As College of Horticulture Principal Dr. D. K. Varu leads 20+ research projects and promotes hands-on education through innovative programs like ELP. Under his guidance, students gain practical skills, global exposure, and entrepreneurial training, making horticulture a sustainable, profitable, and future-focused field for India’s youth.

Dr. D. K. Varu is the Principal and Dean of the College of Horticulture at Junagadh Agricultural University (JAU). Under his visionary leadership, approximately 20 research projects are currently ongoing in the fields of fruits, flowers, and vegetables cultivation.

In the domain of fruits and flowers, the college has released two notable varieties of papaya—GJP 1—and custard apple—GJCA 1. Additionally, a promising genotype has been identified in jamun, and the Kesar mango has been recognized with the prestigious GI (Geographical Indication) tag for Gir Kesar mango.

Dr. Varu emphasizes that Saurashtra holds tremendous potential for horticulture. The cultivation of fruits, flowers, vegetables, spices, and condiments has shown significant growth in demand and consumption. Horticulture in the region is not only agriculturally significant but also economically viable, yielding high profits at relatively low input costs. The compact nature of horticulture cultivation means that even smaller plots of land can generate larger produce and, consequently yield greater profits.

Recognizing this potential, the government took a strategic step toward formal education in this field. Initially functioning as a department, the College of Horticulture at Junagadh was officially established in 2012. At its inception, the college had an intake capacity of just 50 students, but with growing interest and demand, this number has increased substantially. Now, the college operates in alignment with the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), following its curriculum and standards. Initially, faculty from the agricultural university itself trained the students, but in 2019, the college gained independent status and received its first ICAR accreditation.

Following this accreditation, postgraduate programs such as MSc and PhD were introduced in specialized departments like Fruit Science, Vegetable Science, and Floriculture. The college’s strong reputation now attracts students from across several cities and states. Currently, the undergraduate program has an intake capacity of 96 students, with an overall capacity of 102. Each year, 25–30 students are admitted into postgraduate and PhD programs.

The college’s academic structure includes focused classroom learning from the 1st to 6th semesters. In the 7th and 8th semesters, students participate in the Experiential Learning Programme (ELP), which equips them with real-world skills in production and marketing. In the 7th semester, students learn open-field and greenhouse cultivation techniques. They are also introduced to innovative projects like dried flower craft, where they collect dried flowers and leaves from fields, process them using specific techniques, and create items like frames and potpourri, which are grown, crafted, and marketed by the students themselves.

The 8th semester is structured into six intensive training phases, including orientation, village outreach, educational tools, and industrial internships. During this phase, students are placed in leading industries such as food processing, nurseries, and landscaping firms. The goal is to transform students into entrepreneurs—job providers rather than job seekers. Over the years, many graduates of the institution have gone on to launch successful ventures and have become role models for others.

One of the key highlights of this phase is that students earn profits from their ELP sales, which are returned to them, making their learning both practical and rewarding. In addition to technical education, the college also emphasizes holistic development. Students are actively involved in extracurricular activities such as sports, cultural fests, yoga, and meditation sessions. They are exposed to guest lectures and out-of-the-box learning modules that inspire them to think creatively and act independently.

To enhance student engagement, the college offers National Service Scheme (NSS) activities worth 1.5 units and runs a dedicated Student Activity & Placement Cell (SAPC). Within SAPC, students participate in various clubs, including a language club and a competitive exams club. The International Relations Cell (IRC) fosters global exposure and connectivity. Regular lecture series and talent-promoting activities further enrich the student experience.

Through its placement cell, over 460 students have secured jobs, with around 40–50 entering government services. Notably, 4–5 students have become entrepreneurs, and several have gone abroad. Four students are currently in Australia—one employed, one managing a business, and two pursuing further studies. Another is preparing to move to the UK, while one has already gone to Italy. These examples highlight the global scope and opportunities that horticulture offers.

Postgraduate students benefit from excellent infrastructure, aiding in research, thesis writing, and academic excellence, contributing to the college’s rising national ranking. The campus is equipped with eight laboratories, a dedicated dried flower lab, a well-stocked library, a conference room, and a seminar hall. Spanning 50 hectares, the college farms host over 1,000 mango varieties, jamun plantations, and six greenhouse units, offering students extensive hands-on and practical training.

In his message to students of Junagadh Agricultural University, Principal Dr. Varu highlights the unique biodiversity of their 50-hectare farmland. The farms include a wide range of crops such as mangoes, guavas, chikoos, coconuts, and vegetables. The biodiversity also extends to temperate fruit crops such as apples, pears, peaches, plums, apricots, and kiwis, along with nut crops and tropical plants. This comprehensive exposure makes the campus a "living laboratory" where students can study and experience the entire horticultural diversity of India.

Dean College of Horticulture Dr. D.K. Varu is deeply inspired by the quote, “Fruits are the bowl of nutrients.” He advocates consumption of fruits for their rich content of vitamins, nutrients, and antioxidants, which he believes significantly boosts immunity and overall health. In light of climate change, he asserts that expanding horticulture practices can be a crucial step toward environmental sustainability. Horticulture crops absorb over 300 ppm of carbon and help in reducing overall temperatures. He notes that horticulture fields often exhibit temperatures 1–2°C lower than traditional crop fields. Hence, echoing his environmental ethos, he stands by the powerful message:

“Grow horticulture, save the environment.”