Programme on Horticulture and Natural Farming for Uttarakhand Farmers
The Directorate of Extension Education, Dr YS Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry (UHF), Nauni, organised a three-day training programme for 57 farmers from Uttarakhand on various aspects of horticulture and sustainable farming.
The participating farmers received technical and practical training on kiwi cultivation, mushroom production, natural farming, integrated farming systems and the management of winter fruit crops. Scientists from the university provided technical knowledge on crop management, plant care, mushroom production, natural farming techniques and scientific management of winter fruit plants. Emphasis was also laid on sustainable farming, crop diversification, efficient utilisation of farm resources and integrated disease and pest management.
As part of the programme, the farmers undertook exposure visits to different fields and demonstration units of the university, where they observed various horticultural crops, improved production technologies and scientific farming practices. The participants also visited Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Solan at Kandaghat and the Regional Horticultural Research and Training Station (RHRTS), Mashobra, where they interacted with experts and gained practical knowledge about modern horticultural practices.
Addressing the gathering during the valedictory session, Dr Amit Vikram, Joint Director (Training), encouraged the participating farmers to implement the knowledge and skills gained during the programme in their respective fields and villages. He also urged them to share their experiences and learnings with fellow farmers. He said that the dissemination of technical knowledge at the grassroots level would help more farmers benefit from improved horticultural technologies and sustainable farming practices.
The training programme and exposure visits provided the farmers with first-hand experience of improved production technologies and sustainable agricultural practices that can be adapted to local conditions to strengthen horticultural production and farm-based livelihoods. The programme was coordinated by Dr Ajay Sharma and Dr Divya Choudhary, with the scientific staff of the Directorate of Extension Education assisting in various training sessions and activities.
