In a significant push towards diversification of agriculture and promotion of horticulture, the Citrus Estate at Bhunga in Hoshiarpur district is steadily emerging as a comprehensive support hub for fruit growers. Established by the Department of Horticulture in 2007, the estate has evolved into a full-fledged horticulture centre, offering a wide range of services, technologies and infrastructure aimed at enhancing farmers’ income and sustainability.
Spread across a region naturally suited for citrus cultivation, the estate was conceptualised to reduce dependency on traditional water-intensive crops and to encourage farmers to adopt high-value fruits and vegetables cultivation. Over the years, it has played a crucial role in transforming the agricultural landscape of the Kandi and rain-fed areas of Hoshiarpur.
According to official data, the estate has covered nearly 380 villages and benefitted over 6,000 farmers, with around 1,900 hectares of area brought under its ambit. The initiative focuses not only on increasing production but also on ensuring quality and market competitiveness of the produce.
One of the key strengths of the Citrus Estate is the availability of all essential facilities “under one roof." Farmers are provided technical guidance on orchard management, including planting techniques, canopy management, pruning, fertiliser application and pest control. Regular training camps and seminars are organised at village and block levels to disseminate the latest advancements in horticulture practices and introduce new citrus varieties such as kinnow, sweet orange and tangerines.
Mechanisation support is another major highlight. Recognising that a majority of farmers in the region are small and marginal, the estate provides modern farm implements on a nominal rental basis. With a fleet of tractors and a wide range of agricultural machinery, farmers can access advanced technology without bearing heavy capital costs, thereby reducing operational expenses.
To improve post-harvest management and marketing, the estate has established a state-of-the-art grading and waxing unit for citrus fruits. This facility helps farmers enhance the shelf life and visual appeal of their produce, enabling them to fetch better prices in the market. In addition, licensed pesticide and fertiliser stores at the estate ensure the availability of quality inputs at reasonable rates, following recommended standards.
Another significant service is soil, water and leaf testing, which enables farmers to maintain proper nutrient balance in their orchards. The estate also provides pheromone and cue-lure traps to control fruit fly infestation, along with an advanced weather forecasting station that assists in disease and pest management through real-time climatic data.
Highlighting the vision behind the initiative, Dr Jaspal Singh, Assistant Director Horticulture-cum-Chairman of the Citrus Estate, said, “The objective of the Citrus Estate is to provide end-to-end support to farmers-from planting to marketing-so that horticulture becomes a sustainable and profitable alternative to traditional farming."
Emphasising the need for diversification, he added, “With shrinking water resources and rising input costs, shifting towards fruit cultivation, especially citrus, is not just an option but a necessity for ensuring long-term agricultural sustainability in Punjab."
Beyond infrastructure, the estate has also contributed to farmer empowerment and entrepreneurship. Several success stories have emerged from the region, with farmers earning substantial incomes through self-marketing and diversification into fruits like kinnow, guava and litchi. Some growers have reported earnings running into lakhs per acre, highlighting the economic viability of horticulture.
However, challenges remain. Issues such as lack of quality nursery plants, inadequate cold storage facilities and limited market linkages continue to affect the full potential of citrus cultivation. Experts emphasise the need for better implementation of nursery regulations and improved logistics support, including freight subsidies, to strengthen the supply chain.
Despite these challenges, the Citrus Estate, Bhunga stands out as a successful model of integrated horticulture development. By combining technology, training and market support, it is not only boosting fruit cultivation in Hoshiarpur but also paving the way for a more sustainable and profitable agricultural future for farmers in Punjab.