Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Kapurthala, under the aegis of the Directorate of Extension Education, Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), Ludhiana, organised a Kisan Goshti on the newly released muskmelon variety ‘Punjab Amrit’ at KVK, Kapurthala on 16 December 2025 to promote its adoption and expand the cultivated area following its successful on-farm demonstrations during 2024–25. The programme was chaired by Dr. Makhan Singh Bhullar, Director of Extension Education (DEE), PAU, Ludhiana, as Chief Guest, with Dr. Sat Pal Sharma, Head, Department of Vegetable Science, PAU, as Guest of Honour. Over 70 muskmelon growers from Kapurthala and adjoining districts participated.
Kapurthala district, where muskmelon is grown on about 900 ha, largely depends on costly private hybrids such as Madhu, Guru, Samrat, Farmer Glory, and Bobby. To reduce seed cost, demonstrations of Punjab Amrit were conducted during 2024 and 2025, which generated strong farmer interest in expanding its area. In response, farmers were provided technical guidance and seed during the programme to facilitate wider diffusion of the variety.
At the onset of the Kisan Goshti, Dr. Amandeep Kaur, Associate Professor (Vegetable Science), welcomed the dignitaries and highlighted the salient features of Punjab Amrit. She compared the variety with the popular hybrid Bobby from economic and organoleptic perspectives and motivated farmers to adopt the variety on a commercial scale to reduce input costs and enhance net returns.
Dr. Harinder Singh, Incharge, KVK Kapurthala, elaborated on the extension strategy for large-scale dissemination of Punjab Amrit. He outlined a strategic framework for expanding its cultivation, which includes the establishment of model demonstration fields, identification of champion farmers, development of farmer testimonial videos, organisation of Kisan Melas focused on muskmelon, and introduction of barcode-based quality tagging and traceability. He further advised farmers that the present period is ideal for cultivating muskmelon under low tunnel technology to capture the early market and enhance profitability.
Dr. Sat Pal Sharma discussed the scientific breeding process involved in the development of muskmelon varieties and emphasized that Punjab Amrit has been developed keeping in view local agro-climatic conditions and market preferences. He also guided farmers on the precautions to be taken during muskmelon seed production at farmers’ fields, including maintenance of isolation distance and management of pollinators.
Addressing the gathering, Dr. Makhan Singh Bhullar emphasized that PAU’s mandate is to develop farmer-friendly, cost-effective varieties capable of competing with private hybrids. He encouraged farmers to adopt PAU-released vegetable varieties to enhance profitability and sustainability. Highlighting Kapurthala as a niche district for muskmelon cultivation, he assured farmers of the timely availability of quality seed of new varieties and stressed that regular training programmes on the Package of Practices (PoP) and seed production of muskmelon should be conducted at KVK, Kapurthala.
Progressive farmers S. Tarlochan Singh, S. Icha Singh, S. Ajit Singh Aujla, S. Pritam Singh, and S. Jarnail Singh shared their field experiences and expressed high satisfaction with the yield, fruit quality, and market acceptance of Punjab Amrit. The programme concluded with interactive discussions and farmer feedback, reaffirming the strong potential of Punjab Amrit to expand the muskmelon area in Kapurthala district as a low-cost, high-performing alternative to expensive hybrids. On the occasion, interested farmers also purchased about 7 kg seed of Punjab Amrit, reflecting their confidence in the variety.
At the end of the programme, Mrs. Avneet Kaur, Associate Professor, proposed the vote of thanks.