About
Hortico Greens
‘HorticoGreens’ is an enterprise which is the brain child of three Horticulturists. Its promoters have vast exposure in the subject field. Though there are many Institutions and Groups involved in promoting Horticultural farming, still we have to go a long way in realizing the full potential. There are serious concerns on excessive and indiscriminate use of pesticides, weedicides, growth hormones, fertilizers and other agents. They are proved to be contributing factors for increasing incidence of life style diseases and crippling diseases like cancer which are assuming alarming proportions. There is an emergent need to promote availability of safe fruits, vegetables, plantation crops, spices, various other Horticrops and their value added products. Our activities would be putting a lot of emphasis keeping this in mind.
The Hortico Team
Dr.B.K. Jayachandran, M.Sc., Ph.D. (Hort.) – was Professor of Horticulture & Head, Department of Plantation Crops & Spices at Kerala Agricultural University. Vast experience in Teaching, Research and Extension activities. Major research in spices. Govt. of India, through National Horticulture Board, sanctioned an exclusive project for Re-domestication and popularization of Kasthuri Turmeric (Curcuma aromatica) which was undertaken and completed successfully under his leadership. Has also guided several M.Sc. and Ph.D. students and has published several research papers and books.
Dr.M. Abdul Vahab, M.Sc., Ph.D. (Hort.) – was Professor of Horticulture & Head, Department of Vegetable Crops at Kerala Agricultural University. He has vast experience in Teaching, Research and Extension activities. Major research in various vegetable crops and specifically in quality vegetable seed and seedling production. Was instrumental in establishing a modern seed laboratory funded by National Horticultural Mission. Also has guided several M.Sc. and Ph.D. students and published several research papers and books.
Mr. K.R. Balachandran, M. Sc.(Hort.) – After graduation and post-graduation in Horticulture, joined banking sector. Was General Manager in Canara Bank (Lead Bank in Kerala). Concurrently he was State Level Bankers’ Committee Convener responsible for coordinating entire banking activities in Kerala. Has more than 39 years of experience in banking and vast exposure in Agri/Horticultural financial sector. A thorough knowledge on Banking formalities and compliance requirements for Agricultural Finance is his strength.With a burning passion for Horticulture he is the key person coordinating the activities of ‘HorticoGreens’.