Make use of fruit processing facilities, experts to farmers

LUDHIANA: A one-day guava show-cum-seminar was organised today at the Regional Fruit Research Station, Bahadurgarh, by the Department of Fruit Science, Punjab Agricultural University, with the aim of acquainting farmers and fruit growers with the knowledge regarding fruit cultivation and problems associated with the crop.

Various varieties of guavas on display during an exhibition organised by PAU in Ludhiana on Thursday. Tribune Photo

Tribune News Service
Ludhiana, December 6

A one-day guava show-cum-seminar was organised today at the Regional Fruit Research Station, Bahadurgarh, by the Department of Fruit Science, Punjab Agricultural University, with the aim of acquainting farmers and fruit growers with the knowledge regarding fruit cultivation and problems associated with the crop. The experts threw light on the research work going on to improve different fruit crops, especially guava.

Chief Guest, Dr BS Dhillon, Vice-Chancellor, Punjab Agricultural University advised the farmers to produce as well as process fruits so that the problems associated with marketing may be tackled.

On this occasion, MIS Gill, Additional Director of Research, PAU, shared the research work and achievements of the Punjab Agricultural University with the audience.

While starting the technical session, Dr Harminder Singh, Head, Department of Fruit Science, PAU, outlined the importance and scope of guava cultivation in the state. Apart from this, Dr R S Boora, Director, Regional Fruit Research Station, Bahadurgarh(Patiala).

Dr Poonam A Sachdeva shared the nutritional importance and processing potential of guava crop. She also urged the farmers to make use of opportunities and facilities of processing.

Dr JS Brar, Senior Horticulturist, elaborated the nutritional aspects, pruning and training and orchard floor management in guava for better fruit yield and quality. Dr SK Jawanda, Horticulturist, threw light on the post-harvest handling of guava.

Sandeep Singh, Assistant Entomologist, and Dr Anita Arora, Assistant Plant Pathologist, PAU, discussed the management strategies of pests and diseases respectively. Dr SS Mann, Assistant Director (Horticulture), Patiala, shared the development schemes of the Department. Karan Bir Singh Gill scientist from PAU Ludhiana coordinated the stage and proposed vote of thanks.

An exhibition regarding different guava varieties and other fruit crops was also arranged by the research station. On this occasion RS Boora was facilitated for his contribution in horticulture in Punjab.