Non Traditional Potential Targeted Crops in Punjab: A Report Overview

Exploring non-traditional potential targeted crops in Punjab can revolutionize the agricultural landscape and enhance economic viability. Crops such as Fig, Avocado, Saffron, dragon fruit, and medicinal plants offer promising alternatives to traditional staples. These crops can provide higher returns, diversify the agricultural portfolio, and promote sustainable farming practices. Embracing these innovative crop choices can help farmers adapt to changing market demands, improve soil health, and contribute to the overall growth of Punjab's agricultural sector.

1. Growing Potential Non Traditional Crops In Punjab (INDIA) A Project Report ( GURU nanak DEV UNIVERSITY, Amritsar )

2. Acknowledgement: I here would like to inform in front of you all that the number of non traditional potential crops that have been used in this project are both grown in control and open field condition (in-situ & ex-situ conditions) where their key influential parameters have also been personally recorded by me. And the images that are used in this presentation are also from my home garden and in field cultivation. Since, I have personal grown this crops at my surveillance, I strongly believe this could be the best potential non traditional future crops of Punjab. And with this I seek further guidance from our expert tutors sitting here in this light wherever it is required if possible. That would be great help for me to lift this project work up to some further extent. Thank you! Gurjant Singh AI in Agriculture Enroll no. 37082355104

3. Topics to be Covered: 1. Fig Cultivation Uses Species Used Cultivation Conditions Harvesting Marketing Expenditure & Income 2. Dragon fruit Cultivation 3. Avocado Cultivation 4. Spirulina Cultivation 5. Saffron Cultivation 6. Project Summary 7. Conclusion

4. FiG ( Ficus spp.) The fig plant, known scientifically as Ficus carica , is a species of flowering plant native to the Middle East and western Asia but cultivated widely around the world. It produces sweet, pear-shaped fruits called figs that are enjoyed fresh or dried. Fig plants are characterized by their large, lobed leaves and dense, spreading growth habit. They are often grown in warm climates and can be cultivated as both ornamental and fruit-bearing trees.

5. Usage: Figs are versatile fruits commonly consumed fresh or dried, and used in various culinary dishes like salads and desserts. They are nutritious, rich in fiber and essential nutrients. Additionally, figs have been used in traditional medicine and skincare products for their purported health benefits. They also hold cultural and religious symbolism in some traditions.

6. Species used: Commonly cultivated fig species for their edible fruit include Ficus carica (common fig), Ficus benghalensis (Indian banyan), Ficus racemosa (cluster fig), and Ficus palmata . They are valued for their sweet and versatile fruits, enjoyed fresh or dried, and used in various culinary and medicinal applications.

7. Cultivation conditions: Soil Type: Loamy Soil pH: 6.0-6.5 pH Soil Moisture (%): 50-70% Soil Drainage (inches): 1-6”/hour Soil temp. (°C): 15-32°C Soil Fertility (NPK): 8:8:8 Temperature (°C): 10-38°C Humidity (%): 50-60% Rainfall (inches): 20-35”/year Sunlight (hours/day): 6-8 hours/day Agro-ecological Zone: Sub-tropical zone Altitude (from sea level): 1500 meters Sowing Time: Early Spring Harvest Time: late summer to early fall

8. Marketing: Fig marketing involves promoting figs through various channels such as retail, online, events, and partnerships to increase awareness, demand, and sales. This includes highlighting their unique qualities, branding, retail promotions, online presence, events, and collaborations with chefs and influencers to engage consumers and drive sales.

9. Harvesting: Fig harvesting involves monitoring ripeness, gentle hand-picking of ripe fruit, timed harvesting sessions, frequent picking during peak season, and careful storage to maintain freshness.

10. Expenditure & income:

11. Income:

12. Dragonfruit ( Hylocereus spp.) The dragon fruit plant, also known as pitaya or pitahaya, belongs to the cactus family and is native to Central and South America. It is cultivated in tropical and subtropical regions worldwide. The plant has distinctive, fleshy stems with large, fragrant flowers that bloom overnight. The fruit itself, called dragon fruit, typically has vibrant pink or yellow skin with green scales and a white or red interior speckled with tiny black seeds. Dragon fruit is rich in antioxidants and is enjoyed fresh or used in various culinary dishes and beverages.

13. Uses: Dragonfruit has a mild, slightly sweet flavor , reminiscent of a cross between a kiwi and a pear. It’s low in calories and rich in vitamin C, antioxidants, and fiber . Dragonfruit is commonly eaten fresh, scooped out of its skin, or added to smoothies, salads, and desserts for a refreshing and exotic touch.

14. Species used: The main species of dragonfruit cultivated are Hylocereus undatus (white-fleshed), Hylocereus costaricensis (red-fleshed), and Hylocereus megalanthus (yellow-fleshed).

15. Cultivation conditions: Soil Type: Sandy Soil pH: 6.0-7.0 pH Soil Moisture (%): 60-80% Soil Drainage (inches): 1-6”/h Soil Temp. (°C): 21-29°C Soil Fertility (NPK): 9:9:9 Temerture (°C): 18-35°C Humidity (%): 40-60% Rainfall (inches): 20-50”/year Sunlight (hours/day): 6-8h/day Agroecological Zone: Tropical Region Altitude (from Sea): 1000 meters Sowing Time: Early Spring Harvest Time: Late Summer to Early Fall

16. Marketing: Dragonfruit marketing includes product positioning, branding, retail promotion, online marketing, events, and partnerships to highlight its unique qualities, increase consumer awareness, and drive sales.

17. Harvesting: Dragonfruit harvesting involves monitoring ripeness, gentle hand-picking, timed harvesting sessions, frequent picking during peak season, and careful storage to maintain freshness.

18. Expenditure & Income:

19. Income:

20. Avocado ( Persea spp.) The avocado plant, scientifically known as Persea americana , is native to Central America and Mexico but is now grown in subtropical and tropical regions worldwide. It is a tree that produces the avocado fruit, which is prized for its creamy texture and rich flavor . Avocado trees have large, leathery leaves and can grow up to 20 meters tall, although cultivated varieties are often smaller. The fruit has a green or blackish skin and a large seed in the center . Avocados are not only delicious but also packed with healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals, making them a popular ingredient in salads, sandwiches, and dips like guacamole.

21. Uses: Avocado is a versatile fruit prized for its creamy texture and rich flavor . It’s commonly used in culinary dishes such as salads, sandwiches, and guacamole, owing to its nutritious profile and healthy fats. Additionally, avocado’s natural oils make it a ingredient in skincare and haircare products, offering hydration and nourishment. Overall, avocado serves as both a delicious ingredient and a beneficial addition to one’s beauty regimen.

22. Species used: The main species of avocado cultivated are Persea americana (Hass avocado) and Persea americana var . Drymifolia (Mexican avocado), including varieties like Fuerte and Bacon.

23. Cultivation conditions: Soil Type: Loamy Soil pH: 6-7 pH Soil Moisture (%): 50-80% Soil Drainage (inches): 1-6”/hour Soil temp. (°C): 20-25°C Soil Fertility (NPK): 8:3:9 Temperature (°C): 16-29°C Humidity (%): 60-80% Rainfall (inches): 30-60”/year Sunlight (hours/day): 6-10h/day Agro-ecological Zone: Sub-tropical Zone Altitude (from sea level): 1500 meters Sowing Time: Late Winter Harvest Time: Late Summer-Early Fall

24. Harvesting: Avocado harvesting involves monitoring ripeness, gentle hand-picking, timing during peak season, and careful storage to maintain quality.

25. Marketing: Avocado marketing focuses on highlighting its taste, versatility, and health benefits through branding, retail promotions, online presence, events, and partnerships to increase demand and sales.

26. Expenditure & income:

27. Income:

28. Spirulina ( Arthrospira spp.) Spirulina is a type of blue-green algae that grows in freshwater lakes, ponds, and rivers in warm climates. It is considered a superfood due to its high nutritional content, including protein, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Spirulina has been consumed by various cultures for centuries and is now widely cultivated for use as a dietary supplement. It is often sold in powdered or tablet form and can be added to smoothies, juices, or taken as a supplement. Spirulina is known for its potential health benefits, such as boosting immune function, improving energy levels, and supporting overall health and wellness.

29. Uses: It has been consumed for centuries due to its high nutritional content. Spirulina is rich in protein, vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and essential fatty acids. It’s often marketed as a superfood and is available in powdered or tablet form as a dietary supplement. Spirulina is commonly used as a nutritional supplement to support overall health, boost energy levels, and enhance immune function. It can be added to smoothies, juices, or taken in capsule form. Additionally, spirulina is sometimes used as a natural food coloring agent and is incorporated into certain food products for its vibrant blue-green hue.

30. Species used: The main species of Spirulina cultivated for commercial purposes is Arthrospira platensis. It’s the most common species used in Spirulina production due to its high nutritional content and ease of cultivation.

31. Cultivation conditions: H2O Type: Alkaline H2O
H2O pH: 8-11 pH
H2O Moisture (%): 100%
Drainage (inches): N/A
H2O temp. (°C): 30-35°C
H2O Fertility (NPK): 15:1:15
Temperature (°C): 24-35°C Humidity (%): <60% Rainfall (inches): N/A
Sunlight (hours/day): 8-12h/day
Agro-ecological Zone: N/A
Altitude (from sea level): N/A
Sowing Time: Anytime
Harvest Time: Anytime

32. Marketing: Spirulina marketing highlights its nutritional benefits, sustainability, and versatility through branding, retail promotion, online presence, and partnerships with health influencers to encourage its adoption into healthy lifestyles.

33. Harvesting: Spirulina harvesting involves monitoring growth, harvesting the biomass, drying, and packaging for distribution.

34. Expenditure & income:

35. Income:

36. Saffron ( crocus spp .) Saffron ( Crocus sativus ) is a perennial spice plant known for producing the world’s most expensive spice. It originates from Southwest Asia and has been cultivated for thousands of years. Saffron threads are harvested from the stigma of the crocus flower, each requiring delicate handpicking. It’s prized for its distinct flavor , aroma, and vibrant color , commonly used in cooking, medicine, and cosmetics. The cultivation of saffron requires specific climatic conditions and careful cultivation techniques, making it a valuable and labor-intensive crop.

37. Uses: It’s commonly used to flavor and color dishes in various cuisines, ranging from savory rice dishes like paella and risotto to desserts like saffron buns and ice cream. Additionally, saffron is believed to have medicinal properties and has been used in traditional medicine for its potential health benefits, such as antioxidant properties and mood-enhancing effects.

38. Species used: The saffron crocus, scientifically known as Crocus sativus , is the sole species used for saffron cultivation. It’s a delicate perennial plant that produces the saffron spice from the stigma of its flowers.

39. Cultivation conditions: Soil Type: Sandy-Loamy Soil pH: 6.0-8.0 pH Soil Moisture (%): 50-70% Soil Drainage (inches): 1-6”/hour Soil temp. (°C): 15-20°C Soil Fertility (NPK): 5:10:5 Temperature (°C): 24-33°C Humidity (%): <65%
Rainfall (inches): 20-30”/year
Sunlight (hours/day): 6-8 hours/day
Agro-ecological Zone: Temperate zone
Altitude(from sea level): 1000-1500 m
Sowing Time: Late Summer
Harvest Time: Early fall-Late Summer

40. Harvesting: Saffron harvesting involves hand-picking flowers, extracting delicate stigmas, drying them, and carefully packaging for sale.

41. Marketing: Saffron marketing emphasizes its premium quality, unique flavor , and health benefits through branding, retail promotion, online presence, and partnerships with gourmet stores and influencers to attract discerning consumers.

42. Expenditure & income:

43. Income:

44. Project Summary:

45. Summary cont.

46. Conclusion: Punjab’s potential for non-traditional crops lies in its fertile soil, irrigation infrastructure, and favorable climatic conditions. With a focus on diversification, Punjab can explore various non-traditional crops to enhance agricultural sustainability and income generation. Some key factors contributing to Punjab’s potential in this regard include: Climate Adaptability, Infrastructure, Research and Development, Market Access, Government Support. By capitalizing on these strengths and embracing innovative farming practices, Punjab has the potential to become a leader in non-traditional crop production, enhancing agricultural resilience, income diversification, and overall sustainability.

47. References: https://www.agrifarming.in/fig-farming-project-report-anjeer-cultivation-economics https://www.agrifarming.in/how-to-grow-dragon-fruit-from-scratch-check-how-this-farming-guide-helps-beginners https://www.agrifarming.in/cost-of-cultivation-of-avocado-propagation-yield-in-india https://www.agrifarming.in/spirulina-farming-project-report-extraction-process https://www.agrifarming.in/saffron-farming-project-report-cost-and-profit

48. Thank You! GURJANT SINGH