Rajya Sabha MP Urges Centre to Establish Central Horticultural University in Punjab
During the Zero Hour in Parliament, Rajya Sabha MP Satnam Singh Sandhu made a compelling appeal to the central government. He urged the establishment of a Central Horticultural University in Punjab by upgrading the existing Post Graduate Institute of Horticulture Research and Education (PGIHRE) located in Amritsar.
A Decade-Long Delay in Implementation
This proposal traces its origins back to the Union Budget for 2015-16, when then Finance Minister Arun Jaitley first announced the initiative. The vision was clear: to promote horticulture and encourage Punjab's farmers to shift away from the traditional wheat-paddy cycle towards more profitable, high-value horticultural crops.
However, ten years have passed, and the project remains stalled. The primary obstacle has been land acquisition issues, preventing construction from beginning on what was envisioned as a 130-acre campus with an investment of approximately Rs 2,000 crore.
The Economic Potential of Punjab's Horticulture
MP Sandhu highlighted the significant economic contribution of horticulture in Punjab. Despite being cultivated on less than 7% of the state's agricultural land, horticulture produce has seen remarkable growth.
- The value has surged from Rs 6,267 crore in 2011 to over Rs 26,580 crore today.
- This demonstrates immense untapped potential for further expansion and value addition.
Sandhu emphasized that a Central Horticultural University would not only strengthen farmers economically but also provide a modern solution to the saturation of foodgrain-based agriculture in the state.
Proposed Benefits and Strategic Importance
The upgraded institution is expected to play a pivotal role in transforming Punjab's agricultural landscape.
- Advanced Research: With 206 proposed horticulture scientist posts, the university would lead research in fruits, vegetables, and horticulture crops.
- Education and Training: It would offer post-graduate education and specialized training in horticulture sciences.
- Technology Transfer: Facilitating the transfer of advanced technologies to farmers and agro-industries.
- Entrepreneurship: Opening doors for agri-entrepreneurship among Punjab's youth.
Sandhu termed this project a "gift from the Prime Minister" that has unfortunately not been realized on the ground. He urged that it be granted the status of Prime Minister's Central Horticultural University, aligning with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Atmanirbhar Bharat Mission.
Land Acquisition Challenges
The delay stems from specific land-related hurdles:
- Planning and site selection occurred between 2016 and 2021.
- 100 acres were allocated at Attari village in Amritsar district.
- An additional 30 acres at Chhidan village in Tehsil Lopoke faced acquisition delays due to ownership by a single private individual, leading to legal and procedural objections.
Despite the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) marking the land and completing the Social Impact Assessment, a decade has been lost. Sandhu stressed that in 2026, as India moves towards Viksit Bharat, a ten-year-old plan needs urgent revival to address contemporary opportunities and challenges.
A Call for Immediate Action
In his submission, Sandhu asserted that establishing this university would accelerate crop diversification in Punjab. He believes Punjab's farmers can play a significant role in making India self-reliant in horticulture.
The MP's appeal underscores the intersection of agriculture, education, and economic policy, making it a critical issue as Punjab approaches its next electoral cycle. The call is clear: upgrade PGIHRE Amritsar to a Central Horticultural University and ensure its establishment without further delay.
