Advancing Knowledge through Field Exposure: Citrus Estate, Bhunga, Hoshiarpur

Date: 19-05-2026

Organizing Unit/Agency: faculty of Agriculture

Event Report

The Faculty of Agriculture, Sant Baba Bhag Singh University organized an educational visit to the Citrus Estate at Bhunga on 19th May, 2026 for the final year students of B.Sc. (Hons.) Agriculture. The visit was conducted as a part of the academic curriculum with the aim of providing students with practical exposure and hands-on learning experiences in the field of horticulture, particularly citrus cultivation and orchard management practices.
During the visit, S. Paramjit Singh, Founder Director, Citrate Estate briefed the students about the historical background, establishment, and achievements of the Citrus Estate. Thereafter, Dr. Jaspal Singh, Assistant Director cum C.E.O, warmly welcomed the students and delivered an informative presentation highlighting the contributions and functioning of the estate. He explained that the estate has extended its services to nearly 380 villages and benefitted more than 6,000 farmers, covering approximately 1,900 hectares under citrus cultivation.
The students were informed about the technical guidance and support provided to farmers regarding orchard establishment, canopy management, pruning practices, fertilizer application, irrigation scheduling, and integrated pest management. Dr. Jaspal Singh also elaborated on the regular training camps, awareness programmes, and seminars organized at village and block levels to disseminate the latest advancements in horticultural practices and to promote improved citrus varieties such as kinnow, sweet orange, and tangerines.
During orchard visits the students and faculty members, also observed various modern techniques and management practices being followed for commercial citrus production. The students were acquainted with different citrus varieties and gained practical knowledge regarding nursery raising, plantation methods, irrigation systems, nutrient management, pruning and training techniques, weed control measures, and harvesting practices adopted in citrus orchards.
The students further gained knowledge about post-harvest management and marketing facilities developed by the estate, including a modern grading and waxing unit for citrus fruits, which helps in improving fruit quality, shelf life, and market value. Information regarding the availability of quality pesticides and fertilizers through licensed input stores at reasonable prices was also shared with the students.
Dr. Jaspal Singh also shared several inspiring success stories of progressive farmers from the region who achieved remarkable growth and profitability in citrus cultivation through the adoption of scientific orchard management practices and modern horticultural technologies. He emphasized how the technical guidance and support provided by the Citrus Estate helped farmers improve productivity, fruit quality, and economic returns. These success stories greatly motivated the students and provided them with practical insights into the potential and opportunities available in commercial citrus farming.
The field staff at the estate interacted with the students and demonstrated various advanced technologies being used in citrus cultivation, including drip irrigation systems, integrated nutrient management, integrated pest and disease management, and canopy management practices. The importance of maintaining soil health, orchard sanitation, and sustainable horticultural practices for enhancing productivity and fruit quality was also emphasized during the interaction.
The visit provided an excellent opportunity for students to correlate theoretical concepts with practical field applications. The students actively participated in discussions and interacted with experts to gain a deeper understanding of the challenges, opportunities, and management practices associated with commercial citrus farming.