India’s Punjab is making notable progress in expanding its agricultural trade, with a special focus on horticulture and crop diversification to enhance the economic stability of its farmers. Under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, the state has been actively promoting the cultivation of high-value fruits, vegetables, and flowers. A standout achievement is the successful export of litchi, marking a significant milestone for Punjab’s agricultural trade.
In collaboration with the Horticulture Department and the Agriculture and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), Punjab sent its first-ever consignment of litchis, grown by farmer Rakesh Dadwal from Muradpur village in Pathankot, to England. This export opens new doors for Punjab’s horticultural products in international markets and offers enhanced profitability for local farmers.
Punjab’s litchi cultivation spans 3,250 hectares, producing approximately 13,000 metric tons annually. The semi-hill districts of Pathankot, Gurdaspur, and Hoshiarpur provide an optimal environment for litchi production, yielding fruit with a unique dark red color and exceptional sweetness. This successful export venture sets the stage for further exports of other horticultural crops from Punjab, which could increase the state’s presence in global trade.
The state is also seeing a growth in its horticultural footprint, with 481,616 hectares now dedicated to orchards and vegetable farming. With a budget allocation of Rs 253 crore, the government is investing in the future of horticulture through the establishment of five new horticultural estates and the introduction of the ‘Bah Antar Pajt Yojana’ to help mitigate risks for producers. The state is further encouraging sustainable agricultural practices, such as drip irrigation and the use of plastic crates for vegetable cultivation, by offering financial subsidies.
These initiatives have led to recognition on the international stage, including five semi-final positions at the Scotch Awards 2023, with a silver award for horticulture. The Center of Excellence for Vegetables in Kartarpur has played a key role in increasing farmers’ incomes through innovations like on-farm cold rooms. Additionally, the state is strengthening its horticulture department with the recruitment of 336 new positions, including 111 Horticulture Development Officers, to promote crop diversification and reduce the environmental impact of traditional farming cycles.
Punjab’s growing success in horticulture and its expanding agricultural exports are set to elevate its position in global trade, creating new opportunities for local farmers and boosting India’s agricultural economy.
#ITCNewsUpdates #BreakingNews #AgriculturalTrade #HorticultureGrowth #ExportOpportunities #SustainableFarming