‘Ensure continuous 10-hr power supply at night in Apr-May for litchi cultivation’: Jauramajra

To encourage horticulture and boost farmers’ income in Punjab, Horticulture Minister Chetan Singh Jauramajra has directed officials of relevant departments to promptly address the challenges faced by litchi farmers in Gurdaspur and Pathankot. Presiding over a cabinet meeting in Punjab Bhawan, the minister instructed Punjab State Power Corporation Limited’s (PSPCL) Chief Engineer Satinder Sharma to ensure continuous 10-hour power supply during the night throughout April and May, the peak season for litchi cultivation.
Minister Jauramajra emphasized the need for timely repair of canals and minors by the Irrigation Department to ensure uninterrupted water supply to litchi orchards during the summer months. He stated that initiating canal maintenance work during March and April is crucial to providing water supply to orchards, preventing any hindrance to fruit production. The minister urged the General Manager of Punjab Agro to explore opportunities for litchi export, enhancing market linkages both nationally and internationally.
Responding to farmers’ demands for solar-powered systems in orchards, the Cabinet Minister directed Joint Director Rajesh Bansal of the Punjab Energy Development Agency (PEDA) to take necessary steps to provide solar pumps to orchard owners. He proposed allocating 500 to 1,000 solar pumps for orchards based on the Horticulture Department’s recommendation.
In addition, Jauramajra urged Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana scientists, to introduce new litchi varieties and design export-oriented packaging. The minister highlighted the importance of enhancing litchi farming practices and export potential, emphasizing collaboration with national and international markets.