Sept 2026 : As a major initiative to promote crop diversification on a large scale in Punjab and further strengthen the state's horticulture sector, Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann today approved the establishment of a Horticulture Knowledge Centre at Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), Ludhiana, with the support of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).
The initiative is part of a Rs 1,300 crore project aimed at expanding horticulture, strengthening value chains and increasing farmers' incomes. Punjab has set a target of expanding the area under horticulture to 16 lakh hectares by 2036.
Chairing a review meeting of the Horticulture Department, Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “The main objective of the project is to expand the area under horticulture and promote horticultural crops through strong value-chain infrastructure. This will not only increase farmers' incomes by bringing crop diversification but will also encourage farmers to adopt sustainable agricultural practices that improve soil health and conserve water.”
He said, “At present, 41.25 lakh hectares in Punjab are under cultivation, of which 5.27 lakh hectares are under horticulture, with a production of 106.10 lakh metric tonnes.”
Mann said horticulture includes the cultivation of fruits, vegetables, spices and aromatic crops, flowers and other commodities. Major fruits grown in the state include kinnow and guava, while potato and peas are among the key vegetables. Beekeeping and mushroom cultivation are also part of the horticulture sector.
He said the Rs 1,300 crore JICA-supported project has been approved with the objective of diversifying horticulture and increasing farmers' incomes. The project is expected to involve investments in machinery, infrastructure, marketing, seeds and research. Under the initiative, the area under horticulture is proposed to increase to 16 lakh hectares by 2036, representing an increase of nearly 300 per cent from the current level.
Focus on Horticulture Development and Farmers' Income
The Chief Minister said the government's key priorities include developing a sustainable horticulture value chain, expanding the area under horticulture and encouraging farmers to improve the diversity and quality of planting material through profitable nurseries.
He said emphasis would also be placed on developing post-harvest management infrastructure, improving market access, strengthening extension services and enhancing technical support systems for farmers.
Mann described the proposed Horticulture Knowledge Centre at Punjab Agricultural University as a comprehensive and significant initiative that would provide institutional support for research, technical knowledge, capacity building and adoption of the latest horticultural practices.
He said the initiative is expected to strengthen the entire horticulture ecosystem, from improved planting material and cultivation to post-harvest management, marketing and market access. It would also create new opportunities to improve the economic condition of farmers while promoting sustainable agricultural practices.
Chief Secretary K.A.P. Sinha, Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister Dr Ravi Bhagat, Agriculture Department Secretary Arshadeep Singh Thind and other senior officials were also present at the meeting.
