Amity University Gurugram added another milestone in its kitty and created history by growing ALMONDS in the hot Arid conditions of Panchgaon ,Manesar (Amity University campus). This is possibly the first time in the world that quality almonds have been grown in a region were temperature soars to 40+ in summer.
The saplings which were planted 4-5 years back have now grown into an adult tree with a yield of 4-5 kg per year. This year the almond tree was in full bloom in February and is now full of green almonds, a scene never witnessed in Haryana. The full credit for this stupendous effort goes to Shri Manjit Singh, Brother in law of the Honorable Dr Ashok K Chauhan, Founder President of Ritnand Balved Education Foundation(The foundation of Amity Institutions and the sponsoring body of Amity Universities) whose Vision for Amity is “ To be a world class centre of creativity and innovation and to contribute to the progress of humanity through excellence in education ,industry and society relevant research and extension services “.
The 90+ years veteran Shri Manjit Singh , a retired BDO of Haryana government who seems to know the soil quality of every inch of Haryana state, is full of initiative, drive and passion for research, has also grown Apples, Pears, Peaches and several varieties of Mangoes in the horticulture dept garden of the University.
Mr Manjit Singh a great humble, unassuming person unaware of the history he was creating also said “the soil in the region is Rocky and had to dig 3-4 ft cut through the gravel layers before planting the almond trees and other fruit trees grown in Kashmir and foot hills of Himalya. No chemical or artificial fertilizers were used but only depended on organic fertilizer and the tree grows in the natural environment”. This shatters the myth that no fruit trees can be grown in Arid Aravali region.
Visitors are welcomed to come and see this great Scientific Experiment of almonds growing naturally on the tree in the horticulture department garden of Amity University Haryana.