Training programme for scientists of Krishi Vigyan Kendras on doubling farmers' income

A three-day training programme aimed at refreshing the knowledge of scientists serving at various Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) of the state concluded at the Dr YS Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry (UHF), Nauni. Twenty-five scientists representing KVKs located in various districts of Himachal Pradesh attended the training.

The Indian Council for Agricultural Research (ICAR) sponsored programme was organised by the UHF’s Directorate of Extension Education. The theme of the training was ‘Promotion of Farmers Income through Scientific Interventions’.

Training coordinator and UHF’s Joint Director (Communications) Dr RK Thakur explained that the idea behind the training was to refresh and enhance the expertise of the scientists working at the various KVKs of the state. The programme focussed on the promotion of farmers' income through scientific interventions, which is also an important part of the Government of India’s goal of doubling farmers’ income by the year 2022.

“The scientists of the KVKs are an integral part of the agricultural activities undertaken by the farmers and are the first touch points for agriculturists of any particular area. So by enhancing the expertise of these scientists, we aim to reach our farmers with the latest technological and scientific interventions in the agricultural an horticultural sector”, said Dr Thakur

The ICAR has opened a KVK in each district of the state which are managed by the scientists of UHF Nauni and CSK HPKV Palampur. At present, there are 13 KVKs in Himachal.

Throughout the training, the participating scientists were given expert lectures on topics like

• Horticultural interventions and strategies for doubling farmers’ income

• Diversifying ornamental crops

• Cultivation of medicinal, aromatic crops and spices

• Alternative farming systems

• Protected cultivation for employment generation

• Apiculture and pollination management

• Integrated disease management

• Zero budget natural farming and farming farming

• Off-season vegetable production

• Vegetable seed production

• Agroforestry interventions in fruit orchards for improving profitability

• Mushroom production

• Post-harvest losses and their mitigation