The Department of Horticulture, under the Faculty of Agriculture, is one of the most dynamic and research-oriented academic units at Patuakhali Science and Technology Deltin 7 Aviator গেম টাকা ইনকাম (PSTU). Since PSTU became a full-fledged university in 2001, the Department has played a pivotal role in advancing horticultural science education, research, and innovation, particularly in the coastal region of Bangladesh.
Our vision is to generate new knowledge and technologies for sustainable horticultural crop production and utilization, promoting improved livelihoods and environmental stewardship. The Department’s mission encompasses excellence in teaching, research, and outreach, focusing on germplasm conservation, biotechnology, postharvest management, soilless cultivation, vertical farming, climate smart and community-based agricultural development.
We offer a range of undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral programs that combine theoretical understanding with hands-on experience. At the undergraduate level, students gain a solid foundation in fruits, vegetables, spices, and ornamental crop production, protection, improvement, and postharvest management. The postgraduate programs emphasize advanced research and innovation, with the Department having produced 70 MS and 6 PhD graduates to date. The Department is supported by nine highly qualified faculty members dedicated to academic excellence and mentorship. Students benefit from modern classrooms, digital learning tools, and well-equipped laboratoriesthat foster an engaging academic environment.
Being located at the coastal area, this department emphasizes the sustainable horticultural research approaches suitable for the coastal edaphic and climatic conditions. The priority research areas are: crop improvement, conservation (in situ, ex situ and in vitro), characterization, stress (salinity and wet soil)adaptation to changing climate, rootstock selection and dwarfing culture, biotech approaches (Tissue culture, molecular characterization, identification of gene of interest, genetic transformation), Quality Planting Materials (QPM) development, minor/indigenous crop culture, postharvest management, homestead plant biodiversity and nutritional security etc. Basis of research priority are: MDGs progress report of Bangladesh, SDGs (2016- 2030) targets (Among 17 Goals, 2 & 15 relevant), 8th (2021- 2025) Five Years Plan of Bangladesh, Master Plan for Agricultural Development in the Southern Region of Bangladesh (FAO-GoB, 2013), Bangladesh’s “Agricultural Research Vision 2030 and Beyond”, Suggestions of National Workshop on 10-year of Horticultural Crop Research in Bangladesh, BARC, 2013 and the Vision statement of PSTU.The advanced research capacity of this department was emerged and enhanced in 2011 when Plant Biotech Lab and Germplasm Center were established through the generous support of the HEQEP. Subsequently the department established Postharvest Laboratory in 2014 through another project funded by HEQEP. A major achievement of the department is the release of nine high-yielding fruit varieties, recognized by the National Seed Board, which are adapted to the local coastal environment.
We believe that the coastal area is a virgin land for horticultural integration and its sustainable continuation. Due to location, PSTU has right stand to take pioneering role in this regard. The present research capacity of the department of horticulture may be properly utilized through collaboration and cooperation of relevant organizations or institutes. Demand-driven horticultural initiatives could be taken up to address the poverty and nutritional security problems of the disadvantaged coastal community. With a strong commitment to sustainability, innovation, and community impact, the Department of Horticulture, PSTU, continues to serve as a center of excellence in horticultural education and researchin Bangladesh.