Under the leadership of CM Bhagwant Singh Mann, Punjab Govt is making steady progress in boosting the horticulture sector.
Punjab Govt: As part of these efforts, Punjab, in collaboration with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), organized a Workshop on Innovative Technology Exchange for the “Promotion of Climate-Resilient and Environmentally Sustainable Horticulture in Punjab (PCRESHP)” at the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) Complex, Chandigarh. The workshop brought together leading experts, stakeholders, and a high-level JICA delegation to share knowledge on sustainable practices and advanced technologies in horticulture.
While addressing the gathering, Horticulture Minister Mohinder Bhagat extended a warm welcome to the JICA delegation, including First Secretary (Food and Agriculture) Mr. Hayase Takechiko, Senior Representative JICA India Mr. Eiji Wakamatsu, Team Leader of the JICA Survey Team Mr. Shinohara Togo, and Development Specialist JICA India Ms. Nishtha Vengurlekar, along with CII Chandigarh Chairperson Mr. Amit Jain. He stressed the significance of Japanese collaboration in modernizing Punjab’s horticulture sector and acknowledged the value of their expertise in advancing innovative, technology-driven practices.
During the discussions with the Punjab Horticulture Minister, the 30-member JICA delegation explored opportunities under the PCRESHP project, focusing on crop diversification, sustainable resource management, and the adoption of modern technologies to improve farmers’ welfare.
Highlighting Punjab’s growing recognition in global horticulture, Mr. Bhagat reiterated the state government’s commitment to equipping farmers with modern technologies and international know-how. “With JICA’s cooperation, Punjab is working to strengthen crop diversification, lower input costs, and improve farmers’ incomes,” he noted.
Punjab Govt,Echoing this commitment, Mr. Hayase Takechiko emphasized Punjab’s vast potential in horticulture and pledged support through Japanese technology, training programs, and sustainable practices that directly benefit farmers.
The workshop featured multiple technical sessions covering areas such as Controlled Environment Horticulture, Agri-Tech Solutions, Low-Carbon and Sustainable Practices, and Academic Collaboration between India and Japan. These sessions offered a platform for in-depth discussions, expert insights, and interactive exchanges aimed at driving innovation and sustainability in Punjab’s horticultural sector.
Participants included companies, research institutions, and universities from India and Japan with expertise in horticultural value chain development, aligning with Punjab’s vision of developing climate-resilient and sustainable horticulture.
Earlier, Mr. Bal Mukand Sharma, Chairman of the Punjab State Food Commission, and Mrs. Shailender Kaur, Director of Horticulture, highlighted various government schemes and support systems available for farmers, including financial assistance, technical guidance, and initiatives designed to strengthen sustainable horticultural practices across the state.
The workshop concluded with a joint commitment from Punjab and Japan to further deepen cooperation in the horticulture sector, ensuring farmer-centric, sustainable growth. The event was also attended by Mr. Mohinder Singh Sidhu, Chairman PUNSEED, senior officials of the Horticulture Department, agricultural scientists, and representatives from farmers’ organizations.