Fruit growers throng mango and pear exhibition at Hoshiarpur’s Dasuya 

Ludhiana, July 16, 2024: As a motivational step to promote horticulture in Punjab, an exhibition on “Mango and Pear” and a Kisan Goshti were jointly organised by the Department of Fruit Science of Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) and Dr MS Randhawa Fruit Research Station, Gangian at Dasuya, Hoshiapur today. Fruit growers in large number flocked to Dasuya to have a glimpse of mango- and pear-related crop varieties and technologies as well as have a free-wheeling interaction with the fruit scientists. Dr Satbir Singh Gosal, Vice-Chancellor, PAU, was the chief guest, while a progressive farmer Sardar Jagmohan Singh Ghuman was the guest of honour. An ex-Director of State Horticulture Department Sardar Gurkanwal Singh also graced the occasion.

“Mango is not only a mouth-watering fruit but a gift which has been bestowed upon the masses due to its vibrant colour, delectable taste and overflowing sweetness,” observed Dr Gosal, while lauding Kandi and Sirowal areas of Punjab for carving niche in mango cultivation. Stating that the importance of fruits has gained momentum after corona for nutritional security, the PAU VC advocated fruit cultivation, especially, that of mango and pear fruits in vacant lands. The Department of Fruit Science and the Fruit Research Station of Gangian were evolving several fruit varieties and technologies to bring innovation, rejuvenate the old plants and popularise fruit cultivation among the farmers of Punjab, he added.

Hailing PAU’s tremendous agricultural contribution, Sardar Ghuman advised the farmers to remain in touch with PAU experts for touching new heights in farming.

Dr AS Dhatt, Director of Research, shed light on the popular fruit varieties developed by PAU and called upon the scientists to focus on evolving market-driven fruit varieties for farmers’ and farm sustainability. The demand for ‘Patharnakh’ was augmenting across the world, he told, adding that PAU was laying thrust on improving this variety.

Dr MS Bhullar, Director of Extension Education, informed that the exhibition showcased desi varieties in addition to top-class varieties of alphonso, dusherri, langra and chupan of mango comprising GN1, GN 2, GN 4, GN5, GN6, GN7, GN12 and GN 19. Besides, recipes made using mango including chutney, amchoor, aam papad, juice, murabba and sharbat were also on display at stalls, he said. Among pear, varieties Punjab Soft, Patharnakh, Punjab Gold, Punjab Nectar, Punjab Beauty, Kifar, etc. were unleashed, added Dr Bhullar.

Dr HS Rattanpal, Head, Department of Fruit Science, welcomed the dignitaries and the fruit growers as well as highlighted the accomplishments of the department in the domain of fruit cultivation.

Dr Maninder Singh Bons, Director, Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Hoshiarpur, and Dr Gagandeep Kaur coordinated the programme and proposed a vote of thanks. The Director of Hoshiarpur’s Horticulture Department Sardar Jaswinder Singh also addressed the farmers during the goshti.

On the occasion, several farmers and farm women were felicitated for excellence in fruit cultivation.