Focus on Innovation, Diversification and Future-Ready Solutions for the Hill Agriculture Sector

Dr YS Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni marked its 41st Foundation Day with a renewed commitment to shape the future of hill horticulture through innovation, diversification and climate-resilient practices. The celebrations were held at the Dr LS Negi Auditorium, where Vice Chancellor Prof. Rajeshwar Singh Chandel graced the occasion as the Chief Guest. Renowned academician and former HOD at IIT Kanpur Dr Vijay Kumar Stokes, who is also the grandson of Satyanand Stokes, was the Guest of Honour and delivered the keynote address.
Registrar Sidharth Acharya extended a warm welcome to all dignitaries and highlighted the university’s rich legacy, tracing its roots to the College of Agriculture established at Solan in 1962. He noted how the university has consistently upheld its mandate of empowering the hill farming community through education, research and extension.
In his address, Prof. Chandel paid tribute to the visionary leadership of Dr Yashwant Singh Parmar, who championed the idea of specialized agricultural research institutions tailored to the unique agro-climatic conditions of Himachal Pradesh. He emphasized that the establishment of Asia’s first university dedicated exclusively to horticulture and forestry paved the way for similar institutions across the country.
Reflecting on the university’s journey, Prof. Chandel shared that the combined efforts of its scientists, staff and students have helped Himachal Pradesh emerge as a leader in horticulture and forestry. Acknowledging the constant support of farmers, he stressed the need for enhanced farmer–scientist interactions, fruit diversification and affordable, climate-resilient technologies that can help the farming community leapfrog future challenges.
Delivering the keynote address, Dr Vijay Stokes shared insights from his transformative journey of becoming a practicing farmer post-retirement. Drawing from his ongoing rejuvenation work in the historic Harmony Hall Orchards, originally planted by Samuel Stokes, he presented scientific findings from their orchard experiments. Addressing young faculty and staff, Dr Stokes encouraged them to think 'out of the box', recalling anecdotes from his years at IIT Kanpur. He also cautioned about the emerging disruptions posed by artificial intelligence and stressed the need for adaptive learning.
As part of the celebrations, the university honoured five progressive farmers for their exemplary contributions:
·       Col. Prakash Chand Rana (Kangra) – integrated farming model combining turmeric, maize-beans, poultry, fisheries and beekeeping
·       Ashish Singh Rana (Jawali) – dragon fruit cultivation and natural farming
·       Anup Bhialaik (Kotgarh) – advancements in stone fruit production
·       Sunny Chauhan (Rohru) – beekeeping and value addition
·       Om Prakash (Dilman) – natural farming and farmer–student training initiatives
The university also recognised 12 outstanding employees across categories.
Teaching Category: Dr Subhash Chand Verma and Dr Naveen Sharma
Other Categories: Rajeev Sharma, Rakesh Mahev Technical: Gandev Thakur, Ashok Verma Support Staff: Tara Chand, Mohan Lal Allied: Suchet Attri and Vinod Sharma
In addition, Meera Sharma and Om Prakash were honoured for their dedicated services in sanitation.
Adding a touch of camaraderie to the celebrations, a friendly volleyball match between the teaching and non-teaching staff was also organised which was won by the non-teaching team.
The celebrations were attended by eminent retired scientists and staff, members of the Senate, Board of Management, and Academic, Research and Extension Councils, along with progressive farmers, employees and students.