The Punjab Government, led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, is actively working to expand the horticulture sector in the state and strengthen farmers economically. Under the guidance of Horticulture Minister Shri Mohinder Bhagat, the horticulture department remained committed to providing comprehensive support to farmers in adopting crop diversification and took various initiatives in 2024.
The Minister Bhagat highlighted significant achievements, underscoring the government’s dedication to rural empowerment and agricultural innovation. He informed that Punjab has achieved the top position in the country under the Agricultural Infrastructure Fund (AIF) with 19,408 projects and ₹4,478 crore in term loans sanctioned, showcasing its dedication to agricultural development.
Mr.Bhagat shared that, with a strong emphasis on crop diversification, Punjab has expanded its horticulture area from 4,39,210 to 4,81,616 hectares. Another key achievement added by the Minister was Punjab's recognition at the Skoch National Awards 2024, where the state won the Silver Award for its sericulture project, Women Empowerment and Socio-Economic Growth through Sericulture.
He informed that Punjab has achieved a significant milestone by exporting litchi from the sub-mountainous districts of Pathankot, Gurdaspur and Hoshiarpur to England (UK). This remarkable achievement, facilitated by the Horticulture Department in collaboration with the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), underscores the state's efforts to promote its horticultural produce on the global stage. With litchi cultivation spanning 3,250 hectares and producing approximately 13,000 metric tons annually, this step is set to boost farmers' incomes and open new avenues for future exports. Mr. Bhagat added that three new horticultural estates have been established in Punjab to help farmers and improve agriculture.
These new estates include a pear estate in Amritsar, a guava estate in Patiala, and a litchi estate in Pathankot. The Minister stated that under the National Horticulture Mission, farmers are being provided financial assistance for various activities, including planting new orchards, cultivating vegetables and flowers, mushroom farming, beekeeping, adopting safe farming practices, and implementing post-harvest management
He also informed that several Centres of Excellence have been established to promote vegetable and fruit farming across various districts. These include the Centre of Excellence for Vegetables in Kartarpur, Jalandhar, the Hi-Tech Vegetable Seed Centre in Bir Charik, Moga, the Centre of Excellence for Fruits (Nimbu) in Khanaura, Hoshiarpur, the Centre of Excellence for Potato in Dhogri, Jalandhar and the Centre of Excellence for Onion at Kheri village in Sangrur district have been established.
The Minister shared remarkable progress in sericulture, revealing that the price of cocoons has risen from ₹550 to ₹1,250 per kilogram. This increase ensures better earnings for farmers, especially women, who constitute over 60% of the workforce in this sector.
Regarding infrastructure development, Minister Bhagat stated that annual cocoon production has reached 29,000 kilograms. He added that government has reactivated the Silk Seed Production Centre in Dalhousie to provide high-quality silk seeds at nominal prices to farmers, fostering self-reliance and growth.
Mr.Bhagat also highlighted the inaugural Silk Mark Expo 2024 in Chandigarh, which showcased exceptional silk craftsmanship and bolstered the silk trade. “Events like these not only promote regional artisans and traders but also underscore Punjab’s pivotal role in uplifting rural communities through sericulture and horticulture,” he remarked.
Looking to the future, Minister Bhagat outlined plans to establish an exclusive Punjab Silk brand and set up silk reeling units to enhance value addition and increase farmer incomes. “Our government remains steadfast in its mission to expand silk farming,empower rural communities, and elevate Punjab’s horticulture and sericulture sectors to new heights,” he concluded.