ICAR ATARI Reviews KVK Kinnaur Activities, Emphasizes Demonstration-Based Technology Transfer

The activities of Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Kinnaur, were reviewed by Dr. Parvinder Sheoran, Zonal Director, ICAR–ATARI Zone-I, Ludhiana, during his visit to the district. KVK Kinnaur functions under Dr. YS Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni, with financial support from the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR).

During the visit, Dr. Sheoran reviewed the ongoing extension, research and developmental programmes of the KVK and held detailed interactions with the scientists and staff regarding the implementation and progress of various activities aimed at strengthening the farming sector in the tribal district. The KVK team, led by Head Dr. Neena Chauhan, briefed him on the centre's achievements, ongoing demonstrations and future plans.

Dr. Sheoran visited the KVK Demonstration Farm, Vegetable Research Station (VRS), Kalpa, and the Kisan Bhawan at Reckong Peo. At VRS, Kalpa, he reviewed demonstration trials on high-density apple plantations and seed production of radish, turnip and potato being undertaken by the Kendra. Appreciating the efforts of the centre, he recommended developing the Kalpa Farm from an eco-tourism perspective to promote sustainable tourism alongside agricultural education. He also suggested introducing additional temperate fruit crops at the farm to enhance its research and demonstration potential.

A major highlight of the visit was the Farmer–Scientist Interaction Programme organized under the month-long Khet Bachao Abhiyan at Chitkul, where Dr. Sheoran interacted with farmers on improved agricultural and horticultural practices. Farmers highlighted the shortage of quality seed and the continued dependence on traditional pea sowing methods as major constraints affecting productivity. Addressing these concerns, Dr. Sheoran emphasized the need to establish more on-farm demonstration units using quality planting material so that farmers can directly observe the benefits of improved production technologies under field conditions.

The KVK was advised to formulate and submit suitable projects under the Tribal Sub Plan (TSP) with provisions for the distribution of quality planting material, enabling tribal farmers to adopt improved technologies and strengthen their livelihoods.

As part of the visit, Dr. Sheoran also inspected a high-altitude demonstration trial on high-density apple plantation using seedling rootstocks at Mastrang, located at an elevation of 3,450 metres. He reviewed the performance of the plantation under challenging agro-climatic conditions and recommended expanding such demonstrations at farmers' fields across the district to accelerate the adoption of high-density apple orchards and other hi-tech horticultural practices.

The visit also reviewed the achievements of the month-long Khet Bachao Abhiyan, under which the KVK team conducted extensive training and extension activities across all three blocks of Kinnaur district. During the campaign, KVK personnel visited 31 panchayats covering 70 villages, creating awareness among farmers about the latest agricultural and horticultural technologies, integrated crop management, improved production practices and climate-resilient farming for enhancing productivity and sustainability in the tribal region.

The visit and interaction were attended by KVK Head Dr. Neena Chauhan, Dr. D.P. Bhandari, Dr. Arun Negi, Dr. B.R. Negi, Dr. Deepika Negi, along with the technical and field staff of the KVK and Regional Horticultural Research and Training Station, Sharbo.