Chandigarh, July 30 : Punjab Horticulture Minister S. Chetan Singh Jouramajra today called upon farmers to embrace fructiferous sapling plantation, saying that these saplings are being provided at affordable rates through the Horticulture Department. He said that this initiative is part of a broader strategy to promote crop diversification across the state.
While highlighting that the current monsoon season will present an optimal window for planting fruit-bearing trees, S. Chetan Singh Jouramajra said that this approach will offer a sustainable alternative to the traditional wheat-paddy crop rotation, which led to significant groundwater depletion in the region.
The Horticulture Minister specifically recommended the cultivation of various fruit trees, including mango, guava, litchi, chiku, citrus varieties, jamun, bael and jackfruit. He noted that these saplings are readily available at government-operated nurseries under the Horticulture Department at reasonable prices.
Meanwhile, Director Horticulture Mrs. Shailender Kaur, IFS said that farmers seeking more information can contact the department’s Nodal Officer on mobile number 7508018803.
Noting the multifaceted benefits of fruit tree cultivation, the Director outlined advantages such as environmental preservation, water conservation, crop diversification, substantial increase in farmers’ income.
Mrs. Shailender Kaur reiterated Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Mann-led government’s commitment to supporting Punjab’s agricultural community in adopting more sustainable and economically viable farming practices, stating that this initiative is part of broader efforts to address environmental concerns while enhancing the economic prospects of the state’s farming sector.
