Farmers of Rajasthan show immense interest in growing apple in their state

Dhsaramshala, December 14, 2017: Farmers from the state of Rajasthan, visiting the Nauni based Dr YS Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry (UHF) have shown immense interest in beekeeping and growing apple in their state. Their interest was highly visible during their recently concluded seven-day training cum exposure programme held at the UHF.
Mr Suchet Attri, PRO, UHF informed, “Thirty farmers from Ajmer district of Rajasthan attended this Agriculture Technological Management Agency (ATMA) sponsored training. During the visit, the farmers who back home largely grow mustard, maize, sorghum, barley and cotton expressed a lot of interest in growing ‘anna’ variety of apple in their state. This variety of apple is suitable for warmer areas.”
MR. Sourabh Garg, Deputy Director ATMA, who accompanied the participants, said that the purpose of the training was to apprise the farmers about the latest developments in horticulture so that their income can be increased.
Garg said that all the farmers showed a lot of interest in apple cultivation, beekeeping and post-harvest technology. University literature on beekeeping and horticulture was also provided to these farmers.
Dr Vimal Chauhan, coordinator of the training said, “The participants were given information about a variety of horticulture crops and technology. In addition, they were also apprised about poly-house technology, floriculture, medicinal plants and vegetables cultivation. Through farm practical and lectures, participants were also taught about soil and water analysis, post-harvest production techniques, fertilizers, pests and diseases associated with each crop.”
The farmers, who were introduced to beekeeping through an expert lecture at the university, were highly drawn towards it prospects. Impressed with its benefits, some of the participants including Bhuvan Singh Rathore expressed his desire to return for a specialized training on the subject.
“I along with a few others want to do a specialized training on beekeeping. We were amazed to learn how bees could not only help us to increase the productivity of mustard which we grow, but also give us an additional source of income,” said Rathore.

Another farmer Ratan Lal Prajapal wanted to learn more about the procedure of making jams, jellies, and ginger and honey-based chocolates.