Punjab’s High-Quality Winter Vegetables Have Export Potential to USA, Canada, Japan & Australia: PSFC Chairman
Chandigarh: Putting Punjab’s agri and nutrition model on the global map, Punjab State Food Commission (PSFC) Chairman Bal Mukand Sharma highlighted the state’s large-scale Nutrition Garden Campaign and the huge export potential of Punjab’s winter vegetables at an international seminar on ‘Globalization of Punjab Foods and Nutritional Security’ held in Ontario, Canada. He said initiatives like school gardens and Anganwadi Poshan Vatikas are strengthening nutritional security while the winter vegetables have enormous potential for opening new avenues for Punjab’s farmers in global markets.
Neena Tangri, Minister of Business Development, Government of Ontario, and Chairman, Punjab State Food Commission (PSFC), Bal Mukand Sharma graced the occasion as Chief Guests.
In his keynote address, Dr. Gurbachan Singh, former Agriculture Commissioner, Government of India, shared his experiences and emphasized giving a fillip to cash crops, commercial crops, and the horticulture sector. He also advised adoption of bio-fortification and increasing micronutrients like Zinc, Iron, and Magnesium in crops including wheat and rice .
Addressing the gathering, PSFC Chairman Bal Mukand Sharma apprised participants about the ongoing ‘Nutrition Garden Campaign’ in Punjab. Under this initiative, over 5000 schools in the state, with support from the Education Department, are being guided to develop herbal, vegetable, and fruit gardens. The produce from these gardens is also being utilized in mid-day meals.
He further informed that ‘Poshan Vatikas’ are being set up in Anganwadis on the advice of the Food Commission to ensure robust health of children aged 0-3 and 3-6 years, as well as lactating mothers and pregnant women.
In her address, Mrs. Kanchan Sharma, former Assistant Secretary, Punjab School Education Board, and presently Chairperson of Punjab Trade Promotion Council ( PTPC) urged people to strictly adhere to a nutritious diet and reduce salt intake by 1 gram and oil intake by 10 grams daily to maintain good health.
Mr. Sauravdeep, Food Safety Officer, and Mr. Kamaljit Singh Sidhu, Quality Control Expert , advocated for ensuring food quality and improved packaging standards.
Minister Neena Tangri highlighted the ongoing collaboration between the Governments of Ontario and Punjab in food processing, food exports, and vegetables. She recalled that six months ago, a 24-tonne container sent by PAGRO Frozen Foods, Sirhind, Fatehgarh Sahib, carrying frozen fruits, broccoli, cauliflower, carrot, and potato, arrived in Toronto on a trial basis. Due to immense popularity, a repeat order has recently been placed.
Mr. Bal Mukand Sharma further stated that Punjab’s winter vegetables are of unmatched quality. The summer season from April to September naturally neutralizes pests, making the produce suitable for export to markets as far as Indonesia, Philippines, Japan, Canada, USA, and Australia. This, he said, would not only lead to an economic boom for Punjab’s farming community but also bring in valuable foreign exchange. The seminar was hosted by Mr. Jarnail Singh, President, Global Food Choice.
