The Punjab government has taken a significant step towards promoting crop diversification and strengthening the state’s horticulture sector. Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann has approved the establishment of a Horticulture Knowledge Centre at Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), Ludhiana, with the support of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).
The initiative is part of a ₹1,300-crore project aimed at expanding horticulture, strengthening the sector’s value chain, improving farmers’ access to markets and creating better income opportunities.
Target to Bring 16 Lakh Hectares under Horticulture by 2036
Chairing a review meeting of the Horticulture Department, Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann said the project is primarily aimed at increasing the area under horticulture and developing strong value-chain infrastructure to promote horticultural crops.
The Punjab government has set a target of increasing the area under horticulture to 16 lakh hectares by 2036. According to the Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, this would represent an increase of nearly 300 per cent from the current level.
The government expects greater crop diversification to create new opportunities for farmers to increase their income. At the same time, promoting sustainable farming practices could help improve soil health and conserve water resources.
5.27 Lakh Hectares Currently Under Horticulture
Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann said that around 41.25 lakh hectares of land in Punjab is currently under cultivation. Of this, approximately 5.27 lakh hectares is under horticulture, producing around 106.10 lakh metric tonnes of produce.
The horticulture sector includes fruits, vegetables, spices, aromatic plants, flowers and other crops. Kinnow and guava are among the major fruits grown in the state, while potato and peas are among the major vegetables. Beekeeping and mushroom cultivation are also considered part of the horticulture sector.
Focus on Machinery, Research and Marketing
The proposed ₹1,300-crore project, being undertaken with JICA’s support, is expected to focus on areas such as machinery, infrastructure, marketing, seeds and research.
The Punjab government is also focusing on developing a sustainable horticulture value chain. This will include improving and diversifying nurseries to ensure the availability of high-quality and profitable planting material.
The project will also focus on developing post-harvest management facilities and improving farmers’ access to markets.
Horticulture Knowledge Centre to Strengthen Research and Technology
The proposed Horticulture Knowledge Centre at Punjab Agricultural University will provide institutional support for research, technical knowledge, capacity building and the adoption of modern horticulture technologies.
According to Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, the centre is expected to strengthen the entire horticulture ecosystem — from improved planting material and modern farming techniques to post-harvest management, marketing and market access.
Emphasis on Sustainable Farming and Technical Support
The project will also focus on strengthening extension services and technical support systems for farmers.
The government aims to encourage farming practices that conserve natural resources such as water and soil, while also creating better economic opportunities for farmers.
The meeting was attended by Chief Secretary K.A.P. Sinha, Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister Dr Ravi Bhagat, Agriculture Department Secretary Arshdeep Singh Thind, and other senior officials.