PM virtually lays stone for Karnal horticulture varsity’s main campus

The main campus of Maharana Pratap Horticulture University will be constructed on 65 acres at an estimated cost of Rs 421 crore. Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone for the main campus building from Panipat. Simultaneously, a programme was organised in Uchani on Monday. A live broadcast of the foundation stone laying ceremony was shown at the event in Uchani, which was attended by the officials of the Horticulture Department, university authorities, and farmers. The authorities claimed that the university was expected to significantly boost agricultural research and development in Haryana.

Vice-Chancellor Dr Suresh Malhotra, alongside officials, scientists, and farmers, celebrated the historic moment. During the seminar, scientists addressed the farmers, discussing various horticulture-related topics.

Sharing the details about the construction of the campus, Dr Malhotra said the university campus would be constructed in two phases. In the first phase, the main administrative building, academic blocks, library, and research laboratories would be constructed, while in the second phase, construction of residences for staff and the VC, international and student hostels, a multi-purpose hall, gymnasium, amphitheatre, shopping complex, medical care centre, roads, sewage treatment systems, and facilities like a bank, an ATM, and a post office will be made.

The university will specialise in research on horticultural crops, including the development of new varieties, crop protection, and value-added products. It aims to address the challenges faced by farmers in northern India and promote a shift from traditional farming to horticulture. The research outcomes and innovations will be directly shared with farmers, enhancing their productivity and income, said VC Malhotra. The project would incorporate eco-friendly technologies, he added.

Dr Malhotra said the university would be a boon for farmers in the region, offering advanced technologies, improved seeds, and innovative solutions to address horticulture-related challenges.

The main campus would have nine departments, including fruit crops, vegetable crops, flowers and spices, post-harvest management, mushroom research, natural resource management, basic science, and others, he added.