Scientific Efforts, Sustainable Practices Help KVK Tabo Fetch ₹60.27 Lakh for Apple Orchard

The concerted efforts of Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Lahaul & Spiti-II at Tabo of Dr YS Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry (UHF), Nauni, towards sustainable crop production, soil health management and improved marketing have resulted in its apple orchard fetching ₹60.27 lakh in the latest auction.  The fruit from the orchard was auctioned to Ashwini Kumar of Bilaspur, with 15 bidders from across Himachal Pradesh participating in the auction. The same orchard had fetched ₹38 lakh last year.

Dr RS Spehia, Senior Scientist and Head, KVK Tabo, attributed the achievement to the dedicated efforts of Scientist Ankita Dhiman and the KVK team, who have been working under the challenging conditions of the cold desert region of Spiti. He said the KVK team had maintained high standards of crop production while keeping the use of synthetic fertilizers and plant protection sprays to a minimum.

“Along with achieving higher production, our focus has been on maintaining soil health and adopting sustainable agronomic practices suited to the cold desert conditions. These efforts have contributed to a healthy and productive apple crop,” he said.

Dr Spehia said KVK Tabo has been working to demonstrate sustainable production technologies to farmers and regularly disseminating information on improved practices for apple and vegetable cultivation. The KVK's objective is not merely to increase production but also to ensure that farming practices remain environmentally sustainable and economically viable for farmers in the cold desert region. He further emphasised that marketing is an important component of improving farm returns.

The KVK made efforts to attract a larger number of buyers from different parts of Himachal Pradesh, resulting in participation of 15 bidders in the auction. He thanked Vice Chancellor Prof HS Baweja, Director of Extension Dr DP Sharma and Director, ICAR-ATARI, Dr Parvinder Sheoran for their continuous support and encouragement to the KVK team.

Congratulating the KVK team, Vice Chancellor Prof HS Baweja said the results demonstrated how scientific interventions, sustainable production practices and market-oriented approaches can contribute to enhancing farmers' income. Prof Baweja said the University's network of KVKs and research stations is working to ensure that farmers receive the latest knowledge and technologies related to crop production, plant protection, soil and water conservation and crop diversification. He added that the University would continue to strengthen its research-extension linkages and promote technologies suited to the diverse agro-climatic conditions of Himachal Pradesh.

KVK Tabo will also organise a Kisan Mela in October to showcase its technologies and sustainable agricultural practices for the benefit of farmers of Spiti Valley. Around 400 farmers are expected to participate in the event.