Kitchen Garden Of Immense Importance, Says PAU VC

Ludhiana, May 29, 2015: A two-day “Research and Extension Specialists’ Workshop for Vegetables, Floriculture and Sericulture alongwith Post-harvest Management, Farm Power and Machinery, Food Technology and Agricultural Economics” began at the Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) today. The workshop has been organized by the Directorate of Extension Education, PAU and National Horticulture Mission. The officials of State Department of Horticulture; Directors of Regional Research Stations; Associate/Deputy Directors (Training) from Krishi Vigyan Kendras; District Extension Specialists (Senior Most) from Farm Advisory Services of Punjab; and faculty of PAU are participating in the workshop.

In his inaugural address, Chief Guest Dr Baldev Singh Dhillon, Vice-Chancellor, PAU pointed out the contemporary agricultural issues such as depleting water resources, deteriorating soil health, excessive use of farm inputs, nutritional problems, and weather disturbances. He called for input use efficiency, diversifying cropping pattern, fortifying seed production programme, promoting value addition by setting-up agro-processing plants, and strengthening research and extension mechanism. Observing that kitchen garden holds immense significance, Dr Dhillon said if 12 lakh farmers grow vegetables in one kanal, 1.5 lakh hectare can be brought under diversification. In addition, export of agricultural products also holds a great scope, he said.

Dr Gurkanwal Singh, Director of Horticulture, Punjab spoke on targets, production and problems in growing of vegetable crops. Expressing concern over fluctuating market prices, and increasing role of middlemen in marketing of horticultural produce, he emphasized on managing the uncertainties and ensuring profitability to the farmers. He also stressed on focusing on value addition, establishing small-scale processing units, minimizing use of fertilizers, enhancing medicinal and nutritional value of crops, introducing vegetable machines to retain youth in farming, promoting joint marketing system and integrative income, and setting-up less expensive net-house infrastructures.

Dr R.K. Gumber, Additional Director of Research (Crop Improvement), highlighted salient findings of PAU’s research on vegetables and floriculture. He said PAU developed varieties namely Punjab Varkha Bahar 4 of tomato, Punjab Red Cherry of cherry tomato, CH-27 of chilli, MH-27 of muskmelon, Palam Samridhi of broccoli and RB-21 of radish are subject to approval of State Variety Approval Committee. He disclosed that an inclined plate planter has been recommended for direct sowing of carrot. Dr Gumber also highlighted production-protection technologies.

Earlier, in his welcome address, Dr H.S. Dhlaiwal, Dean, College of Agriculture said the horticultural crops occupy an area of 2.03 lakh hectares in Punjab. The daily vegetable requirement is 300 gm, he informed, while stressing on bringing more area under vegetables. He revealed, “Lack of good post-harvest management of fruits and vegetables results in Rs 40,000-50,000 crore loss in India every year.” He underlined the need for developing new post-harvest management techniques and establishing cold chain system to reduce losses.

Dr R.S. Sidhu, Director of Extension Education, said issues in vegetable production need to be addressed. PAU research and extension systems have good coordination with the State Department of Horticulture, he added. Dr Sidhu urged the extension experts to stop farmers from over use of pesticides and fertilizers, and give them useful tips for marketing of horticultural crops.

Dr T.S. Riar, Associate Professor of Extension Education, coordinated the programme. Two technical sessions on vegetable crops and plant protection measures were held today. Besides, an exhibition was put up by different departments of PAU.