Question

“Market gardening and horticulture specialise in the cultivation of high value crops.” Justify the statement.

Hint:

Market gardening and horticulture are specialized in producing crops with high demand and limited growing seasons, thus fetching higher prices.

Answer 1

Market gardening and horticulture are specialized forms of agriculture that focus on growing high-value crops. These crops are generally perishable and require intensive care, including optimal use of land, water, and labor.
Market Gardening:
Market gardening involves the cultivation of vegetables, fruits, and flowers that are grown for sale in local or nearby markets. The crops cultivated are generally of high value due to their limited growing seasons, high demand, and perishable nature. For example, crops such as tomatoes, lettuce, strawberries, and flowers like orchids are often grown in market gardening systems. These products fetch higher prices due to their short shelf life and specialized market. 
Horticulture:
Horticulture, on the other hand, is the branch of agriculture that deals with the cultivation of fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, herbs, sprouts, mushrooms, algae, flowers, seaweeds, and non-food crops such as grass and bamboo. It is highly specialized in cultivating high-value crops such as grapes, apples, and various other exotic fruits, which require specific climatic conditions, intensive care, and technology.
Thus, both market gardening and horticulture focus on crops that are high in value because they are in high demand and require specific growing conditions, inputs, and care.