In a bid to supplement the income of the farmers of border areas through cultivation of fruits under the ambitious crop persification program of the state government, the Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal today announced that the state government would soon set up a state-of-the art ‘National Centre of Excellence for Horticulture’ in this town of the border district. The Chief Minister visited the Government Garden and nursery here today and had detailed deliberations with the officers regarding the setting up this center. He said that this ultra modern ‘National Centre of Excellence for Horticulture’ could act as a game changer for the farmers by enhancing their income considerably through the cultivation of fruits and vegetables. Mr. Badal asked the officers to ensure that this centre must be equipped with hi-end technologies so that extensive research could be carried out for producing high yielding varieties of fruits and vegetables from this place.
The Chief Minister further said that this Center of excellence must have high tech poly-house for vegetable nursery and a high tech nursery for every fruit including citrus adding that it should also demonstrate the technology of cultivating fruits and vegetables so that the farmers could maximize their profit. He also asked the officers to prepare a Detailed Project Report for this ambitious project so that it could be pursued with the Union Government. Dwelling on another issue, Mr. Badal asked the officers of Horticulture department to encourage the farmers for cultivating the fruits and vegetables that were best suited for the climate of the region. He said that the cultivation of fruits like Peers, Peach and Guava that could give high yield in the region could transform the destiny of the farmers of this region by enhancing their income manifolds.
Likewise, the Chief Minister said that the land of this nursery, which was proximate to the border, must also be aptly utilized by constructing National Museum for Horticulture on the pattern of one constructed in Orissa. He said that this museum must depict the techniques of Horticulture adopted across the country through live and monumental presentations, so that people coming to visit border could be attracted towards it. “Apart from developing this site as a harbinger of horticulture revolution in the state efforts must also be made to develop it as a favorite recreational spot for the tourist” he added.
Welcoming the Chief Minister, Deputy Director of Horticulture Department Dr Baj Singh apprised him that established in 1935, this nursery was spread over about 100 acres of land. He said that they were making strenuous efforts to promote cultivation of peers amongst the farmers as it was paying rich pidends to them. Dr. Baj Singh also apprised the Chief Minister that they were also encouraging the farmers for self marketing of their harvest so that they could maximize their profit. The Chief Minister was accompanied by Cabinet Minister Mr. Gulzar Singh Ranike, his Special Principal Secretary Mr. Ajoy Sharma, Inspector General of Police Mr. Ishwar Chander and Deputy Commissioner Mr. Ravi Bhagat.