning programs (with a certificate) of programs relevant to your choice of career. Your chances of employment will be much better than just a plain degree/diploma.
Please check this website under other details for places you can learn online. Also try and develop your confidence by doing a public speaking training program with people like Toast Masters International.
For government jobs: please check : http://www.employment-newspaper.com/