Himachal Pradesh: Horticulture to Be Introduced as a Vocational Subject in Schools and Colleges

Education Minister Rohit Thakur announced today that horticulture will be introduced as a vocational subject in schools and colleges across Himachal Pradesh from the next academic session. He was presiding over a meeting in Shimla attended by senior officials from the Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship (MSDE) and the Himachal Pradesh Skill Development Corporation.

Thakur said, “Integrating horticulture courses from Classes 9 to 12, as well as at undergraduate and postgraduate levels, will encourage students to acquire scientific knowledge, practical skills, and entrepreneurial abilities in this vital sector.”

Calling horticulture the backbone of Himachal Pradesh’s economy—driven by apples, mangoes, citrus fruits, and other produce—he stressed that this step will not only prepare students for higher education but also open avenues for jobs and entrepreneurship in fruit cultivation, processing, marketing, and allied industries.

The Minister directed the Education Department to complete all necessary formalities at the earliest so the subject can be launched from the upcoming session. He highlighted that introducing horticulture in schools would instill values of sustainable farming, ecological balance, and respect for the state’s rich agricultural traditions among children.

“Nearly 90 percent of Himachal’s population lives in rural areas. Our children must learn to view horticulture not just as a livelihood, but as a modern, profitable, and dignified career option,” he emphasized. Thakur further noted that including horticulture in education would help bridge the gap between classroom learning and real-world application.

He added that Himachal Pradesh has consistently been a leader in education, as reflected in encouraging results from ASER, PARAKH, and NAS surveys. He also underlined the need to provide Artificial Intelligence (AI) training to teachers so they can effectively integrate emerging technologies into the learning process.