Two KVKs of UHF Nauni Win Awards at ICAR–ATARI Foundation Day

Two Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) administered by Dr Yashwant Singh Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry (UHF), Nauni, were honoured with prestigious awards during the Foundation Day celebrations of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research–Agricultural Technology Application Research Institute (ICAR–ATARI), Zone-I, Ludhiana.

Dr R.S. Sephia, Head, KVK Lahaul & Spiti-II, Tabo, was conferred the Performance Excellence Award in recognition of his effective leadership, exceptional commitment, and innovative strategies in implementing frontline extension programmes and strengthening agricultural research and knowledge management. Serving at the KVK for over three years, Dr Sephia has made significant contributions towards improving the marketing of Spiti’s unique produce such as apples and peas, while simultaneously promoting natural farming practices in the eco-fragile cold desert region.

Under his leadership, the KVK orchard successfully demonstrated superior quality parameters of Spiti apples, resulting in auctions worth nearly ₹40 lakh on two occasions. His dedication to natural farming was further highlighted when 120 apple plants raised under natural farming practices were auctioned for ₹9 lakh and also earning a CETARA certification from the State Government. For the benefit of farmers, Dr Sephia also ensured the operationalization of the Food Processing Laboratory at the KVK, facilitating value addition of surplus and unmarketable fruits. With the acquisition of an FSSAI license, the unit has already started generating revenue in lakhs and is expected to become self-sustaining by next year. In addition, extensive on-farm trials and frontline demonstrations across the Spiti valley have led to the inclusion of innovative methodologies in the University’s Package of Practices.

Meanwhile, a team from KVK Solan (Kandaghat) comprising Dr Anurag Sharma, Dr Meera Devi, and Dr Arti Shukla received the Best Poster Presentation Award for their presentation on Diversified Temperate Horticulture for Income Generation, under the theme High-Value Crop Production, Natural and Organic Farming, and Diversification Models. The award-winning poster showcased the success story of horticultural entrepreneur Karan Singh of village Dharon Ki Dhar. Shortlisted from among entries submitted by 72 KVKs of Zone-I, the presentation highlighted his innovative enterprise involving a high-value nursery, high-density apple cultivation, blueberry production, and carnation farming. His achievements, developed in close association with KVK Solan, were described as a unique example of perseverance and innovation, serving as an inspiration for youth farmers in Himachal Pradesh.

The awards were presented in the presence of Chief Guest Prof. Rajeshwar S. Chandel, Vice-Chancellor, UHF Nauni, Dr Parvender Sheoran, Director, ICAR–ATARI, Zone-I, Dr. Gurbachan Singh, Former Chairman ASRB, Dr. Nachiket Kotwaliwale, Director, ICAR-CIPHET, Ludhiana, Dr PS Birthal, Former Director, ICAR–National Institute of Agricultural Economics and Policy Research (ICAR-NIAP), New Delhi.

Congratulating the awardees, Prof Chandel said that such recognition reflects the impactful work being carried out by the University and its KVKs for the benefit of the farming community. Dr Inder Dev, Director Extension Education, along with faculty and staff of the University, also extended their congratulations to the award recipients.