Academic Department
Horticulture
Constituent Department under College of Agriculture
Department of Horticulture
The Department of Horticulture came into existence with the establishment of Assam Agricultural College in 1948, with the objective of imparting horticultural education as part of the four-year B.Sc. (Agri.) degree programme. With the establishment of Assam Agricultural University (AAU) in 1969, the Department expanded its mandate to encompass teaching, research and extension in horticulture. The postgraduate programme leading to M.Sc. (Agri.) in Horticulture was introduced in 1972, followed by the Ph.D. programme under the course-credit system in 1986. At present, the Department has an annual intake of 12 students in M.Sc. (Agri.) and 05 students in Ph.D. in Horticulture. In addition, the Department has been offering the postgraduate programme in Food Science and Technology (FST) since 2014, with an annual intake of 06 students.
The postgraduate programmes of the Department encompass major areas of horticultural science, including Fruit Science, Vegetable Science, Floriculture and Landscaping, Post-Harvest Management, and Plantation, Spices, Medicinal and Aromatic Crops. These academic programmes provide students with opportunities for advanced learning and research addressing the diverse horticultural production systems and challenges of Assam and the North-Eastern region.
Research
Research in horticulture in Assam predates the establishment of Assam Agricultural University. Citrus research was initiated at the Government Citrus Fruit Research Station, Burnihat, in 1933. Subsequently, the Government of Assam initiated research on selected fruit crops at Kahikuchi in 1960. A full-fledged Horticultural Research Station was established at Kahikuchi in 1973, followed by establishment of a Citrus Research Station at Tinsukia in 1976. In 2023, the Citrus Research Station was renamed AAU Citrus and Plantation Crops Research Station, while the Horticultural Research Station was renamed AAU Horticulture Research Station, Kahikuchi, further strengthening the institutional research infrastructure in horticulture.
The Department has been actively contributing to nationally coordinated horticultural research programmes through the successful implementation of All India Coordinated Research Projects (AICRPs) on Fruits, Vegetables, Tuber Crops, and Medicinal and Aromatic Plants and Betelvine, funded by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR). These coordinated programmes provide a platform for collaborative research, evaluation and dissemination of improved technologies, varieties and production practices suited to different agro-climatic regions, including Assam and the North-Eastern region.
Research on horticultural crops in the Department received considerable impetus under the Technology Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture in the North Eastern and Himalayan States (Technology Mission, MM-I), which was operational from 2001 to 2014. Faculty members have also successfully obtained and implemented competitive research projects under NATP-CGP, ICAR Ad-hoc and DBT-sponsored programmes, generating significant research findings and technologies of relevance to the region.
At present, the Department is implementing various coordinated research programmes and Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH) projects, with financial assistance from ICAR. The Department has also successfully completed externally funded research projects supported by organizations including BARC, DBT and IITs.
The research programmes of the Department encompass diverse areas of horticultural science, including crop improvement, characterization and evaluation of germplasm, climate-resilient horticulture, production and resource-use-efficient technologies, protected cultivation, plant health management, post-harvest management, value addition, and sustainable horticultural production systems. The research is primarily oriented towards addressing the production constraints and emerging challenges of Assam and the North-Eastern region and developing technologies that enhance the productivity, quality, profitability and sustainability of horticultural enterprises.
Extension and Outreach
Since the inception of Assam Agricultural University, the Department of Horticulture has been actively engaged in addressing horticultural production constraints and disseminating improved technologies among farmers and other stakeholders of the state. In collaboration with the Government of Assam, the Department has contributed to the development and publication of Package of Practices for Horticultural Crops, providing practical recommendations for improved crop production and management.
The Department continuously disseminates horticultural technologies, research findings and improved production practices through the University's extension network, particularly the 23 Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) functioning across different districts of Assam. Faculty members and scientists participate in farmer training programmes, demonstrations, technology dissemination activities, capacity-building programmes and other extension initiatives aimed at enhancing productivity, profitability and sustainability of horticultural enterprises.
Thus, over the years, the Department of Horticulture, AAU has evolved into a major centre for education, research and extension in horticulture, contributing to the development of horticultural technologies, human resource development and technology dissemination for the benefit of farmers and stakeholders of Assam and the North-Eastern region.
| # | Course No. | Course Title | Credit | Syllabus |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Elect-313 * | Protected cultivation of Horticultural crops | 3 (2+1) | |
| 2 | ELP-420 * | Production of Ornamental , medicinal and aromatic plants | 5 (0+5) | — |
| 3 | HORT-113 * | Fundamentals of Horticulture | 3 (2+1) | |
| 4 | Hort-213 * | Production technology of fruits and plantation crops | 3 (2+1) | |
| 5 | Hort-222 * | Production technology of vegetable and spices | 2 (1+1) | |
| 6 | Hort-312 * | Ornamental crops, MAP and Landscaping | 2 (1+1) | — |
| 7 | SEC-122 (ii) * | Post harvest processing technology | 2 (0+2) | — |
| 8 | SEC-222 (i) * | Horticultural Nursery management | 2 (0+2) | — |
* indicates compulsory courses.
| # | Course No. | Course Title | Credit | Syllabus |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | FLS-501 * | Systematics of ornamental plants | 3 (2+1) | |
| 2 | FLS-502 * | Breeding of Ornamental crops | 3 (2+1) | |
| 3 | FLS-503 * | Commercial production of cut flowers | 3 (2+1) | |
| 4 | FLS-504 * | Commercial production of loose flowers | 3 (2+1) | |
| 5 | FLS-505 * | Ornamental gardening and landscaping | 3 (2+1) | |
| 6 | FLS-506 | Indoor plants and interior scaping | 2 (1+1) | |
| 7 | FLS-508 | Turf grass management | 3 (2+1) | |
| 8 | FSC 504 | Breeding of fruit crops | 3 (2+1) | |
| 9 | FSC 506 * | Canopy management in fruit crops | 2 (1+1) | — |
| 10 | FSC 508 * | Nutrition of fruit crops | 3 (2+1) | — |
| 11 | FSC-501 * | Tropical fruit production | 3 (2+1) | — |
| 12 | FSC-502 * | Subtropical and temperate fruit production | 3 (2+1) | — |
| 13 | FSC-503 * | Propagation and nursery management of fruit crops | 3 (2+1) | — |
| 14 | FSC-507 * | Growth and Development of fruit crops | 3 (2+1) | — |
| 15 | Hort-101 | Fundamentals of Horticulture | 3 (2+1) | — |
| 16 | PHM-501 * | Post harvest management of horticultural produce | 3 (2+1) | — |
| 17 | PHM-502 * | Post harvest physiology and biochemistry of perishables | 3 (2+1) | — |
| 18 | PHM-503 * | Packaging and storage of fresh horticultural produce | 2 (1+1) | — |
| 19 | PHM-504 * | Packaging and storage of processed horticultural produce | 2 (1+1) | — |
| 20 | PHM-505 * | Principles and methods of fruit and vegetable preservation | 3 (2+1) | — |
| 21 | PHM-507 * | Processing of horticultural produce | 4 (2+2) | — |
| 22 | PHM-508 * | Quality assurance, safety and sensory evaluation of fresh and processed horticultural produce | 3 (2+1) | — |
| 23 | PSM-501 * | Production of plantation crops | 3 (2+1) | — |
| 24 | PSM-504 * | Breeding of plantation and spice crops | 3 (2+1) | — |
| 25 | PSM-506 * | Systematics of plantation and spice crops | 2 (1+1) | — |
| 26 | VSC 501 * | PRODUCTION OF COOL SEASON VEGETABLE CROPS | 3 (2+1) | |
| 27 | VSC 502 | PRODUCTION OF WARM SEASON VEGETABLE CROPS | 3 (2+1) | |
| 28 | VSC 504 * | Principles of Vegetable breeding | 3 (2+1) | — |
| 29 | VSc-509 | Production of Underutilized vegetable crops | 3 (2+1) | — |
| 30 | VSc-511 * | Organic vegetable production | 2 (1+1) | — |
| 31 | VSc-512 * | Production of Spice crops | 3 (2+1) | — |
* indicates compulsory courses.
| # | Course No. | Course Title | Credit | Syllabus |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | FLS-601 * | Crop regulation in ornamental crops | 3 (2+1) | — |
| 2 | FLS-602 * | Post harvest biology of floricultural crops | 3 (2+1) | — |
| 3 | FLS-603 * | Speciality flowers, fillers and cut greens | 2 (1+1) | — |
| 4 | FLS-608 * | Advances in protected cultivation of flower crops | 3 (2+1) | — |
| 5 | FLS-609 * | Advances in landscape gardening | 3 (1+2) | — |
| 6 | FSC 601 * | Innovative approaches in fruit breeding | 3 (3+0) | — |
| 7 | FSC 602 * | Modern trends in fruit production | 3 (3+0) | — |
| 8 | FSC 603 * | Recent development in growth regulation | 3 (3+0) | — |
| 9 | FSC 607 * | Biodiversity and conservation of fruit crops | 3 (2+1) | — |
| 10 | PHM-603 * | Management and utilization of Horticultural processing waste | 3 (3+0) | — |
| 11 | PHM-604 * | Supply chain management of perishables | 2 (2+0) | — |
| 12 | VSC-601 * | Recent trends in vegetable production | 3 (3+0) | — |
| 13 | VSC-602 * | Advances in breeding of vegetable crops | 3 (3+0) | — |
| 14 | VSC-603 * | Abiotic stress management in vegetable crops | 3 (2+1) | — |
| 15 | VSC-604 * | Seed certification processing and storage of vegetable crops | 3 (2+1) | — |
* indicates compulsory courses.
Department Faculty Members
17 Faculty
Dr. Manoranjan Neog
Director of Extension Education View Profile
Dr. Utpal Kotoky
HOD and Professor View Profile
Dr. Ananta Saikia
Professor View Profile
Dr. Preeti Hatibarua
Professor View Profile.jpg)
Dr. Sheriful Alam
Professor View Profile
Dr. Jumi Saikia
Professor View Profile
Dr. Sailen Gogoi
Principal Scientist View Profile
Dr. Sangita Mahanta
Associate Professor View Profile
Dr. Nayanmoni Buragohain
Senior Scientist View Profile
Dr. Binita Hazarika
Assistant Professor View Profile
Mrs. Kankana Deka
Assistant Professor View Profile
Dr. Sudeshna Baruah
Assistant Professor View Profile
Dr. Ira Sarma
Assistant Professor View Profile
Dr. Bikash Hazarika
Junior Scientist View Profile
Dr. Bhabesh Deka
Junior Scientist View Profile
Dr. Reecha T. Das
Junior Scientist View ProfileAssociated Faculty
Department Achievements & Accolades
4 RecordsThe Department of Horticulture has continued to strengthen its teaching and postgraduate education through updated curricula, experiential learning, practical training and research-oriented teaching. The 6th Dean Committee recommendations have been implemented for the UG curriculum, while also offering the 5th Dean Committee courses for the on-going students, including the PG courses as designed by ICAR following the standard national model syllabus for M.Sc. Agriculture (Post-Graduate) courses in India. Teaching-learning processes are supported through audio-visual aids, hands-on practical training, skill development programmes, exposure visits and other experiential learning approaches. Practical manuals for various courses offered by the Faculty of Agriculture and Faculty of Horticulture have also been developed and published to facilitate effective practical learning.
During 2021–22 to 2025–26, the Department admitted 66 students to the M.Sc. programme and 19 students to the Ph.D. programme, while 70 M.Sc. and 26 Ph.D. students successfully completed their degrees during the period. The postgraduate teaching programme has provided students with opportunities to undertake research across diverse areas of horticulture, including vegetable and fruit production, protected cultivation, natural and organic farming, crop improvement and germplasm characterization, plant growth regulation, post-harvest management, value addition, floriculture, greenhouse technology, nano-fertilizers and quality planting material production. The range of completed theses reflects the department's emphasis on research-based, practical and locally relevant horticultural education.
Major student achievements include:
41 passed-out students have secured employment in various government and private sector organizations, demonstrating the employability and professional relevance of the programmes. 19 students qualified ASRB-NET, while 7 students qualified ICAR-SRF during the last five years. Six postgraduate students received awards/recognitions at national and international conferences for thesis, oral and poster presentations, including Best Ph.D. Thesis Award, Best Paper Presentation Award, Young Scientist Award, Best Article Award and prizes for oral/poster presentations. Students have received Jawaharlal Nehru Fellowship and ICAR National Fellowship for pursuing Ph.D. programmes, while two M.Sc. and two Ph.D. students received Bayer Fellowships. Twenty-five students have qualified ICAR-NET, reflecting the department's continued contribution towards preparing students for higher education, research and academic careers. Two students were provided international exposure through academic visits to Malaysia and Thailand, broadening their understanding of global horticultural practices and technologies. The department has promoted research–teaching integration, with postgraduate research addressing contemporary and regionally relevant themes such as protected cultivation, climate-smart production, organic/natural farming, indigenous crop germplasm, quality planting material, post-harvest technology and value addition. The diversity of postgraduate research topics and successful participation of students in national and international conferences have contributed substantially to skill development, scientific communication, innovation and professional competence among the students.
The Department of Horticulture has been actively engaged in the development, refinement, standardization and dissemination of production technologies for a wide range of horticultural crops, including fruits, vegetables, flowers, medicinal and aromatic plants and tuber crops. The Department has also developed technologies related to protected cultivation, organic production, crop health management, quality planting material, crop improvement, post-harvest management and integrated horticultural production systems suited to the agro-climatic conditions of Assam.
The research findings generated by the Department and its associated research programmes are incorporated into the Package of Practices of Horticultural Crops for the State of Assam, which is periodically updated with new research findings and recommendations. The Department has also developed detailed production practices for crops of emerging importance in Assam, including Bhut Jalakia (Capsicum chinense), Lai Xaak and other high-value vegetable crops.
Technologies for protected cultivation have been developed and disseminated for high-value vegetable and flower crops. The Department has also emphasized organic and sustainable production of horticultural crops, and organic production packages have been developed for several vegetable and flower crops. Technologies for off-season production, including summer marigold, have also been developed and recommended.
The Department has developed and/or identified a number of improved varieties and promising selections of horticultural crops suitable for Assam. In addition, several production and crop-management technologies have been standardized through departmental research programmes and the ICAR-AICRP programmes implemented by the Department.
A. FRUIT CROPS1. BananaThe Department has developed and/or identified several banana varieties suitable for different production situations in Assam.
Existing recommended varieties:
Jahaji – Recommended as a Dwarf Cavendish type for Assam.
Chenichampa, Malbhog and Barjahaji – Recommended as medium-tall varieties.
Pura Kal, Manohar, Jati and Bhimkal – Recommended as tall varieties.
Recent technologies and improved varieties:
Popoulu (AAB, Plantain): Identified as a high-yielding, dual-purpose banana suitable for both dessert consumption and chips making. It has a yield potential of up to 57.06 t/ha, tolerance to pseudostem weevil and Eumusae leaf spot, and approximately 32.5% chips recovery.
Kaveri Kalki (NRCB Selection-10): Identified for higher production and superior fruit quality. Its dwarf stature makes it suitable for areas prone to high winds and for high-density planting, besides offering a shorter crop duration.
Kaveri Vaaman (TBM-9): A dwarf and early Cavendish-type mutant with a crop duration of approximately 10.9 months, offering advantages where reduced plant height and shorter duration are desirable.
Macro-propagation of banana: A low-cost and effective technique for rapid multiplication of banana planting material has been recommended.
Management of Eumusae leaf spot (Sigatoka leaf spot): A sequential fungicide-based management schedule involving propiconazole, carbendazim + mancozeb, trifloxystrobin + tebuconazole and difenoconazole, along with mineral oil, has been recommended for management of Eumusae leaf spot.
Biological management of nematode pests: Application of Bacillus pumilus through soil drenching of tissue-culture plants and B. pumilus-enriched farmyard manure has been recommended for management of nematode pests in banana.
2. JackfruitGum-less Jack: Identified as a promising jackfruit technology/variety through the ICAR-AICRP on Fruits.
B. VEGETABLE CROPSThe Department has developed and standardized production technologies and improved varieties of several vegetable crops suited to Assam conditions.
1. BrinjalJC 1 and JC 2: Released through the Central Variety Release Committee (CVRC) and notified by the Ministry of Agriculture, Government of India. Both varieties entered the public domain on 8 September 2013.
Grafting technology: Grafting of brinjal onto Solanum torvum (Bor bhekui) rootstock has been standardized for management of soil-borne diseases, particularly bacterial wilt, and nematodes.
2. AmaranthusShyamali and Rodali: Recommended varieties for Assam.
Production practices for amaranthus under Assam conditions have been standardized and incorporated into the Package of Practices of Horticultural Crops.
3. ChilliPrabalee: A promising chilli variety with a yield potential of 150–170 q/ha and moderate resistance to fruit rot and Fusarium wilt. The variety has been recommended by the State Variety Release Committee (SVRC).
4. Lai XaakLaika: Yield potential of approximately 445–450 q/ha, with leaves harvestable up to 85–90 days after transplanting (DAT). Recommended by SVRC.
Kajoli: Yield potential of approximately 430–435 q/ha, with leaves harvestable up to 80–90 DAT. Recommended by SVRC.
Production practices for Lai Xaak have been standardized and incorporated into the Package of Practices.
5. French BeanBeanola: Promising variety with a yield potential of approximately 130–140 q/ha.
6. Sponge GourdXubhaxi: Yield potential of approximately 140–150 q/ha; highly aromatic and palatable.
Korongi: Yield potential of approximately 165–170 q/ha; highly aromatic and palatable.
7. Bottle GourdPhutuki: Promising variety with a yield potential of approximately 155–160 q/ha.
8. Bhut JalakiaThe Department has developed and standardized production practices for Bhut Jalakia (Capsicum chinense) under Assam conditions. A detailed Package of Practices has been worked out for its cultivation.
Polyhouse cultivation of Bhut Jalakia: A technology for off-season production under polyhouse conditions has been developed.
Autumn transplanting: September transplanting under polyhouse conditions enables early fruit production and provides an opportunity for production during the lean season when low temperatures limit production under open-field conditions.
Grafting technology: Grafting of Bhut Jalakia onto Solanum torvum (Bor bhekui) and Capsicum frutescens (Mem Jolokia) rootstocks has been standardized for management of soil-borne diseases, particularly bacterial wilt, and nematodes.
Production practices have been standardized and incorporated into the Package of Practices of Horticultural Crops for Assam.
9. OnionA production protocol for late-kharif onion cultivation in Assam has been standardized.
August sowing of Bhima Super, Bhima Dark Red and Bhima Red was found superior to September sowing in terms of growth and yield parameters.
Seed production of AFDR can be successfully undertaken in the rai-shadow belts of Hojai-Lanka.
10. Lettuce and CeleryProduction practices for lettuce and celery under Assam conditions have been standardized and are being incorporated into the Package of Practices of Horticultural Crops.
C. PROTECTED CULTIVATION AND INTENSIVE PRODUCTION TECHNOLOGIESThe Department has developed and disseminated technologies for protected cultivation of high-value vegetable and flower crops, with emphasis on year-round and off-season production.
Year-round vegetable production under polyhouseThe following crop sequences have been standardized:
Cucumber (October–January) → Tomato (February–May) → Palak (June–July) → Palak (August–September)
Cucumber (January–March) → Yard-long bean (April–June) → Bhut Jalakia (July–December)
These crop sequences provide opportunities for continuous utilization of protected structures and year-round production of high-value vegetables.
D. FLOWER CROPSThe Department has developed and identified suitable flower varieties and production technologies for Assam conditions, including open-field and protected cultivation.
1. GerberaThe following varieties have been identified/recommended:
Red Gem
Classic Beauty
Orange Gleam
Pink Melody
The corresponding flower colours are red, light orange, dark orange and light pink, respectively. The number of flowers produced per plant per year ranges from approximately 35 to 55.
2. AnthuriumThe following varieties have been identified/recommended:
Fire
Calore
Acropolis
Moment
Evita Pink
Evita Red
These varieties include red, white and pink flower types and are recommended for the agro-climatic conditions of Assam under shade-net house conditions in soilless culture.
3. ChrysanthemumStandard chrysanthemum varieties for ground and pot cultivation:
Snow Ball
Dignity
Sonar Bangla
Heather Gem
White Spider
Spray chrysanthemum varieties recommended for polyhouse cultivation:
Gulmohar
Ravi Kiran
Nirod
Basanti
Prof. Harris
Superior spray cultivars recommended for open-field ground and pot cultivation:
Yellow Bangla
Yellow Decorative
Purple Anemone
Sadbhavana
4. GladiolusThe following varieties have been identified/recommended for Assam:
American Beauty
Priscilla
Gester
Red Candyman
Sunny Boy
Novalux
Spic and Span
White Prosperity
The identified varieties represent a range of flower colours, including red and white bicolour, yellow, bright pink, deep purple, orange and white bicolour, and white.
5. MarigoldSeracole: Recommended as a summer/off-season marigold variety for Assam conditions.
Technology for off-season flowering of marigold (Summer Marigold) has been developed and recommended.
E. ORGANIC AND SUSTAINABLE HORTICULTUREThe Department has given emphasis to organic and sustainable production of horticultural crops. Organic production packages have been developed for a number of vegetables and flower crops. Biological approaches for pest and disease management have also been standardized for selected horticultural and medicinal crops.
These technologies are aimed at reducing dependence on chemical inputs, improving soil and plant health and promoting environmentally sustainable horticultural production systems.
F. TUBER CROP TECHNOLOGIESThe Department has undertaken research on tuber crops and developed/identified promising varieties and production systems suited to Assam.
Greater yam ‘Hatiaalo’: A promising high-yielding variety with yield potential of approximately 22 t/ha and good cooking quality; under pipeline for release.
Stolon/swamp taro ‘AAUST-2 (Bhola Kachu): Promising selection with caudex yield of approximately 17.5 t/ha, stolon yield of 7 t/ha and good cooking quality; under pipeline for release.
Lesser yam ‘Sree Kala’: Developed by ICAR-CTCRI, Thiruvananthapuram, and standardized for commercial cultivation under Assam conditions.
Tuber crop-based farming system: A raised-and-sunken-bed farming system has been developed for low-lying areas, particularly for small and marginal farmers with limited landholdings.
G. MEDICINAL AND AROMATIC PLANTSThe Department has developed and standardized several production technologies for medicinal and aromatic plants under Assam conditions.
Mandukaparni (Centella asiatica): A spacing of 20 × 20 cm has been recommended for Assam conditions.
Pippali (Piper longum): Integrated nutrient management involving NPK 175:75:75 kg/ha + FYM 10 t/ha + neem cake 5 q/ha resulted in higher dry yield and favourable economics.
Pippali: Plant geometry of 60 × 40 cm without support under 50% shade has been recommended for Assam.
JPL-19 (Piper longum): Identified as a promising plant type and recommended for commercial cultivation in Assam.
Aloe vera, Pippali and Sarpagandha: Technologies have been incorporated into the Package of Practices of Horticultural Crops for Assam.
The Department has also worked on the introduction and diversification of medicinal and aromatic plants into existing cropping systems, including Piper longum as an intercrop in young tea plantations and in bamboo-based agroforestry systems.
H. RAPID MULTIPLICATION AND QUALITY PLANTING MATERIALTechnologies for rapid multiplication and production of quality planting material have been developed for medicinal and aromatic plants and betelvine.
Rapid multiplication of Piper longumA rapid multiplication technique has been standardized under 50% shade-net conditions, enabling round-the-year preparation of cuttings by maintaining favourable relative humidity and reducing the adverse effect of dry periods.
Community nurseryA community nursery model has been developed for production of medicinal and aromatic plants and betelvine, facilitating decentralized production and dissemination of quality planting material.
I. BETELVINE PRODUCTION TECHNOLOGYBaroj-type cultivation of Assam PanA baroj-type cultivation system under 50% shade net has been standardized for Assam Pan. The system provides an alternative to the traditional practice of allowing betelvine to grow on arecanut trees and facilitates harvesting, maintenance and management of pests and diseases.
The technology has also demonstrated considerable potential for improving returns from betelvine cultivation.
J. AROMATIC PLANT INTERCROPPING IN ARECANUTA multilayered intercropping system involving lemongrass, citronella and vetiver in arecanut orchards has been developed. Intercropping aromatic plants in existing arecanut plantations provides an opportunity for additional income and diversification of the plantation system.
K. PROTECTED CULTIVATION OF ALOE VERAA protected cultivation technology for Aloe vera has been developed using LDPE as the top covering material and 50% shade net as a secondary covering. The system helps avoid conditions conducive to basal stem rot and stem rotting associated with wet and cold conditions.
L. DISEASE MANAGEMENT TECHNOLOGIESThe Department has developed and standardized integrated disease-management technologies for horticultural, medicinal and aromatic crops.
Important recommendations include:
Betelvine: Sanitation followed by Bordeaux mixture and Trichoderma harzianum for management of leaf spot complex, leaf rot and basal rot.
Betelvine: Bordeaux mixture + streptomycin sulphate for management of leaf spot complex.
Piper longum: Mustard oil cake fortified with Trichoderma harzianum for management of basal stem rot.
Betelvine: Trichoderma harzianum and Bacillus subtilis for management of leaf spot.
Piper longum: Tebuconazole + trifloxystrobin @ 0.1% for management of leaf blight.
Acorus calamus: Tebuconazole + trifloxystrobin @ 0.1% for management of rust.
Black turmeric: Tebuconazole + trifloxystrobin @ 0.1% for management of leaf spot.
M. NUTRITION GARDEN MODELA Nutrition Garden Model has been standardized for household production of vegetables and fruits required for kitchen consumption. The model includes a suitable layout, crop combinations and cropping sequences designed to facilitate a regular supply of fresh horticultural produce throughout the year.
N. POST-HARVEST AND VALUE-ADDITION TECHNOLOGIESThe Department has also undertaken research and development in post-harvest management, processing and value addition of horticultural crops. Technologies developed through departmental research contribute to reduction of post-harvest losses, improvement of product quality, enhancement of shelf life and generation of value-added horticultural products.
O. PACKAGE OF PRACTICES AND TECHNOLOGY DISSEMINATIONThe Department continuously integrates validated research findings into the Package of Practices of Horticultural Crops for Assam. The Package is periodically revised to incorporate newly developed and recommended technologies.
Recent crop-specific production practices standardized by the Department include:
Amaranthus
Bhut Jalakia
Lai Xaak
Lettuce
Celery
The Department also disseminates technologies through demonstrations, training programmes, quality planting material production and farmer-oriented extension activities, thereby facilitating adoption of improved horticultural technologies under Assam conditions.
Through its research, teaching and extension programmes, the Department has contributed to the development of crop-specific production technologies, improved varieties, protected cultivation systems, organic and biological production practices, disease-management strategies, quality planting material technologies, crop diversification models and value-addition approaches for horticultural development in Assam. The integration of these technologies into the Package of Practices and their dissemination to farmers and stakeholders has strengthened the scientific and technological base for sustainable and commercially viable horticulture in the state.
The Department of Horticulture has been actively engaged in the dissemination of horticultural technologies through training programmes, frontline demonstrations, on-farm trials, input and planting-material distribution, farmer-oriented extension activities, certificate courses, horticulture shows, extension publications and community-based interventions. Over the years, the Department has conducted about 350 training programmes covering diverse aspects of horticulture, including fruit and vegetable production, floriculture, post-harvest technology, organic cultivation, medicinal and aromatic plants, protected cultivation, nursery management and other improved horticultural practices.
Under the AICRP on Tuber Crops, extension activities have been strengthened through 7 Frontline Demonstrations (FLDs) and 1 On-Farm Trial (OFT). Improved planting materials were distributed to farmers, including 5,000 cuttings of improved sweet potato varieties, 100 kg of lesser yam tubers, 200 kg of greater yam tubers and 150 kg of taro cormels. A total of 27 training programmes were conducted, covering 735 beneficiaries, comprising farmers, farm women, extension functionaries and rural youth.
Under the AICRP on Vegetable Crops, a series of farmer-oriented training programmes were conducted during 2021–22 to 2025–26 on vegetable production, model kitchen gardens, quality seedling production, commercial vegetable production, organic production and management, home-scale seed production, remunerative vegetable production, protected cultivation and summer vegetable production. These programmes were organized in different locations of Karbi Anglong, Dima Hasao, Baksa and Jorhat, with a total participation of approximately 530 beneficiaries in the programmes for which participant numbers were reported. Input and seed distribution were also undertaken as an integral component of several of these programmes.
The AICRP on Vegetable Crops also contributed to technology dissemination through seven extension bulletins, including publications on improved production of leafy vegetable seedlings, Bhut Jolokia, Bengena grafting, microgreens, model kitchen gardens for the North-Eastern Plains and quality vegetable seedling production. These publications were prepared in Assamese and English for wider dissemination among farmers and other stakeholders.
The AICRP on Medicinal and Aromatic Plants and Betelvine has made significant contributions towards technology dissemination, quality planting-material production and capacity building. During 2017–18 to 2024–25, the programme conducted 108 training programmes on medicinal and aromatic plants and betelvine. More than 200 farmers participated in training programmes on Good Agricultural Practices and quality planting material under the SCSP programme in Karbi Anglong, Kokrajhar and Jorhat districts. Under the SCSP programme, 70 farmers in Jorhat and Karbi Anglong were also provided knapsack sprayers and quality planting material of Piper longum to promote medicinal-plant cultivation and commercialization.
The programme has also generated and distributed substantial quantities of quality planting material. During 2017–18 to 2021–22, a total of approximately 1.82 lakh planting materials of Piper longum and 1.37 lakh planting materials of betelvine were generated, besides planting materials of Giloy, Sugandhmantri, lemongrass, citronella, Bach and vetiver. Community nurseries for medicinal and aromatic plants and betelvine were also developed, including interventions benefiting SC communities.
Important technologies developed and disseminated under the AICRP on MAP and Betelvine include identification of JPL-19 of Piper longum for commercial cultivation in Assam, introduction of Piper longum as an intercrop in young tea plantations and agroforestry systems, baroj-type cultivation of Assam pan under 50% shade net, rapid multiplication of Piper longum, protected cultivation of Aloe vera, and multilayered intercropping of lemongrass, citronella and vetiver in arecanut orchards. Several production and plant protection technologies have also been standardized and incorporated into the Package of Practices.
The Department has also made significant contributions to floriculture-based livelihood development. Two notable success stories have been documented in the areas of Hajo (Kamrup) and Titabor (Jorhat) involving tuberose cultivation with black polythene mulch and marigold cultivation. A certificate course on “Cut Flower Production and Floral Design” was organized by the Department, which generated considerable interest among trainees. Some participants subsequently adopted commercial cut-flower production and established themselves as floral decorators for halls, pandals and cars, demonstrating the entrepreneurship potential of skill-oriented horticultural training.
Under the DBT Mission project, horticultural development interventions resulted in the coverage of 124 ha in nine districts, 10 ha in two districts and 18 ha in one district of Assam under banana, citrus and black pepper cultivation, respectively.
The Department also organizes the Horticulture Show and Competition annually, providing a platform for farmers and growers from different districts of Assam to display their horticultural produce, exchange knowledge and interact with experts. The event has contributed to wider recognition and dissemination of improved horticultural practices and encouraged farmers towards quality production.
In addition, the faculty members of the Department regularly prepare research papers, extension bulletins, technical literature and other knowledge resources for dissemination of research findings and improved technologies to farmers, extension personnel and other stakeholders. The extension activities of the Department thus provide a strong linkage among research, teaching, technology dissemination, capacity building, entrepreneurship development and farmer adoption, contributing to the development of horticulture-based livelihoods in Assam.
Key Extension Achievements: Extension activityAchievement| Departmental training programmes | About 350 |
| AICRP–Tuber Crops: FLDs | 7 |
| AICRP–Tuber Crops: OFTs | 1 |
| AICRP–Tuber Crops: training programmes | 27 |
| Beneficiaries under AICRP–Tuber Crops | 735 |
| Improved sweet potato cuttings distributed | 5,000 |
| Lesser yam planting material distributed | 100 kg |
| Greater yam planting material distributed | 200 kg |
| Taro cormels distributed | 150 kg |
| AICRP–Vegetable Crops: documented training participants (2021–26) | ~530 |
| Vegetable extension bulletins | 7 |
| AICRP–MAP & Betelvine: training programmes, 2017–18 to 2024–25 | 108 |
| Farmers covered in selected GAP/quality planting-material training | 200+ |
| Farmers receiving planting material & equipment under SCSP | 70 |
| Piper longum planting material generated, 2017–22 | 1,81,920 |
| Betelvine planting material generated, 2017–22 | 1,37,138 |
| DBT Mission—banana | 124 ha in 9 districts |
| DBT Mission—citrus | 10 ha in 2 districts |
| DBT Mission—black pepper | 18 ha in 1 district |
| Annual Horticulture Show & Competition Faculty members are also associated with the trainings organised by | Conducted every year |
Delivered consultancy services on Landscaping to Indian Institute of Advance Study in Science & Technology, Guwahati, ONGC and DC bunglow, Jorhat.
Research & Extension Projects
84 Total Projects
Ongoing Projects (49)
Establishment of NABL accredited APEDA-AAU Food Testing Laboratory
SCSP programme under AICRP on Fruits
Participatory sustainable regenerative agriculture and agroforestry system for voluntary carbon market
Bayer sponsored project on 'Bio-efficacy evaluation of Fluopicolide 62.5 g/L + Propamocarb hydrochloride 625 g/L SC against Phytophthora foot rot disease in Black pepper
IIPR Pulses- Promotion of pulses in NEH region under IIPR-NEH component for 2023-24
Livelihood improvement of livestock farmers of Assam through year round fodder cultivation and preservation
Block and boundary plantation of bamboo in farmer's field
Promotion of double cropping in the state of Assam
Promotion & livelihood security of Scheduled Caste farmers through agriculture & allied sectors (SC-SP component) under SCSP-Strengthening & Development of Higher Agricultural Education in India”
Livelihood enhancement through Scientific Beekeeping
CIFE-Development programmes & demonstration of scientific fish farming in tribal villages of Lakhimpur district of Assam under TSP fund
TSP-Promotion of Technology Led Agriculture to Build on Tribal Farmers’ Resources and Wisdom to Sustainably Enhance their Farm Productivity, Income and Livelihood
ICAR CITH Srinagar and AAU, Jorhat collaborative project for NEH
Upscaling of livelihood.. Implication through smart agriculture and Agro-ecotourism
Entrepreneurship development among scheduled tribe fishing communities through post harvest management and value addition of fish catch
Establishment of Natural Farming and Organic Agriculture under R& D
BAARC-AAU MoU Project/Breeding Project of Ornamentals
Clump management technology for enhanced productivity in banana
MLT on Khashi Mandarin (CRS 4)
Utilization of citrus microbiome in rejuvenating Khasi mandarin plants infected by important citrus diseases
Doubling farmers income through cultivation of high value fruit crop- Dragon fruit in Kokrajhar District
Sustainable rural livelihood through introduction and development of scientific bee keeping in hill districts of Assam
Planting material production of house plants
Evaluation of banana Dwarf Cavendish clones (AAA)
Multilocation testing of new papaya hybrids (MLT-II)
Catalyzing Complementary Olericulture in Assam, Arunachal Pradesh and Nagaland for Livelihood Security by Provisioning Seed & Seedlings of Indigenous & Commercial Vegetables Generated through Hi-Tech Mini Plug Nursery & Conventional Means and Promoti
Collection, Conservation and Morpho- Phenological Characterization of Citrus Germplasm of North East Region
NAHEP Component 2 Project on "Investments in ICAR Leadership in Agricultural Higher Education", Subproject 2A: Investments in ICAR to support excellence in AUs
Downstream processing for utlization of banana waste for natural fibre extraction, fibre based products, biomass briquettes and utility components
Farmers First Project
DBT project on ‘Development of seedless Bhimkol through CRISPR/Cas9 and mutation approaches
National AYUSH Mission on Medicinal Plants
Farmer First: Farmer Innovation and Agrilcultural Research
Post Harvest Lost Assesment .... Some Important Medicinal Plants of Assam
RKVY Project on Collection, conservation and quality evaluation of indigenous fruit crops
Participatory technology assessment for enhancing farming system productivity and developing entrepreneurship for sustainable rural livelihood under Farmers' FIRST project as Co-PI
Assam Agri-Business and Rural Transformation(APART)
Attracting and Retaining Youth in Agriculture(ARYA)
Mission Integrated Development of Horticulture
Assam Agricultural University (AAU) executes targeted horticulture initiatives under the Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH) program, backed by funding and coordination from the Directorate of Arecanut and Spices Development (DASD) in Calicut, Kerala. These interventions emphasize regional spice crop expansion, quality planting material production, and cluster-based farmer training.
Core Focus Areas and Interventions
- Cluster-Based Demonstrations: Implementing cluster demonstrations for high-value spice crops like organic black pepper, ginger, and other regional spices across target districts in Assam (such as Golaghat).
- Quality Planting Material (QPM): Production and distribution of nucleus and high-quality planting materials, pathogen-tested spice propagules, and inputs to local growers.
- Crop Protection & Management: Validating and promoting integrated pest and disease management protocols (such as mitigating Phytophthora foot rot in black pepper).
- Capacity Building & Extension: Organizing farmers' awareness interactions, stakeholder training, and input-distribution camps in collaboration with regional horticulture stations (e.g., HRS Kahikuchi).
National Innovation on Climate Resilient Agriculture
Varietal trial in Jackfruit (MLT-1)
Collection, characterization, conservation, evaluation and utilization of Jackfruit germplasm
Clonal selection in Banana
Assessment of phenology , productivity and incidence of insect pest and diseases in banana grown under varying climatic condition
AICRP on Agrometeorology
AICRP on Vegetable Crops
AICRP on Fruits
AICRP on Map & Batelvine
ICAR sponsored project on AICRP on Tuber crops
Completed Projects (35)
BAARC-AAU MoU Project/Mutation breeding in carambola and Indian gamboge
(PI/Co-PI/Associated Scientist : Dr. Binita Hazarika)
Induced mutagenesis in dolichos bean
(PI/Co-PI/Associated Scientist : Dr. Reecha T. Das)
Augmentation of Agriculture through Efficient Resource Utilization with Participatory Approach
(PI/Co-PI/Associated Scientist : Dr. Bikash Hazarika)
Improved packaging for long distance transportation of high value horticultural crops
(PI/Co-PI/Associated Scientist : Dr. Pritom Kumar Borthakur)
ICAR sponsored project on Tribal sub plan project on " Promotion of Agriculture Centric Livelihood Security for Tribal Farmers of Assam as Co-PI
(PI/Co-PI/Associated Scientist : Dr. Sangita Mahanta)
Development of value added products from selected minor fruits of Assam
(PI/Co-PI/Associated Scientist : Dr. Ananta Saikia)
A value chain in Jackfruit and its value added products
(PI/Co-PI/Associated Scientist : Dr. Bhabesh Deka)
Involved in the implementation of TSP project"Promotion of Agriculture centric sustainable livelihood security for tribal farmers of Assam" .
(PI/Co-PI/Associated Scientist : Dr. Ira Sarma)
DBT Collaborative Project with UAS, Bangalore on A Value Chain of Jackfruit and its Value Added Products
(PI/Co-PI/Associated Scientist : Dr. Utpal Kotoky)
" Establishment of mother plant nurseries for high pedigree planting materials of fruit crops". As a Co-PI.
(PI/Co-PI/Associated Scientist : Dr. Ira Sarma)
Horticulture Mission for North East and Himalayan States (MM-I)
(PI/Co-PI/Associated Scientist : Dr. Ananta Saikia)
DBT sponsored project on Biotech led organic farming in India as Co-PI
(PI/Co-PI/Associated Scientist : Dr. Sangita Mahanta)
" Biotechnology Led Organic Farming in NER" as a Co-PI, implemented in 2010.
(PI/Co-PI/Associated Scientist : Dr. Ira Sarma)
Establishment of PHT and Value Addition Centre
(PI/Co-PI/Associated Scientist : Dr. Ananta Saikia)
Standardization & Dissemination of Technologies for increasing Productivity & Production of Bamboo & Bamboo based cropping system
(PI/Co-PI/Associated Scientist : Dr. Sunil Bora)
DBT Mission for Quality Planting Material Production and Utilization for the North East
(PI/Co-PI/Associated Scientist : Dr. Utpal Kotoky)
Establishment of Food Technological Laboratory
(PI/Co-PI/Associated Scientist : Dr. Ananta Saikia)
ICAR Ad-Hoc Project “Improvement of indigenous orchid of North East Region of India through hybridization” (2005-2008)
(PI/Co-PI/Associated Scientist : Dr. Madhumita Choudhury Talukdar)
Primary and Secondary Processing of Horticultural Produces [Sub-activity of Horticulture Mission for North East and Himalayan States Central Sector Scheme
(PI/Co-PI/Associated Scientist : Dr. Ananta Saikia)
CGP project on Post-harvest value addition to indigenous plant resources of North East India for development of natural food colorants
(PI/Co-PI/Associated Scientist : Dr. Ananta Saikia)
Establishment of Quality Control Laboratory
(PI/Co-PI/Associated Scientist : Dr. Ananta Saikia)
Lead Scientist in Activity 1.2.1 - Seed production of Vegetable crops under TM ( MM1 )
(PI/Co-PI/Associated Scientist : Dr. Deepa Borbora Phookan)
Technology Mission ( MM1 )
(PI/Co-PI/Associated Scientist : Dr. Jumi Saikia)
Precision Farming Development Centre.
(PI/Co-PI/Associated Scientist : Dr. Deepa Borbora Phookan)
NATP (CGP) project on Integration of Water Harvesting and Drip Irrigation for Increasing Productivity of High value Fruit Crops of Assam
(PI/Co-PI/Associated Scientist : Dr. Utpal Kotoky)
Horticulture Mission for N.E.India and Himalayan States ,MM 1 (2002014) Lead Scientist, Activity 1.3.1. Production of Nucleus/basic seed and planting material production of marigold, chrysanthemum, gerbera, gladiolus, tuberose ,anthurium and orchid
(PI/Co-PI/Associated Scientist : Dr. Madhumita Choudhury Talukdar)
Horticulture Mission for N.E.India and Himalayan States ,MM 1 (2001-2014) Lead Scientist, Activity 2.7.1. Refinement of Technology of different flower crops.
(PI/Co-PI/Associated Scientist : Dr. Madhumita Choudhury Talukdar)
NATP(CGP) on Standardization of some agro-techniques of Anthurium (Anthurium andreanum Lind.) production in low-cost polyhouse under Assam condition
(PI/Co-PI/Associated Scientist : Dr. Preeti Hatibarua)
Technology Mission, TM (MM1) Activity 2.2.4 - Production of planting material- Amorphophallus
(PI/Co-PI/Associated Scientist : Dr. Jumi Saikia)
CGP Project on “Development of appropriate post-harvest technologies for handling and transportation of pineapple”, ICAR
(PI/Co-PI/Associated Scientist : Dr. Ananta Saikia)
CGP Project on “Economics of post-harvest management of perishable commodities in Assam”
(PI/Co-PI/Associated Scientist : Dr. Ananta Saikia)
PSR Project on “Improved indigenous technology for milling, drying and storage of rice”
(PI/Co-PI/Associated Scientist : Dr. Ananta Saikia)
NATP (CGP) “Screening chrysanthemum cultivars and standardization of technique for off-season flowering in plastic green house cum rain shelter” (2000-2003)
(PI/Co-PI/Associated Scientist : Dr. Madhumita Choudhury Talukdar)
i) “Screening of Carambola cultivars found in Assam and standardization of Postharvest technique for the best cultivar.”
(PI/Co-PI/Associated Scientist : Dr. Pritam Coomar Barua)
ii) “Preservation and Processing of some important Indigenous fruits of NE India with special reference to Assam”
(PI/Co-PI/Associated Scientist : Dr. Pritam Coomar Barua)
Department Photo Gallery
1 Photos