Haryana launches new PG, PhD programs to boost horticulture research

Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini on May 28 announced new master’s and PhD programs in post-harvest management, plant pest control, and plant diseases as part of efforts to strengthen research and technical expertise in the state’s horticulture sector.

He also inaugurated 14 Horticulture Science Centres under Maharana Pratap Horticulture University, saying the facilities would support farmers with advanced technologies, high-quality planting material, and scientific advisory services.

Saini made the announcements while addressing the inaugural session of a national conference organized by Maharana Pratap Horticulture University and the Lieutenant Amit Memorial Foundation in Karnal.

The conference focused on the theme, “Strategic Paradigm of Quality Seeds and Planting Material for Horticultural Crops in Amritkaal."

During the event, the chief minister presented shields, shawls, and certificates of appreciation to horticulture scientists and progressive farmers.

University Vice-Chancellor Suresh Kumar Malhotra also felicitated Saini, MLAs, and other guests with statues of Maharana Pratap.

Speaking at the conference, Saini highlighted India’s position as the world’s second-largest producer of fruits and vegetables, with annual horticultural production crossing 360 million tonnes.

“Today, India is among the world leaders in the production of fruits such as mango, banana, guava, and pomegranate, as well as vegetables including potato and onion. However, despite high production, the country continues to suffer major economic losses due to deficiencies in quality, grading, disease-free planting material, and post-harvest management,” he said.

He highlighted that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had laid the foundation stone of the main campus of Maharana Pratap Horticulture University on Dec 9, 2024.

“In such a short time, the university has achieved remarkable milestones. Whether in education, research, or farmer services, the institution has established a distinct identity. The technologies developed here, training programs, and continuous interaction with farmers are giving new energy and momentum to Haryana’s horticulture revolution,” he said.

Referring to the Centre’s long-term development roadmap, Saini said the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047 was linked not only to economic growth but also to self-reliant agriculture, food security, scientific innovation, and farmer welfare.

He added that global studies had shown that quality seeds and planting material could improve agricultural productivity by 15% to 25%, emphasizing the importance of scientific crop management and modern supply chain systems.

The Chief Minister said the Haryana government had set a goal of doubling the horticulture sector and tripling production by 2030 to improve farmers’ incomes.

He also said the state had established 13 horticulture centers of excellence and introduced protected prices for 21 horticultural crops, including fruits and vegetables, under the Bhavantar Bharpai Yojana.