In an active step to address growing concerns about Citrus Greening disease and its impact on fruit cultivation, the Department of Fruit Science at Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) organized a one-day brainstorming workshop under the leadership of Dr Ajmer Singh Dhatt, Director of Research.
Dr Satbir Singh Gosal, Vice-Chancellor of PAU, who was the chief guest, congratulated the Department of Fruit Science for organizing the program. He noted that citrus crops contributed significantly to Punjab’s economy, particularly in the South-Western region. However, he cautioned that new challenges arising from changing soil and climatic conditions necessitate a deeper examination of scientific facts, with a special focus on achieving quality production alongside high yields. He also stressed the importance of diversification in horticultural crops.
Mrs Shailender Kaur, Director of Horticulture, Punjab, and Mr Ranbir Singh, Chief Executive Officer of PAGREXCO, were present as Special Guests.
Earlier, the workshop was inaugurated by Dr MS Bhullar, Director of Extension Education, who delivered the welcome address as well. He highlighted the critical importance of the workshop for fruit scientists, agricultural experts, progressive farmers, and extension specialists, emphasizing the need to find sustainable and technology-based solutions to combat the rising threat of citrus greening.
Mrs Shailender Kaur spoke about the nutritional and economic significance of citrus fruits and shared information on the initiatives being undertaken by the Horticulture Department. She urged for increased focus on research to reduce post-harvest losses.
Mr Ranbir Singh shared valuable insights on marketing and the effective sale of fruits in global markets. He emphasized special efforts to fully implement fruit production techniques, specifically relating to the nutritional requirements of orchards and the precautions to be taken during harvest, to ensure that quality fruit reaches distant markets. He also detailed the initiatives being carried out by Punjab Agro.
Dr HS Rattanpal, Head, Department of Fruit Science, stated that citrus greening is one of the most destructive diseases affecting citrus fruits worldwide. He explained that the disease is caused by a bacterium and spread by the Citrus Psylla insect. The symptoms include the appearance of dark green blotches on plant leaves and the fruits remaining permanently greenish in color, he said.
In the technical session, Dr Mini Singh led a discussion on the importance of utilizing citrus fruit residue/waste, explaining in detail the valuable products that can be manufactured from them. Other scientists who shared their views included Dr Gurteg Singh, Principal Fruit Scientist; Dr Urmila, Head, Department of Microbiology; Dr Sandeep Singh, Principal Entomologist; Dr Anita Arora, Principal Plant Pathologist; and Dr Gurupkar Singh, Principal Biotechnologist.
Concluding the workshop, Dr Dhatt congratulated all participants on the event’s success. He called upon the scientists and officials to develop further techniques for improved horticultural production in Punjab and to conduct comprehensive research for the prevention of Citrus Greening. Dr Dhatt also underscored the urgent need for extension specialists and farmers to be aware of the disease, as there is currently no permanent cure. He encouraged the extension experts present to maintain continuous liaison with the orchardists.
The event proceedings were smoothly managed by Dr Gagandeep Kaur, Principal Fruit Scientist.
Dr Sandeep Singh proposed a vote of thanks. The workshop was organized with the assistance of the AICRP on Fruits and all the scientists working in this scheme participated in workshop.
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