Two-day Chrysanthemum Show kicks off at Punjab Agricultural University

The two-day 28th Chrysanthemum Show competition-cum-sale, showcasing multi-hued varieties of chrysanthemum with a fine floral texture and infusing the public with voluptuous delight, drew an overwhelming response from flower lovers, nature enthusiasts, amateurs, educational institutions and nurseries on the opening day at Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) on Tuesday.

The show has been organised by the Department of Floriculture and Landscaping (DFL), PAU, in association with the Estate Organisation of the university as a towering tribute to an eminent Punjabi poet, Bhai Vir Singh, whose poetry echoed a constant mention of the unsurpassed beauty of chrysanthemums.

Inaugurating the show, the chief guest, Dr Satbir Singh Gosal, Vice-Chancellor, PAU, lauded the unbridled efforts and interest of the DFL in the development of the countless multi-coloured chrysanthemum varieties and for putting-up a great show of floral display every year, drawing large crowds from the city and other parts of the state.

“The floral diversity at the PAU is not only restricted to the traditional flowers but is catching-up its roots with the introduction of exotic flowers such as tulips, Iris hollandica, orchids, hyacinths, etc. as well,” said Dr Gosal.

Realisation of the varietal and technology value, equipped by the PAU, has provided a stable footing to flower growers across Punjab, observed PAU VC, while promoting floriculture as a lucrative and prosperous venture.

Guests of honour Dr APS Gill, former professor of Floriculture, PAU, and ex-national consultant of Floriculture, Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA); and Dr JS Arora, former head of the DFL, applauded floriculture experts for setting high standards and advocating diversification for the introduction of new varieties and crops.

Dr Parminder Singh, Head, DFL, called the Chrysanthemum Show a rich legacy, preserved and forwarded by the PAU since 1996.

He further disclosed the release of a new variety ‘Gul-E-Sahir’ named after a prominent Indian poet Sahir Ludhianvi, who had a deep-rooted connection with his birthplace Ludhiana. With the display of flower pots of over 90 varieties of chrysanthemum, the show has invited 12 classes for competition (incurved, reflexed, spider, decorative, pompon, button, single/double Korean, spoon, anemone, etc.), including specially trained chrysanthemum and pot arrangement, said Dr Singh. Welcoming the unprecedented response to the show, Dr Singh said the scientists-visitors’ interaction on cultivation techniques for ornamental plants was also one of the highlights of the show.

Chrysanthemum varieties, namely Winter Queen, Autumn Joy, Punjab Shingar, Reagan White, Kelvin Tattoo, Royal Purple, Mother Teresa, Yellow Charm, etc, added to the charm and raised the spirits of onlookers.