Establishment of horticultural plants raised on light textured and low organic matter containing soils is difficult because the plants suffer frequent moisture stress. The fruit plants also suffer from low temperature during winter season when frostsoccur. Kandi area forms part-of Shiwalik hills which extends in 20-30 km wide strip along the eastern border of the Punjab state starting from Dera Bassi block of Patiala to Dhar block of Gurdaspur district. It covers an area of 5.30 lakh hectares whichis about 10% of the total area of the state. This area is characterized by lack of irrigation facilities, heavy soil erosion on undulating topography, frequent moisture stress, low crop yields, scarcity of fuel, fodder and water and poor economic condition of small farmers. However, kandi area is rich in biodiversity and most suitable for Horticultural plants. The establishment of horticultural plants raised on light textured and low organic matter containing soils is difficult because the plants sufferfrequent moisture stress particularly during the period when rains are absent and temperatures are relatively high. In addition, the fruit plants also suffer from low temperature during winter season when frosts occur at some of locations. Once established, the fruit plants have a deeper root system and can proliferate during subsequent years. The frost damaged plants take long time to rejuvenate and hence dampen the spirit of the farmers. The experiences of Zonal Research Station for kandi area need to be shared with the farmers for providing them technological inputs. This article highlights the effect of frost on fruit plants in the kandi belt of Punjab state and suggest measures for rejuvenation of frost damaged plants.
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