The Department of Fruit Science, Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), organized a one-day training programme on “Dragon Fruit Cultivation” in Punjab for the scientists of PAU. In this training programme, 22 scientists from Krishi Vigyan Kendras, Farm Advisory Service Centres and Research Stations participated. The trainings were being conducted for the farmers and extension scientists for the transfer of technology under the project sanctioned by the National Horticulture Mission.
Dr Jaswinder Singh Brar, Principal Fruit Scientist of the department, observed that the dragon fruit was now emerging as a super fruit worldwide owing to its numerous health benefits and nutritional properties. However, due to high initial investment and unique production technology for raising this fruit crop, technical knowledge was of utmost importance for its successful cultivation, he stressed. Dr Brar urged the scientists to disseminate the scientific tips to the farmers for higher production and better quality of this exotic fruit crop.
Dr Sanjula Sharma, Biochemist, elaborated the biochemical properties of dragon fruit and their importance in human health. Dr Sharma shared that red pulped dragon fruit contained high amount of antioxidants. In addition, the dragon fruit seeds contained a high proportion of essential fatty acids, especially linoleic acid.
Dr Harpreet Singh and Dr Sandeep Singh, fruit science experts, explained various disease and insect problems in dragon fruit and their management strategies, respectively. The participants also visited the experimental area of dragon fruit at Fruit Research Farm and discussed the problems being faced by the dragon fruit growers in their respective districts.
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