Under the guidance of the Directorate of Extension Education, PAU’s Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Kapurthala organized a travel seminar on 12.01.2026 at the farm of Mr.Phuman Singh, a progressive carrot grower of village Paramjitpur, to promote the nutritionally rich Punjab Black Beauty carrot variety.
The programme aimed to popularize the PAU-developed Punjab Black Beauty, a black carrot variety known for its significant health benefits and strong market potential. Dr. Amandeep Kaur, Associate Professor (Vegetable Science), provided a detailed overview of PAU-recommended carrot varieties and their cultivation practices. She highlighted that Kapurthala is a major vegetable-growing belt with about 900 ha area under carrot and Punjab Black Beauty is a nutritionally rich variety which takes 90-95 days to mature with yield potential of 196q/acre. She further explained that the variety is rich in iron (1.10 mg/100 g), anthocyanins (182 mg/100 g), and phenols (73 mg/100 g) enabling farmers to obtain a higher market price and improved income.
Mrs. Avneet Kaur, Associate Professor (Home Science), explained that the black carrot variety is particularly beneficial for individuals suffering from anemia and discussed its use in traditional fermented kanji, as well as its potential for preparation of pickles and gajrela. Carrot growers from nearby villages Churrpur, Zhanduwal, Mehjitpur, Pandori Jagir participated in the seminar.
While addressing farmers’ queries, Dr.Harinder Singh, Incharge, KVK, highlighted that PAU has developed several carrot varieties, including orange, yellow, purple, and red-segment types. In view of market demand, farmers may opt above mentioned segments of carrot on small scale. He emphasized that the black carrot variety offers not only excellent production potential but also superior processing qualities with 7.5% TSS and 580 ml/kg juice content. Dr. Bindu, Professor (Agricultural Engineering), presented the vote of thanks. The programme concluded with a visit to the demonstration plot of the Punjab Black Beauty carrot variety and vote of thanks by farmer Sardar Phuman Singh who shared that carrot cultivation is a profitable venture when practiced with proper planning and scientific practices and expressed gratitude to all for their for their presence.
https://www.pau.edu/index.php?_act=manageEvent&DO=viewEventDetail&intID=11889
