Palampur: Chaudhary Sarwan Kumar Himachal Pradesh Krishi Vishvavidyalaya (CSKHPKV) has launched a prestigious research project in collaboration with the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), Philippines, to study the impact of natural farming in the state.
The project, titled “Evidencing the Impact of Natural Farming Transitions on Productivity, Profitability, Soil Health, and Environmental Security in Rice-based Cropping Systems of Himachal Pradesh,” commenced this Kharif season. It will specifically analyze the effects of natural farming techniques on rice-wheat and rice-potato cropping systems over the next three years. Vice-Chancellor Prof. Naveen Kumar announced that IRRI has sanctioned an initial grant of ₹15.30 lakh for the project, with the university having already received the first installment of ₹7.65 lakh.
“This international collaboration is a matter of great pride for CSKHPKV and will significantly enhance our university’s global reputation,” Prof. Kumar stated. He expressed gratitude to IRRI for the financial support and reaffirmed the university’s commitment to promoting sustainable agriculture through dedicated research and teaching.
The project is being spearheaded by the university’s Department of Organic Agriculture and Natural Farming, which has been a pioneer in the field since 2002 and is recognized as a Centre of Natural Farming under the national mission.
Prof. Kumar commended the efforts of Dr. Janardan Singh, the Project Leader and Head of the Department, for securing the collaboration. He also praised the dedication of the scientific team, which includes Dr. Panneersalven and Dr. A. K. Mishra from IRRI, alongside Dr. Rameshwar, Dr. Gopal Katna, and Dr. Rakesh Kumar from CSKHPKV.
