08 June, 2026 – Sangrur : To add more sweetness to the income of farmers and also to end consumers, the Punjab Agricultural University’s Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Sangrur released watermelon variety ‘Punjab Mithas’.
During the Field Day visit, on the newly released watermelon variety ‘Punjab Mithas’ at the farm of progressive farmer Karnail Singh of Village Kheri, District Sangrur, farmers were informed about the variety.
The event was conducted to promote the cultivation of this new variety among the farming community. More than 50 farmers, including both men and women farmers, from different villages of the district participated in the programme.
In this regard, Mandeep Singh, Incharge, PAU-KVK Sangrur, said that the main objective of creating awareness among farmers about the role of vegetables in crop diversification, newly developed vegetable varieties, and improved production technologies is to ensure better yield and income for farmers without compromising on quality.
During the programme, Mandeep Singh highlighted the importance of vegetable production in crop diversification and informed the farmers about the newly released watermelon variety ‘Punjab Mithas’.
He stated that farmers can produce their own seed of this variety, making it a cost-effective option compared to watermelon hybrids marketed by private companies. He also briefed the participants about various horticultural extension activities being undertaken by KVK for the promotion of horticulture in the district.
He also stressed the balanced use of fertilizers in horticultural crops for enhancing soil fertility and the production of horticultural crops. Ravinder Kaur, Associate Professor (Horticulture), provided detailed information regarding the cultivation practices of “Punjab Mithas”.
She informed the farmers that this variety can be sown during the second fortnight of February and gives its first harvest in about 99 days. She further explained that the fruits are medium-sized (3–3.5 kg), with deep red flesh and fewer seeds (approximately 300 seeds per fruit). The variety possesses excellent taste, quality, and sweetness. Due to its thick rind, the fruits can be transported easily to distant markets.
The average yield of the variety is around 179 quintals per acre. Later, during the interactive session, farmers raised several queries related to watermelon cultivation and marketing. The experts provided scientific and satisfactory answers to all the questions.
Farmers observed the characteristics of ‘Punjab Mithas’ closely, discussed its performance in detail, and tasted the fruits.
The Tribune