Chrysanthemum show begins, 100 varieties on display
Tribune News Service
Ludhiana, November 28
The 23rd Chrysanthemum Show (competition-cum-sale) organised by the Department of Floriculture and Landscaping in collaboration with the Estate Organisation, PAU, commenced today.
Around 3,000 flower pots of more than 100 varieties of chrysanthemum were put on display. It was a visual treat for visitors and flower lovers from across the city.
Dr BS Dhillon, Vice-Chancellor, PAU, was the chief guest and released the books on floriculture “Guldadian” by Dr Madhu Bala and Dr HS Grewal, “Sajawati buteiyan di landscape vich warton” by Dr RK Dubey and Dr HS Grewal and brochure on Dr MS Randhawa Bougainvillea Garden by Dr Ranjit Singh and Dr Tanya Thakur.
Dr Dhillon highlighted the importance of flowers and said they were not just beautifying factors but also act as stress relievers.
He urged the visitors to grow more flowers and encouraged them to consult the department for commercial flower cultivation in the state.
Dr Navtej Singh Bains, Director Research, PAU, informed about the release of two new varieties of chrysanthemum “Punjab Shingar” for loose flower production and “Punjab Mohini” for pot culture this year. Dr Bains said the show has been organised every year from 1996 in the memory of renowned Punjabi poet Bhai Vir Singh, who had great love for flowers and had written a poem “Guldadian Aaiyan”.
“The university is also providing two certificate courses in floriculture and landscaping and nursery production of ornamental plants,” he said.
Dr HS Grewal, Head, Department of Floriculture and Landscaping said, “The PAU is a leading centre of the ICAR for development of new varieties and production technologies for commercial flowers, including chrysanthemum, gladiolus, marigold and rose, among others.”
Dr Madhu Bala said, the department has released 19 varieties of chrysanthemum, including Yellow Charm, Mother Teresa, Punjab Gold, Anmol, Royal Purple, Reagan Emperor, Reagan White, Baggi, Birbal Sahni, Ratlam Selection, Punjab Shyamli which were put on display.
Dr Premjit Singh, Senior Plant Pathologist, gave tips on disease management for improving quality of flowers.
Dr Parminder Singh, coordinator of the show, shared details of the competition among 14 different categories of standard (Japanese) and spray (Korean) chrysanthemum held during the show.
Major participants in the competition are DAV Public School (BRS Nagar), DAV Public School, Pakhowal Road, Ludhiana, Guru Nanak Public (Model Town Extension), Guru Nanak Public (Sarabha Nagar), Guru Nanak Public, Birmi (Ludhiana), Municipal Corporation, Ludhiana, Verka Milk Plant, Ludhiana.
Dr SS Johal, guest of honour and first chancellor, Central University of Punjab, retired eminent Professors Dr Ajaypal Singh Gill, Dr JS Arora, Dr Ramesh Kumar, Dr Ashok Kumar, Dr Mandhir Singh, retired XEN (horticulture) Hari Singh Sandhu, Dr JS Bilga, faculty and students among others were also present on the occasion.
