Chandigarh, August 18, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Punjab State Food Commission Chairman Bal Mukund Sharma has showcased the state’s nutrition garden initiatives and the export potential of its winter vegetables at an international seminar on “Globalization of Punjab Foods and Nutritional Security” held in Ontario, Canada.
Sharma said Punjab’s large-scale Nutrition Garden Campaign is strengthening nutritional security, while the state’s high-quality winter vegetables could open new international markets for farmers and generate valuable foreign exchange.
The seminar was attended by Ontario Minister of Business Development Neena Tangri and Sharma as Chief Guests. Tangri highlighted the continuing cooperation between the Governments of Ontario and Punjab in food processing, food exports and vegetables.
She recalled that a 24-tonne container dispatched six months ago by PAGRO Frozen Foods, Sirhind, Fatehgarh Sahib, reached Toronto on a trial basis. The consignment contained frozen fruits, broccoli, cauliflower, carrot and potato. Following what she described as an overwhelmingly positive response, a repeat order has recently been placed.
In his address, Sharma detailed Punjab’s Nutrition Garden Campaign, under which more than 5,000 schools, with support from the Education Department, are being guided to establish herbal, vegetable and fruit gardens. Produce from these gardens is also being used in mid-day meals.
He said the Food Commission has also advised the establishment of Poshan Vatikas at Anganwadi centres to support the health of children in the 0-3 and 3-6 age groups, besides pregnant women and lactating mothers.
Sharma said Punjab’s winter vegetables have strong export prospects because the summer period from April to September naturally helps neutralise pests. He identified Indonesia, the Philippines, Japan, Canada, the United States and Australia as potential overseas markets.
Former Agriculture Commissioner, Government of India, Dr Gurbachan Singh, in his keynote address, stressed the need to promote cash crops, commercial crops and horticulture. He also advocated bio-fortification and greater availability of micronutrients such as zinc, iron and magnesium in crops including wheat and rice.
Kanchan Sharma, former Assistant Secretary of the Punjab School Education Board and Chairperson of the Punjab Trade Promotion Council, urged people to follow nutritious diets and reduce daily salt intake by one gram and oil consumption by 10 grams.
Food Safety Officer Sauravdeep and Quality Control Expert Kamaljit Singh Sidhu stressed the importance of food quality and improved packaging standards.
The seminar was hosted by Jarnail Singh, President of Global Food Choice.
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