Sangrur, June 08- The Punjab Agricultural University’s Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Sangrur celebrated Field Day on the newly released watermelon variety ‘Punjab Mithas’ at the farm of progressive farmer Karnail Singh of Village Kheri, District Sangrur. The event was conducted to promote the cultivation of this new variety amongst farming community. More than 50 farmers, including both farmers and farm women, from different villages of the district participated in the programme.
The Field Day was organized under the able guidance of Dr. Mandeep Singh, Incharge, PAU-KVK Sangrur, with the main objective of creating awareness amongst farmers about the role of vegetables in crop diversification, newly developed vegetable varieties, and improved production technologies.
During the programme, Dr. Mandeep Singh highlighted the importance of vegetable production in crop diversification and informed the farmers about the newly released watermelon variety ‘Punjab Mithas’. He stated that farmers can produce their own seed of this variety, making it a cost-effective option compared to watermelon hybrids marketed by private companies. He also briefed the participants about various horticultural extension activities being undertaken by KVK for the promotion of horticulture in the district. He also stressed on balanced use of fertilizers in horticultural crops for enhancing the soil fertility and production of horticultural crops.
Dr. Ravinder Kaur, Associate Professor (Horticulture), provided detailed information regarding the cultivation practices of "Punjab Mithas". She informed the farmers that this variety can be sown during the second fortnight of February and gives its first harvest in about 99 days. She further explained that the fruits are medium-sized (3–3.5 kg), with deep red flesh and fewer seeds (approximately 300 seeds per fruit). The variety possesses excellent taste, quality, and sweetness. Due to its thick rind, the fruits can be transported easily to distant markets. The average yield of the variety is around 179 quintals per acre.
Dr. Vitasta, Assistant Professor (Home Science), shared information about the nutritional value of watermelon and various value-added products that can be prepared from it.
During the interactive session, farmers raised several queries related to watermelon cultivation and marketing. The experts provided scientific and satisfactory answers to all the questions.
At the end of the programme, the participants were taken on a field visit to the demonstration plot of the new watermelon variety ‘Punjab Mithas’. Farmers observed its characteristics closely, discussed its performance in detail, and tasted the fruits.