Plant Health Clinic programme will be strengthened in Himachal : Vinay Singh

The Horticulture Department is strengthening the ‘Plant Health Clinic’ programme across the state so that horticulturists can get the identification and solution of their plant and fruit diseases at their doorstep.
In a special interview, Vinay Singh, Director of the Horticulture Department, Himachal Pradesh, stated that the effects of climate change are clearly visible in Himachal Pradesh this year. While there was no snowfall in January and February, unexpected snowfall in March and April and continuous rain from May to September have adversely affected horticulture.
He explained that this year, as early as October, snowfall occurred in the higher elevations and a sudden drop in temperatures in the lower regions. To address these challenges, the department is continuously educating farmers about the importance of adopting scientific techniques. He urged horticulturists to actively participate in the department’s initiatives, ensuring that the benefits of scientific efforts reach their fields directly, thus creating an environment conducive to horticulture, taking into account future climate conditions.
The Director informed that the State Government and the Horticulture Department have launched several new initiatives to mitigate the effects of climate change, which include promotion of apple and other varieties that bear fruit in milder temperatures, demonstration of super fruits like blueberries, avocados and dragon fruits, expansion of the Natural Farming Mission, providing mini cold storage to farmers on subsidy, formation of farmer producer organisations, establishment of bio-control laboratories and expansion of weather-based crop insurance schemes.
He said that the department is providing proper information related to weather and crops to the gardeners from time to time through training camps and social media so that the gardeners can maintain their gardens in a scientific manner.