DW BUREAU / Chandigarh

Punjab Horticulture Minister S. Chetan Singh Jouramajra led delegation of progressive farmers undertook a five-day exposure visit of Jammu-Kashmir with the aim of implementing potential fruit and flower crops, mulberry varieties for silk production and new techniques for Punjab's Shivalik foothills and Kandi area belt.

To expose Punjab's farmers to alternative horticultural practices and crops, potentially diversifying and improving the state's agricultural output, the Cabinet Minister along with farmers gathered diverse information while visiting horticulture-related centers including the Center of Excellence for Fruits (Zawoora, Srinagar), Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology (Kashmir), Saffron Park (Dussu, Pulwama), Central Institute for Temperate Horticulture, Model High-Density Apple Orchard (Srinagar), Potato Farm (Gulmarg), Industrial Growth Center (Lassipora) and Central Sericulture Research and Training Institute - Central Silk Board (Pampore).

During the visit, Horticulture Department of Srinagar (Jammu and Kashmir) shared vital information about cultivating horticultural crops relevant to Punjab, using new technologies and improving future horticulture standards in the state of Punjab. The officials also provided details on low-chilling varieties of peer, peach, plum and apple as well as establishing silk reeling units.

Addressing these events, Horticulture Minister S. Chetan Singh Jouramajra said, Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann led government is encouraging the state's farmers to move away from traditional crop cycles and cultivate more profitable fruits and flowers suitable for the current times, adding that this tour would prove significant in advancing this initiative.

S. Jouramajra said that plans are being made to cultivate new potential fruits and flowers in the Shivalik foothills range and Kandi area belt of Punjab as these areas have a cooler climate compared to the rest of the state. He expressed hope that assistance could be sought from Jammu-Kashmir for implementing mulberry varieties and new techniques for silk production.

The Horticulture Minister and officials also held meetings with representatives of various Industrial Growth Centers to bring cold storage and processing industries to Punjab, familiarizing them with the state's favourable environment.

The Horticulture Minister was accompanied by Mr. Sanyam Aggarwal, Special Secretary, Agriculture Department, Dr. Dalbir Singh, Deputy Director Horticulture, Dr. Harpreet Singh Sethi, Deputy Director Horticulture, Dr. Sandeep Grewal, Assistant Director Horticulture (Patiala) and Dr. Lakhbir Singh, Horticulture Development Officer (Hoshiarpur).
(editor@dailyworld.in)