The Punjab Government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, continues to take significant strides to strengthen the horticulture sector. In this direction, Punjab and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) jointly organised a Workshop on Innovative Technology Exchange with Stakeholders for “Promotion of Climate-Resilient and Environmentally Sustainable Horticulture in Punjab (PCRESHP)” at the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) Complex, Sector 31, Chandigarh.
The event brought together experts, stakeholders, and a high-level delegation from JICA to explore sustainable practices and advanced technologies in horticulture.
While addressing the workshop, Horticulture Minister Mr. Mohinder Bhagat warmly welcomed the distinguished JICA delegation, including First Secretary (Food and Agriculture) Mr. Hayase Takechiko, Senior Representative JICA India Mr. Eiji Wakamatsu, Team Leader of the JICA Survey Team Mr. Shinohara Togo, and Development Specialist JICA India Ms. Nishtha Vengurlekar.
The Minister also welcomed Chairperson CII Chandigarh Mr. Amit Jain. He expressed his pleasure at the presence of the Japanese delegation, highlighting the importance of their expertise and collaboration in advancing Punjab’s horticulture sector through technology exchange and innovative practices.
The visiting 30 members JICA delegation called on Punjab Horticulture Minister Mohinder Bhagat and discussed collaboration under the Punjab Crop Residue Efficient and Sustainable Horticulture Project (PCRESHP). The deliberations focused on advanced practices in crop diversification, sustainable resource management, and the use of upgraded technology for the welfare of farmers.
Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Mohinder Bhagat said that Punjab’s horticulture is gaining global recognition, and the state government is committed to providing farmers with modern technology and international expertise. “With JICA’s support, Punjab aims to further strengthen crop diversification, reduce input costs, and enhance farmers’ income,” he added.
At the event, First Secretary (Food and Agriculture) Mr. Hayase Takechiko said Punjab has immense potential in horticulture and assured support with advanced Japanese technology, training, and sustainable practices to benefit farmers directly. Various sessions were held during the workshop, covering themes such as New Technologies in Controlled Environment Horticulture, Providing Solutions Using Agri-Tech, Actions Towards Low-Carbon and Sustainable Horticulture, and Promoting Academic Collaboration Between India and Japan.
These sessions provided a platform for expert presentations, discussions, and interactive exchanges, aimed at promoting innovation, sustainability, and international collaboration in Punjab’s horticultural sector. Invitees included companies, research institutes, and universities from Japan and India with technologies relevant to horticultural value chain development, which can support the goal of developing sustainable and climate-resilient horticulture in Punjab.
Earlier, the Chairman of the Punjab State Food Commission is Mr.Bal Mukand Sharma and Punjab Horticulture Director, Mrs. Shailender Kaur, also highlighted the various support schemes and assistance available to farmers through the Horticulture Department, including technical guidance, financial aid, and initiatives aimed at promoting sustainable and climate-resilient horticultural practices across the state.
The workshop concluded with a commitment from both sides to further deepen Punjab–Japan cooperation in the horticulture sector, paving the way for sustainable and farmer-centric growth in the state. The event was graced by the presence of Mr. Mohinder Singh Sidhu, Chairman, PUNSEED, along with senior officers of the Horticulture Department, agricultural scientists and representatives of various farmer organisations.