Chandigarh: Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) organized a two-day “Research and Extension Specialists’ Workshop for the Promotion of Horticultural Crops on Tuesday to shift farmers’ focus from traditional farming to horticulture. Dr. Satbir Singh Gosal, Vice-Chancellor of PAU, inaugurated the event, highlighting the importance of fruits and vegetables in the promotion of the state’s agriculture. He further added that the workshop is set to help in accelerating the production of flowers and agroforestry.
PAU’s Directorate of Extension Education organized the event, which was attended by top officials of the Horticulture Department, scientists from Krishi Vigyan Kendras and Farm Advisory Service Centres, and PAU faculty members. Additionally, farmers and people from all walks of life were also present on this occasion.
Dr. Satbir Singh emphasized the promotion of nutritious fruits such as citrus, guava, and dragon fruit, appreciating the ongoing research on avocado and blueberry and the cultivation of strawberry on a large scale in the state.
Dr. Harpreet Singh Sethi, Deputy Director of Horticulture, Punjab, praised PAU’s efforts in promoting horticulture for crop diversification and economic growth in the state. He said that the area under horticulture cultivation had increased significantly in the past year, with the establishment of Pear and Litchi Processing Centres in Amritsar and Pathankot and a hydroponics unit in Jalandhar. He also highlighted state government schemes aimed at supporting farmers, including small-scale mushroom units and strengthened marketing of agricultural products.
The aim of the workshop is to increase the horticultural practices and use of modern techniques by farmers in Punjab. This effort will definitely boost the horticulture crop production in the state.
