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A breakthrough in crop diversification

Staff Correspondent

CHANDIGARH: Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh has launched the commercial production and marketing of Hyola oil under the supervision of the State Public Sector Undertaking (PSU), the Punjab Agro Foodgrains Corporation (PAFC). It is expected to provide a boost to the State Government's ambitious programme of diversification in agriculture.

The government claimed the development to be a major breakthrough as for the first time in the country, a new alternative crop had been grown and value added before marketing within three years. Also it ushered in a new era of healthier cooking for consumers, while it marked the revival of the oilseeds industry in Punjab.

Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Minister appreciated the efforts made in the area of promoting crop diversification and introduction of new crops, which also helped save resources like water and soil. He said that it is also expected to contribute in cutting down of high value oilseeds imports for the country and reduce the exposure of farmers to market.

Hyola oil

According to the PAFC, to be marketed under the brand name of "Five Rivers Hyola Oil'', the product is an Indian version of Canola, a Canadian oilseed that holds a major share in the edible oil markets of Canada, Japan, Australia and USA. Processed naturally through the cold press technology, there are no chemical additives in this "super healthy oil'' which is naturally packed with high levels of Olecic Acids that lower cholesterol level. It has one of lowest levels of Erucic Acid among all oils and can help decrease the risk of heart disease and high blood pressure.

It is claimed that the oil is rich in Vitamin E, which helps preserve the health of arterial walls and contains Omega-3 fatty acids that protect against heart attacks and strokes apart from being beneficial for the eyes and brain. Further it improves blood lipid levels, makes the platelets in the blood less sticky and helps maintain a regular rhythm of heartbeats.

The PAFC Vice-Chairman, R S Jaura, said that Hyola seed, which is a proprietary seed of Advanta India Ltd., has been taken up under cultivation in the state under a contract farming programme of the Corporation, which supplies quality seeds to the farmers and assured buy back.

According to the PAFC Managing Director, Himmat Singh, the main objective behind the launch of "Five Rivers Hyola Oil'' was to meet post-WTO requirements of exports to Europe. It would address the issue of traceability, which will now be helpful to exporters, as the crops will be grown under contract farming for export. This is likely to give a big boost to the prospect of Punjab exporting oil and oilseeds all over the world.

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A breakthrough in crop diversification

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