07 December 2023, New Delhi: Chaudhary Sarwan Kumar Himachal Pradesh Agriculture University organised a training on Seabuckthorn at its Regional Research Station, Kukumseri in Lahaul today. Dr D.K.Vatsa, Vice-Chancellor distributed farm implements including power sprayers, bush cutters, etc. to representatives of all 32 Panchayats of Lahaul valley. While addressing around 300 farmers and farm ladies, he asked farmers to get complete scientific information about seabuckthorn from the University Research Station. He asked scientists to develop and make farmers aware about the farm tools and implements useful in harvesting and processing of seabuckhtorn. He discussed challenges and opportunities due to climate change, management of natural resources, utilization of solar energy, farm mechanisation, use of digital technology in farming, etc. He appreciated the hard working farmers of tribal areas who produce high value cash crops despite inclement weather and tough terrain. They are growing exotic vegetables which have vast potential in enhancing their farm income.
The Vice-Chancellor also visited exhibition on seabuckthorn. Dr S.K.Upadhyay, Director of Research, asked farmers to adopt scientific farming of seabuckthorn. He told that farm implements have been provided under Tribal Sub plan of Indian Council of Agricultural Research. Dr.Pankaj Chopra, Scientist Incharge, detailed activities of the regional research station. Dr.R.K.Rana,Principal Investigator underlined the importance, medicinal value, processing and value addition of seabuckhtorn. Head of departments Drs Narender Sankhyan and Anup Katoch and other scientists like Drs Pawan Kumar Sharma, Parveen Kumar, Ashita Bisht, Radhika Negi and Shabnam Katoch were also present on the occasion.
