Horticulture returns to curriculum in HP for classes IX-XII

Shimla: The Himachal Pradesh government has been bringing horticulture as a subject in schools from the next academic session. However, it will be an optional subject, aiming to create awareness about horticulture among the youngsters. The subject is set to be taught in a school where most students take interest in reading it.

“We are working towards introducing horticulture as an optional subject from Class IX-XII from the next year,” said Education Minister Rohit Thakur. It was available until 2012 in select schools, especially in upper Shimla. For some reason, it went out of the school curriculum,” the minister said. “In fact, we will be reintroducing the subject in our schools.

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The Horticulture Department is adamant to introduce the subject in several districts, such as Shimla, Kinnaur, Kullu, and Mandi, knowing for horticulture products. “We plan to introduce the subject in school from where we get the demand,” the minister said. This initiative of the government will certainly push horticulture in the state.

Currently, the state government has been running several vocational courses for students from class IX onwards; agriculture is one of the subjects being offered. The minister said, “The course will help the youth look for self-employment. It will also help them in case they decide to pursue higher education in horticulture.” The introduction of horticulture as an optional subject would be a significant help to students who want to take it up for earning a livelihood, he added.