The government of Punjab, under Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, is focusing on enhancing the economic status of farmers through crop diversification, particularly in horticulture. Encouragement is given to farmers for the increased cultivation of fruits, vegetables, and flowers. A notable initiative has been the exportation of litchi to foreign markets, marking a first for the state. This initiative was supported by the Horticulture Department and the Agriculture and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), with the inaugural consignment of litchis from Rakesh Dadwal, a farmer from Muradpur village, Pathankot district, sent to England.

Litchi cultivation spans 3,250 hectares in Punjab, producing around 13,000 metric tons. The semi-hill districts of Pathankot, Gurdaspur, and Hoshiarpur offer a conducive environment for litchi cultivation, yielding fruits with a distinctive dark red color and sweetness. This export venture aims to enhance the profitability of litchi growers and sets a precedent for the future exportation of other horticultural crops.

The area dedicated to horticulture in Punjab has expanded to 481,616 hectares, with orchard and vegetable cultivation witnessing substantial growth. The state budget has allocated Rs 253 crore to further support horticulture, including the establishment of five new horticulture estates and the introduction of the 'Bah Antar Pajt Yojana' for risk reduction among horticulture producers. Furthermore, the government is promoting sustainable practices among farmers, such as drip irrigation and the use of plastic crates for vegetable cultivation, by providing subsidies.

These efforts have led to recognition at the Scotch Awards 2023, where Punjab secured five semi-final positions, including a silver award in horticulture. The Center of Excellence for Vegetables in Kartarpur has been instrumental in increasing farmers' incomes through innovations such as an on-farm cold room. Additionally, the recruitment of 336 positions, including 111 Horticulture Development Officers, is planned to strengthen the department and promote further crop diversification, moving away from the traditional wheat-paddy cycle to conserve water and reduce environmental pollution.

Source - https://www.freshplaza.com