PAU Secures NABARD-Sponsored Project to Popularize Dragon Fruit Cultivation

Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) has taken a significant step towards popularizing dragon fruit cultivation among farmers with the release of two new varieties of the fruit. This move comes as part of the university's efforts to diversify agricultural practices and promote high-value crops in the region. Following this development, the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) has allocated funds for a project aimed at promoting dragon fruit cultivation in the Faridkot district.

The project, sanctioned to the Regional Research Station (RRS) in Faridkot and PAU in Ludhiana, is a collaborative effort to introduce dragon fruit farming to the region. It will involve providing support to farmers through various means, including financial assistance for initial setup, intensive training sessions, technical guidance, educational materials, and exposure visits. This holistic approach aims to empower farmers with the knowledge and resources needed to establish successful dragon fruit enterprises.

Mr. Amandeep Keshav, Project Director, will oversee the collaboration between the Agricultural Technology Management Agency (ATMA) in Faridkot and the project team. This partnership underscores the importance of collective efforts in promoting sustainable agricultural practices and fostering rural development.

In Punjab Condition, the newly introduced verities Red Dragon 1 and White Dragon 1 bear are available from July through November. After four years of planting, their average output is 8.35 kg/pillar and 8.75 kg/pillar, respectively.

Dr. Satbir Singh Gosal, Vice-Chancellor of PAU, along with Dr. AS Dhatt, Director of Research, and Dr. Kuldeep Singh, Director of RRS in Faridkot, commended the team involved in securing the project. Dr. Amardeep Kaur, Principal Investigator from RRS Faridkot, and Dr. Jaswinder Singh Brar, Co-Principal Investigator from the Department of Fruit Science at PAU Ludhiana, were lauded for their contributions. Their dedication and expertise will play a crucial role in the successful implementation of the project.

The initiative holds promise not only for the agricultural sector but also for the economic growth of the region. By promoting the cultivation of high-value crops like dragon fruit, PAU aims to enhance farmers' income and contribute to overall rural prosperity. As the project takes shape, stakeholders remain optimistic about its potential to transform the agricultural landscape of Faridkot and beyond.