Examine any three characteristics of ‘market gardening and horticulture’ in the world.

Market gardening and horticulture specialise in the cultivation of high value crops such as vegetables, fruits and flowers, solely for the urban markets. Three characteristics of ‘market gardening and horticulture’ are as follows –

1) The farms are small in size and located near urban centres with high income group of consumers. The transport link between the farms and the urban centres also have to be good as most produce are of the perishable type.

2) It is labour and capital intensive.

3) It is dependent on the usage of irrigation, HYV seeds, fertilizers, insecticides and greenhouses to increase production to meet the demands. In colder regions, this form of agriculture requires artificial heating.