Short term skill development programme for farmers at UHF

25 farmers trained under SJVN sponsored training A short-term skill development training programme and demonstration to young aspiring entrepreneurs and farmers was organized at the Directorate of Extension Education of the Dr YS Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry (UHF), Nauni. Twenty-five participants from Shimla and Mandi districts of the state took part in the Satluj Jal Vidyut Nigam (SJVN) sponsored training. Training coordinator and UHF’s Joint Director (Training) Dr Rajkumar Thakur said that the training focused on integrated production technology of horticulture crops. The participants were apprised about the subtropical and temperate fruits like apple and citrus. Various aspects of beekeeping and mushroom cultivation were also discussed during the programmes due to the interest shown by the trainees. Besides lectures on insect-pest and disease management of pomegranate, apple, citrus and vegetables, practical demonstrations at kiwi, stone fruit and high-density apple plantation, apiary and canning unit of the university were also undertaken. The training curriculum was designed to address the agricultural training requirements of the participants and training kits, ‘Package of Practice’ of various crops along with other university literature on spices and floriculture were also distributed to them. On the last day, Dr Thakur gave away training certificates to the participants besides a training stipend of Rs 1400 each. In July this year, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for one year for Rs 55 lakh was signed between UHF and SJVN. Under the agreement, the University will organize 32 trainings for farmers at its main campus and different research and training stations. Over 800 farmers and orchardists will be trained under this initiative in one year. The SJVN Foundation will bear the total cost of these trainings.