A beautiful array of chrysanthemum pots of about 275 varieties belonging to button, pompon, anemone, spider and spoon chrysanthemum blooms are on display at the show. Some flowers had refluxed petals which, with attractive colour patterns, were much admired by the onlookers.

The show also featured an exhibition on the literature published by the university on Floriculture and Landscaping, and the chrysanthemum hybrids released by PAU. According to a statement issued here, the university floriculturists are developing hybrids for pots, garden decoration, cut flowers, loose flowers and garland-making etc. Dr Kang interacted with flower breeders and discussed various approaches for chrysanthemum improvement. He appreciated the efforts put in by the organizers of the chrysanthemum show for taking people close to nature.

PAU Director of Extension Education Dr NS Malhi said that the available diversity of chrysanthemums should be involved in breeding programmes, and such shows should be held to create interest among farmers, farm women and the general public about nature. He added that flowers have a great potential for decoration in wedding functions, and their marketing can yield a lucrative income.

Dr Ramesh Kumar Sadawarti, Head, Department of Floriculture and Landscaping, spoke about the ongoing chrysanthemum programme at PAU. Dr Sadawarti claimed that PAU has the richest collection of chrysanthemums and other flowers in the country, and that the chrysanthemum show has become a regular annual feature dedicated to the memory of the legendary Punjabi Poet, Bhai Veer Singh, who was a great lover of flowers, particularly chrysanthemums.

On the occasion Bhai Veer Singh was remembered for his famous poem Guldaudian. To add a different shade to the show, a poem on flowers, especially written for the occasion by Urdu Poet Sardar Panchhi was read out by Dr Jagtar Singh Dhiman, Additional Director of Communication. The poem drew a good applause from the audience.