Solan: In a groundbreaking initiative, scientists from esteemed universities, along with Krishi Vigyan Kendras and ICAR institutes, converged at the Regional Horticulture Research and Training Station in Mashobra, affiliated with Dr. YS Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry. Their mission: to glean wisdom from the triumphs of natural farming trials in Apple cultivation.
This visit marked a pivotal juncture in the two-week national training on Natural Farming, orchestrated by the University and bolstered by the ICAR National Agricultural Higher Education Project’s Institutional Plan (NAHEP IDP). Notable minds from Haryana, Punjab, Jammu & Kashmir, and Himachal Pradesh actively engaged in this enriching training endeavor.
Dr. Usha Sharma, an eminent figure in the field, delivered an insightful presentation on the diverse trials conducted by the university, shedding light on the nuances of natural farming practices specific to apple cultivation. A tour of the natural farming apple demonstration orchard was a highlight, showcasing a vibrant tapestry of crops, including cabbage, beans, and the resplendent wild marigolds, thriving harmoniously within the multi-layered cropping system. The outcomes of these trials were generously shared with the eager trainees.
Dr. Dinesh Thakur, the Associate Director of RHRTS Mashobra, engaged with the trainees, offering them a captivating narrative of the station’s storied history. Dr. Kuldeep Thakur, an integral part of this educational odyssey, provided further insights, fostering an environment of shared knowledge and mutual growth.
A visit to the fields of Dhagogi village unveiled the remarkable success stories of Mohan Verma, Khimi Devi, and Kapil Verma. They presented their natural farming paradigms, showcasing not only thriving apple orchards but also a symphony of secondary crops like capsicum, beans, okra, and cucumber, all contributing to bolster their livelihoods. Their testimonials resonated deeply with the eager participants, emphasizing how transitioning to natural farming had wrought transformative changes in their lives.
