Raj Sadosh/Abohar.

The first-ever Ganganagar Kinnow Festival-2026 (GKF), at the Tantia University campus, scaled new heights.

The festival was inaugurated by Krishan Murari, All India Seed chief of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, Tantia University Chairperson Sunita Tantia, Vice Chairperson Dr. Mohit Tantia, senior Kinnow scientist Dr. M.K. Kaul, and leading Kinnow trader Mool Chand Gera by lighting a lamp.

GKF patron, Dr. Mohit Tantia, said that Kinnow has given Sriganganagar an international identity. It has proved to be the backbone of the region in the economic and agricultural sectors. Krishan Murari said that farmers in India face a huge problem with seeds. In many places, fake seeds are being sold, while in others, they are very expensive. Amar Chand Borad said that it is due to the efforts of Maharaja Ganga Singh that the deserts were yielding gold today.

A cultural program was held under the direction of Dr. Alka. Dr. M.K. Kaul, Dr. Amar Singh Punia, Kana Ram Bhunwal, Madan Joshi, and Dr. Rajendra Nain provided detailed information on increasing Kinnow production and quality and improving the crop. Magician Prashant also showcased his magic. Dr. Ummed Singh Shekhawat, and Yogendra Sharma also addressed the gathering. Kamaljit Singh Sudan thanked all, Raj Kumar Jain and Krishan Kumar Ashu conducted the stage.

Senior agricultural scientist Dr. M.K. Kaul was honoured with a Lifetime Achievement Award for his contributions to the cultivation of Kinnow fruit. Manmohan Singh Narula of Lyallpur Farms, Advocate Bikram Singh (grandson of veteran agricultural expert Balwant Singh), Anand Singh Kang, and Mool Chand Gera were awarded the Kinnow Ratna award. In the Kinnow quality competition, Hanuman secured the first position, Amit Saharan the second, and Shishpal the third.