Turmeric to chilies: Telangana becoming significant hub for horticulture startups

Telangana: Telangana is positioning itself as a significant hub for horticulture startups, supported by innovative work and vision.

Dr. Danda Raji Reddy, Vice Chancellor of Sri Konda Laxman Telangana Horticultural University (SKLTGHU), said the state is rapidly becoming a center for growth and opportunity in various horticultural fields.

Telangana’s leadership in producing crops like turmeric, chilies, tomatoes, and leafy vegetables underscores its potential as a fertile ground for startups. Desi vegetable seed production and bee-keeping ventures are poised for growth. The concept of "green gifting"—giving plants instead of traditional gifts—is also catching on, indicating a cultural shift toward sustainable practices.

Preserving Heritage and Pursuing Geographical Indications

A core mission of SKLTGHU is to preserve the region’s rich horticultural heritage. Recently, the university applied for a Geographical Indication (GI) for the Warangal Chapata chili. This significant step was made possible with support from the National Bank for Agricultural and Rural Development.

This is just the beginning, as the university is also studying unique varieties like the Balanagar custard apple from Mahabubnagar and Armoor turmeric from Nizamabad for potential GI registration. In the coming years, more Telangana crops—such as Nalgonda dosakaya, Jagtial podugu beera, and Siddipet ginger—will also be considered for GI status to protect their unique value.

Bright Career Prospects for Students

Graduates of SKLTGHU enjoy strong career prospects in both government and private sectors. Many alumni have excelled as horticultural scientists, finding roles in prestigious institutions such as the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) and state universities. SKLTGHU students also play a prominent role as horticulture officers in the Telangana government, filling many of the positions available in state recruitment efforts.

The private sector offers even broader possibilities. From landscaping and organic farming to consulting and exotic crop production, SKLTGHU graduates are in high demand. Telangana’s focus on expanding oil palm cultivation has also created a significant number of new job opportunities. Private industries involved in nurseries, seed production, hydroponics, aeroponics, and biotechnology frequently seek out SKLTGHU graduates, making horticulture a dynamic field with options for both stable employment and entrepreneurship.

Horticulture Startups: A Growing Sector Post-COVID

The pandemic catalyzed a surge in horticultural startups, with nearly 60 percent of these ventures focusing on health-conscious and value-added products. Dr. Reddy has observed that the future of entrepreneurship in Telangana is largely in horticulture, with the sector primed for continuous growth and innovation.

Unique Overseas Fellowship Opportunities

A notable opportunity for SKLTGHU students is the overseas fellowship program with Auburn University in the United States. Each year, two students are sponsored by the Telangana government to study abroad, with a total funding of Rs 1.1 crore. This fellowship provides valuable international exposure, enhancing the students’ expertise in horticultural research and education.

Statewide Reach of Research and Teaching Institutes

Established in 2014 after the formation of Telangana, SKLTGHU now operates an extensive network of facilities, including three colleges of horticulture, three polytechnic institutions, eleven research stations, and one Krishi Vigyan Kendra. New colleges were recently approved for undergraduate and polytechnic programs in Mahbubabad and Nagarkurnool, respectively. SKLTGHU offers a wide range of degrees—B.Sc. (Hons), M.Sc., and Ph.D.—with specializations in areas like floriculture, fruit science, plantation crops, and vegetable science. The university’s intake capacity is precise, with dedicated seats for various programs, including a quota for NRI and ICAR students.

Additionally, SKLTGHU has extended its reach by affiliating with the Forest College and Research Institute (FCRI) in Mulugu, which offers B.Sc. and M.Sc. programs in forestry, as well as a Ph.D. program in four forestry disciplines. The university also launched a postgraduate program at the Post Graduate Institute of Horticultural Sciences (PGIHS) in Mulugu, supported by an 80-acre instructional farm for research studies.

ICAR Accreditation and Achievements

SKLTGHU has been accredited by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), a prestigious recognition that underscores the quality of its programs in horticulture. This accreditation is an achievement that strengthens the university’s position as a leader in horticultural education.

Supporting Farmers and Introducing New Techniques

The university is committed to empowering local farmers and has facilitated the registration of `Nalgonda Dosakaya’ (Oriental Pickling Melon) as a farmers’ variety under the Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers' Rights Act. In addition, SKLTGHU has established model oil palm gardens using advanced planting methods at various locations and developed innovative technologies like cost-effective nursery seedling techniques for turmeric and ginger. Dry flower technology, developed under the RKVY initiative, was also standardized, and the university has published a book on the subject.

Future Vision: New Research Centers

Looking ahead, SKLTGHU plans to establish two new research stations. An AICRP Sub Center for Potato will be set up in Sangareddy, and a Chilli & Seed Spice Research Station will be created in Narsampet, Warangal district. These centers will enable research that is specific to the region’s needs and will further enhance Telangana’s prominence in the horticulture sector.

Under Dr. Danda Raji Reddy’s leadership, Telangana is making strides toward becoming the horticultural startup capital of India, offering extensive opportunities and support for innovation and growth in the field.