In a recent visit to the Centre of Excellence in Jalandhar, Punjab's Horticulture Minister Mahinder Bhagat, alongside Deputy Commissioner Dr. Himanshu Agarwal, underscored the importance of branding Punjab's potato seeds globally. The Centre, which functions under the Indo-Israel and Indo-Dutch work plans, is a hub for advanced potato seed cultivation, particularly in Dhogri under the Indo-Dutch plan. Bhagat highlighted the potential for boosting potato farmers' income through exports and domestic sales, noting that Punjab allocates approximately 117,066 hectares annually for potato cultivation, with 60 to 65 percent dedicated to seed production. This production is vital for supplying high-quality seeds nationwide.
Additionally, Bhagat visited the Centre of Excellence for Vegetables in Kartarpur, where he delved into modern agricultural practices, including safe farming, the use of modern machinery, and hydroponics. He advocated for a shift among farmers from traditional crops to diversified, less water-intensive crops, emphasizing the Punjab government's support for adopting high-tech farming methods. Deputy Commissioner Agarwal committed to connecting more farmers with the Centre to promote crop diversification.
Source: Punjab News