CSKHPKV-IRRI Collaborative Project Reviewed During Visit of IRRI Scientist at Palampur
Chaudhary Sarwan Kumar Himachal Pradesh Krishi Vishvavidyalaya, Palampur hosted Dr. Panneerselvam Peramaiyan, Project Leader Scientist (Cropping Systems Agronomy), IRRI South Asia Regional Center (IRRI-SARC), Varanasi, who visited the University to review the ongoing research activities under the CSKHPKV-IRRI collaborative project entitled “Evidencing the Impact of Natural Farming Transitions on Productivity, Profitability, Soil Health and Environmental Security in Rice-based Cropping Systems of Himachal Pradesh.”
The collaborative project has been operational at the Research Farm of the Department of Organic Agriculture and Natural Farming since 2025. The project focuses on enhancing rice production in Himachal Pradesh through research, innovation and transfer of advanced technologies under natural farming systems. It also addresses region-specific challenges faced by rice farmers, including unpredictable weather patterns, soil fertility issues and the need for water-efficient farming techniques.
During his visit, Dr. Panneerselvam Peramaiyan met and interacted with Dr. Janardan Singh, Director Extension Education-cum-Principal Investigator of the project, regarding the possibilities of engaging students in the ongoing research trials and demonstrations being conducted in the State. Thereafter, Dr. Panneerselvam visited the ongoing research trials at the Research Farm and evaluated the performance of the Kharif rice crop. He expressed satisfaction with the crop performance and critically reviewed the results obtained from the previous trials. He appreciated the efforts of the team of scientists and research staff involved in implementing the project and acknowledged their contribution towards advancing research on natural farming-based rice production systems in Himachal Pradesh.The visit provided an opportunity for technical review of the ongoing research activities and further strengthened the collaborative efforts between CSKHPKV and IRRI towards developing sustainable, productive and environmentally secure rice-based cropping systems for the farmers of Himachal Pradesh.
