The Department of Fruit Science, Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), organized a one-day training programme on 29.11.2024 “Dragon Fruit Cultivation in Punjab” for the farmers. In this training programme, 30 farmers from different districts of Punjab participated to gain knowledge about technical aspects for commercial cultivation of this exotic fruit crop in Punjab.
Dr Jaswinder Singh Brar, Principal Fruit Scientist of the department, said 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 observed. The trainings were being conducted for the farmers and extension scientists for the transfer of technology under the project sanctioned by National Horticulture Mission, he informed. Dr Brar also urged the farmers to follow the scientific tips for higher production and better quality of dragon fruit.
On this occasion, Dr Harmail Singh, Deputy Director (Horticulture), SAS Nagar, Mohali shared the importance and scope of fruit cultivation in the state and apprised the farmers of the development schemes of the Department of Horticulture, Punjab. Dr Singh also urged the farmers to adopt diversified farming in the state.
Dr Sanjula Sharma, Biochemist, explained 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, he added.
Dr Trina Adhikary, Assistant Professor, College of Horticulture and Forestry, elaborated the current status of dragon fruit cultivation with special reference to India and its future prospectus in Punjab. Dr Adhikary also explained post-harvest handling and processing of this valuable fruit.
Dr Harpreet Singh and Dr Sandeep Singh 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.
Read more: https://www.pau.edu/index.php?_act=manageEvent&DO=viewEventDetail&dataE=datae&intID=10022
