In a strategic agreement that will prove instrumental in changing the fortunes of farmers, the state government is all set to set up a dedicated horticulture experience and training center in Punjab on the lines of the World Hearty Center Ecosystem, which will be a part of the relentless efforts being made by the Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann led government to promote crop diversity.

Today as part of his tour under the Investment Promotion Outreach in the Netherlands, the Chief Minister visited leading horticulture institutions including the World Horticulture Center (WHC), Westland and the world famous Keukenhof, Lisse to study best practices in sustainable agriculture, floriculture and high-potential farming systems. He mooted the idea of ​​setting up a similar center in Punjab and said that the proposed center will help in innovation, skill development and adoption of sustainable agricultural solutions in the state by uniting researchers, academic institutions, industry and government partners. Bhagwant Singh Mann was warmly welcomed by CEO Pack van Holstein and Manager International Business Lanny Dijkshoorn at the World Hearty Centre, a global hub for greenhouse horticulture innovation, who gave the Punjab Chief Minister an extensive tour of the institute.

What did CM say about Netherlands?

The Chief Minister said it was a unique experience as he was introduced to the world-renowned ecosystem of greenhouse and controlled-atmosphere agriculture in the Netherlands, where collaborative efforts of technology, research, education, industry and government have transformed traditional agriculture into high-productivity and sustainable agriculture. He said its main features include the effectiveness of greenhouse and advanced indoor farming systems, which significantly increase crop yields while ensuring efficient use of water, reduce dependence on pesticides and increase farmers’ income compared to traditional open-field agriculture. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that this can prove to be more helpful for the state in giving a big boost to crop diversity and taking farmers out of the cycle of water-intensive crops.

The Chief Minister said that automation, robotics, artificial intelligence and modern irrigation systems have a role in further improving the growth and resource efficiency of plants. Along with this, the role of innovative water management practices such as rainwater harvesting, irrigation water reuse and controlled nutrient delivery systems is also important to ensure climate-friendly agricultural production.

He said both sides agreed in principle to explore possibilities of cooperation including exchange of information and technology sharing. Earlier, Bhagwant Singh Mann visited Keukenhof, one of the most famous floriculture sites in the world, where he was introduced to a unique operating model, where approximately 70 lakh flower bulbs are grown and planted every year during the autumn season starting from October, and bloom for 7-8 weeks during March.

The Chief Minister said that spread over about 32 hectares and designed in collaboration with growers and industry partners, Keukenhof is a highly structured, export-oriented horticulture model, which integrates production, tourism and global marketing. He said that the visit has provided important information to Punjab to develop floriculture clusters, strengthen export relations and encourage agri-tourism through an integrated and market-based approach. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that learning from both the tours is expected to return Punjab to high-value, technology-based agriculture with a focus on sustainability, enhancing productivity and diversifying the agricultural economy.

What did CM say on economic cooperation?

The Chief Minister said that this visit will go a long way in strengthening economic cooperation and promoting Punjab as a preferred investment destination. Explaining the state’s Industrial and Trade Development Policy (IBDP) 2026, he said it offers a comprehensive and flexible incentive framework supported by sector-specific policies and strong ease of doing business. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that Punjab aims to build long-term technology-led partnerships, facilitate knowledge exchange and establish itself as a progressive, innovation-based and world-class competitive hub for sustainable agriculture.