Fazilka farmers diversifying to horticulture

Our Correspondent

Fazilka, August 26

Progressive farmers in Fazilka district are diversifying to horticulture owing to its high remuneration and steep fall in the prices of traditional crops like paddy and cotton.

Official sources said according to the latest survey, the area under horticulture in Fazilka district has increased to 1,272 hectares this year. It has enhanced from 28,041 hectares to 29,313 hectares. The area under citrus fruit kinnow, which requires less irrigation, has been increasing in the semi-arid climatic zone of Fazilka district. Out of the total 1,272 hectares, kinnow has been sown in 1,202 hectares alone.

Sources said flourishing market for kinnow in southern states of the country had driven farmers in the north to increase area under kinnow cultivation.

Ravinder Singh, Deputy Commissioner, Fazilka, said under the diversification mission of the government, stress had been laid to increase the area under horticulture. “The farmers are also offered subsidy to the tune of Rs 20,000 per acres for opting horticulture under the National Horticulture Mission,” said the DC.

Jaspal Singh Bhatti, Deputy Director, Horticulture, claimed that the Regional Research Centre at Abohar and Citrus Estate in Tahliwala Jattan village of the district were playing vital role to educate and motivate farmers for horticulture diversification.