Training on Integrated Production of Horticultural Crops at UHF

Seventy-five farmers from Shimla and Una districts of the state underwent a seven-day training programme on ‘Integrated production techniques of Horticulture crops’ at the Dr YS Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry (UHF), Nauni. The Satluj Jal Vidyut Nigam (SJVN) sponsored programme was organized by the Directorate of Extension Education of the university.

A special session on ‘Doubling Farmers’ Income’ was also held during this programme, which was addressed by Dr HC Sharma, Vice-Chancellor of the university. In his address, Dr Sharma stressed on the need to attract youth towards agricultural activities, as it was one of the noblest professions. Dr Sharma urged the farmers to take up protected cultivation and precision farming techniques to improve crop production and increase profits.

He advised the farmers to set up farmer cooperative agencies for collectively exploring the branding and marketing opportunities, and reap its benefits. High-density plantation, mixed cropping, solar drying of fruits and vegetables, cooperative farming and water conservation were some of the other areas on which he spoke. The lecture was followed by an interactive session, which was also attended by Dr Rajkumar Thakur, Joint Director (Communication) and other scientists of the Directorate.

Dr Mai Chand, Joint Director (Training) informed that the programme was part of the MoU signed between the university and SJVN under which the university is organizing farmer trainings at its main campus and different research stations. During the weeklong programme, the farmers were apprised about the various aspects of horticulture crops with a major focus on imparting practical training to field visits. Crop diversification, post-harvest handling, nursery production and value addition in horticulture for better marketing were some of the other topics, which were touched during the training.