Bio-engineered apple trees planted at GNDU farms start bearing fruit

The apple trees planted at Guru Nanak Dev University (GNDU) agricultural farms have started bearing fruit, marking a significant milestone in the university’s research and innovation efforts.

The project, initiated as part of GNDU’s commitment to diversifying crop cultivation in Punjab, is aimed at assessing the feasibility of growing apples in the region’s climatic conditions. Traditionally, apple cultivation has been limited to the hilly terrains of Himachal Pradesh and Jammu & Kashmir. However, with advancements in horticultural techniques and the introduction of low-chill apple varieties, the experiment at GNDU was initiated to introduce apple cultivation in Punjab.

Dr PK Pati, head of the Department of Agriculture at GNDU, who led the project, said the apple plants were introduced in field-like conditions to study their adaptability. “We planted varieties that are known to thrive in relatively warmer conditions. The trees have not only survived but have now started producing fruits, which is an encouraging sign for farmers looking to diversify their crops,” he said. The university, focused on agro-technology development as per Punjab’s climatic condition and had set up a tissue culture laboratory in 2020 where experts successfully grew plants from different varieties of apple and later, identified the best variety suited for Punjab. The project was later expanded to produce apple variety on a large scale at the university’s farms.

Praising the research team for their efforts, vice-chancellor Prof Karamjeet Singh said the success could open new opportunities for the state’s agriculture sector. “If apple cultivation proves to be viable on a larger scale, it could provide farmers with an alternative to traditional crops, contributing to increased income and sustainable farming practices," he mentioned.

Farmers and agricultural experts from across the state have expressed keen interest in the findings, with many visiting the farms to observe the progress. The university plans to extend its research and collaborate with local farmers to test apple cultivation in different areas of state.

“The development highlights the potential for non-traditional crops in the region. As the experiment progresses, researchers hope to further refine cultivation techniques to enhance yield and quality, paving the way for some diversification in the state’s farming landscape,” said Dr Pati.

Pati said the university would be looking for collaboration with entrepreneurs or progressive farmers, who could supply the technology for the mass multiplication of apple tissue culture as well as to make apple cultivation on a commercial scale a reality in Punjab.

Amritsar