The two-day 28th Chrysanthemum Show Competition-cum-Sale, showcasing multi-hued varieties of chrysanthemum with a fine floral texture and infusing the public with voluptuous delight as well as bliss, drew an overwhelming response from the flower lovers, nature enthusiasts, amateurs, educational institutions and nurseries on the opening day at the Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) today. The show has been organised by the Department of Floriculture and Landscaping (DFL), PAU, in association with the Estate Organization of the University as a towering tribute to an eminent Punjabi poet Bhai Vir Singh, whose poetry echoed a constant mention of the unsurpassed beauty of chrysanthemums.
Inaugurating the show, the chief guest Dr Satbir Singh Gosal, Vice-Chancellor, PAU, lauded the unbridled efforts and interest of the DFL in the development of the countless multi-coloured chrysanthemum varieties, and for putting-up a great show of floral display every year, drawing large crowds from the city and other parts of the state. “The floral diversity at PAU is not only restricted to the traditional flowers but is catching-up its roots with the introduction of exotic flowers such as tulips, Iris hollandica, orchids, hyacinths, etc. as well,” divulged Dr Gosal. Realization of the varietal and technology value, equipped by the PAU, has provided a stable footing to the flower growers across Punjab, observed PAU VC, while promoting floriculture as a lucrative and prosperous venture.
The guests of honour Dr APS Gill, Former Professor of Floriculture, PAU, and Ex-National Consultant of Floriculture, Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA); and Dr JS Arora, former Head of DFL, applauded the floriculture experts for setting high standards, and advocating diversification for the introduction of new varieties and crops.
Dr Parminder Singh, Head, DFL, called the Chrysanthemum Show a rich legacy, preserved and forwarded by PAU since 1996. He further disclosed the release of a new variety ‘Gul-E-Sahir’ named after a prominent Indian poet Sahir Ludhianvi, who had a deep-rooted connection with his birth-place Ludhiana. With the display of flower pots of more than 90 varieties of chrysanthemum, the show has invited 12 classes for competition (incurved, reflexed, spider, decorative, pompon, button, single/double Korean, spoon, anemone etc.), including specially trained chrysanthemum and pot arrangement, informed Dr Singh. Welcoming the unprecedented response to the show, Dr Singh said that the scientists-visitors’ interaction on cultivation techniques for ornamental plants was also one of the highlights of the show.
Chrysanthemum varieties, namely, Winter Queen, Autumn Joy, Punjab Shingar, Reagan White, Kelvin Tattoo, Royal Purple, Mother Teresa, Yellow Charm, etc. added to the charm and raised the spirits of the onlookers.
Present on the occasion were Dr AS Dhatt, Director of Research; Dr RIS Gill, Dean, College of Horticulture Forestry; Dr Kiran Bains, Dean, Colleges of Community Science and Basic Sciences; Dr GPS Sodhi, Additional Director of Extension Education; Dr TS Dhillon, Additional Directors of Extension Education and Communication; and deans of the constituent colleges, heads of the departments and eminent personalities Mr. Tej Pratap Singh Sandhu and Mr. Gurpreet Toor were also present.