Chrysanthemum show at farm varsity a treat for eyes

Tribune News Service

Ludhiana, December 3

A two-day chrysanthemum show kicked off at Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) today.

Multiple varieties of chrysanthemum in varied hues presented a rich feast to the eyes of spectators. The department of floriculture and landscaping, PAU, and Estate Organisation jointly organised the show in the memory of Punjabi poet Bhai Vir Singh, who mentioned chrysanthemums in several of his poems.

About 3,000 pots with more than 150 varieties of chrysanthemum of various categories have been displayed for the visitors at the show.

Inaugurating the show, Vice Chancellor Baldev Singh Dhillon said: “Flowers are nature’s prettiest gift to mankind. Flowers enrich the surroundings and help in improving and beautifying the environment.” Paying tributes to Bhai Vir Singh, he appealed to students and staff to spread the message of harmony and peace.

Kiranjeet Kaur Dhatt, head, Department of Floriculture and Landscaping, said the department had released 20 varieties of chrysanthemum and was a leading centre of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) for conducting research on this flower.

Parminder Singh, coordinator of the show, said a competition of 14 classes of chrysanthemum was also held during the show, which received as many as 300 entries. The prize distribution ceremony will be conducted on December 4. “The major aim of the show is to make people aware of the beauty of chrysanthemum flowers for landscape use and commercial venture,” Parminder said. People could also buy flowering pots of chrysanthemum at the show, he added.

Major participants of the show included schools, namely DAV Public School, Pakhowal Road and BRS Nagar branches; Guru Nanak Public School, Model Town and Birmi branches; Delhi Public School; Police DAV Public School; and nurseries namely Bagicha Nursery, Hara Nursery, Raj Nursery (Ludhiana) and Verka Milk Plant.