CHANDIGARH, April 20, 2026: In a major push towards transforming Punjab’s agricultural landscape, Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann has announced plans to establish a dedicated Horticulture Experience and Learning Center in the state. The proposed centre will be developed on the lines of the globally renowned World Horti Center ecosystem, aiming to promote crop diversification and modern, technology-driven farming practices.
The initiative comes after the Chief Minister’s recent visit to the Netherlands as part of an investment promotion outreach, where he explored advanced agricultural systems and sustainable horticulture models.
Learning from Global Best Practices in Horticulture
During his visit, Bhagwant Mann toured the World Horti Center (WHC) in Westland, a global hub for greenhouse horticulture innovation. He was welcomed by senior officials, including CEO Puck van Holsteijn and international business experts, who showcased the integrated model that combines research, education, industry collaboration, and cutting-edge technology.
The Chief Minister described the experience as highly insightful, noting how the Netherlands has successfully transformed traditional agriculture into a highly productive and sustainable sector through innovation and collaboration.
He highlighted that greenhouse and controlled-environment farming systems significantly increase crop yields while reducing water consumption and dependence on pesticides. These methods also enhance farmer income, making them a viable alternative to conventional farming practices.
Focus on Technology, Water Efficiency and Sustainable Farming
Bhagwant Mann emphasised the importance of modern technologies such as automation, robotics, artificial intelligence, and precision irrigation in improving agricultural productivity and resource efficiency.
He also pointed out innovative water management practices observed during the visit, including rainwater harvesting, reuse of irrigation water, and controlled nutrient delivery systems. These approaches ensure climate-resilient farming and can help Punjab address critical challenges such as groundwater depletion.
The Chief Minister said that discussions were held on potential collaborations between Punjab and Dutch institutions, focusing on knowledge transfer and technology partnerships, with both sides expressing willingness to work together.
Insights from Keukenhof’s Floriculture Model
As part of his visit, Bhagwant Mann also toured Keukenhof in Lisse, one of the world’s most iconic floriculture destinations.
He observed the unique operational model where nearly 7 million flower bulbs are planted annually in autumn and bloom within a precisely managed 7–8 week period starting in March. Spread across around 32 hectares, Keukenhof represents a well-organised system that integrates production, tourism, and global marketing.
The Chief Minister said that this model offers valuable lessons for Punjab in developing floriculture clusters, enhancing export potential, and promoting agri-tourism through a coordinated approach.
Boost to Crop Diversification and Farmer Prosperity
Highlighting the significance of the proposed horticulture centre, Bhagwant Mann said it will bring together researchers, academic institutions, industry partners, and government agencies on a common platform.
The centre will focus on innovation, skill development, and the adoption of sustainable agricultural practices, helping farmers transition away from water-intensive crops towards high-value alternatives.
He stressed that crop diversification is essential for ensuring long-term sustainability and improving the economic condition of farmers in Punjab.
Strengthening Investment and Global Collaboration
The Chief Minister said that the visit will also strengthen economic ties between Punjab and international partners, positioning the state as a preferred destination for investment.
He highlighted the Industrial and Business Development Policy (IBDP) 2026, which offers a flexible incentive framework, sector-specific policies, and a strong ease-of-doing-business ecosystem.
Through such global engagements, Bhagwant Mann said Punjab aims to build long-term, technology-driven partnerships, promote knowledge exchange, and establish itself as a progressive and globally competitive hub for sustainable agriculture.
Towards a Modern Agricultural Future
Concluding, the Chief Minister said that the learnings from the Netherlands visit will play a key role in reshaping Punjab’s agricultural economy.
The proposed horticulture centre is expected to drive innovation, improve productivity, and support a transition towards sustainable, diversified, and technology-driven farming, ultimately benefiting farmers and strengthening the state’s economy.
