22 May, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Dr. Vikramjit Singh Sahney, Member of Parliament, Rajya Sabha has urged the Punjab Government to immediately revive the proposed Post Graduate Institute of Horticulture Research and Education (PGIHRE), Amritsar which will give a long way in propagating Crop Diversification in the state.
Dr. Sahney informed that a ₹1700 crore project approved by Indian Council of Agriculture Research (ICAR), Government of India to establish a PGI of Horticulture Research and Education in Amritsar in 2022. The project also envisaged the appointment of 206 horticulture scientists and the creation of a world-class centre for horticulture research and education.
Dr. Sahney stated that 30 acres required for the institute were identified at Village Chiddan, and a land acquisition notification was also issued by the Punjab Government on 20 March 2023. However, due to administrative delays and lack of timely action, the project failed to move forward, leading to the non release of the sanctioned funds by ICAR.
Dr. Sahney stated that it is ironic that while the Punjab Government had itself issued a notification on 20 March 2023 for acquisition of nearly 30 acres of land at Village Chiddan for the institute, the project was subsequently delayed in due to non-acquisition of land.
Dr. Sahney also said that The Government’s own notification and subsequent reports clearly establish that Chiddan is the only viable site. The Punjab Government should immediately provide the already approved 30 acres of land and work with ICAR to get this ₹1700 crore grant by center released to set up Horticulture Research institute.
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