CSIR-IHBT Empowering the Farmers of the Lahaul Valley

CSIR-IHBT Palampur organized a one-day program for the empowerment of the farmers at its Centre for High Altitude Biology, Ribling, Lahaul and Spiti on September 19, 2022. The theme of the program was “Heeng, Kesar and Floriculture Crops along with Compost Booster” Dr Ram Lal Markanda, Hon’ble Technical Education Minister, Government of Himachal Pradesh was the Chief Guest in the program. Sh. Shamsher Singh, Member Tribal Advisory Committee, Himachal Pradesh along with officials from various state departments also graced the occasion. Several tribal farmers, women, unemployed youth of Tandi Panchayat participated in the programme. In addition, Pradhan and Mahila Mandals of Marble and Malang villages were also presented during the event.
Dr Ram Lal Markanda, Hon’ble Minister addressed the farmers and the local people during the program. He appreciated the efforts made by CSIR-IHBT for the welfare of tribal people, and asked the farmers and unemployed youth to take benefits from the technologies developed by the institute. In his address, he gave emphasis on entrepreneurship development and start-ups in association with CSIR-IHBT to transform rural economy. He also appreciated the initiatives taken by the institute for formation of Floriculture Clusters in the district and establishment of cold storage facility at Jagla and Shansha. Hon’ble Minister distributed plants of Heeng, corms of saffron, seeds of flower crops and compost booster to several hundred inhabitants of the area.
On the occasion, Dr. Sanjay Kumar, Director, CSIR-IHBT Palampur warmly welcomed the Hon’ble Minster and apprised him about the research and extension activities carried out by the institute. He emphasized on the efforts made by the institute for cultivation and expansion of area under Heeng, Kesar and commercial floriculture crops for boosting farmer’s income in high altitude region. Dr Kumar also highlighted the importance of night soil composting technique developed by the institute for improving the crop productivity.
A group of scientists Dr. Rakesh Kumar, Dr. Ashok Yadav, Dr Amit Chawla and Dr Ashok Singh from the institute held detailed discussions with stakeholders on “Package of Practices” developed by them for cultivation of Heeng, Kesar and commercial floriculture crops.