30 farmers take part in training programme on bamboo cultivation at Palampur varsity

A three-day training programme on scientific bamboo cultivation concluded successfully today at Chaudhary Sarwan Kumar Himachal Pradesh Krishi Vishvavidyalaya (CSKHPKV), Palampur. The programme was organised by the Department of Biology and Environmental Sciences, College of Basic Sciences, in collaboration with the Directorate of Extension Education under the National Bamboo Mission. It aimed to promote bamboo cultivation as a sustainable and profitable livelihood option for farmers across the state.

Thirty farmers from different parts of Himachal Pradesh participated in the programme. During the three-day training, experts delivered lectures on scientific bamboo cultivation, nursery management, plantation techniques, pest and disease management, value addition, and marketing opportunities under the National Bamboo Mission. Participants also received hands-on training at the university’s bamboo nursery on propagation methods, nursery management practices, and scientific cultivation techniques.

The valedictory function was attended by Dr Vinod Sharma, Director of Extension Education, as the chief guest, while Dr Rajan Katoch, Dean, College of Basic Sciences, was the guest of honour. Dr Lav Bhushan served as the training in-charge, and Dr Radhika Sharma, Principal Investigator of the National Bamboo Mission project, coordinated the programme.

Addressing the participants, Dr Sharma and Dr Katoch encouraged farmers to adopt scientific bamboo cultivation to enhance their income while contributing to environmental conservation. They also appreciated the efforts of the Department of Biology and Environmental Sciences in promoting bamboo cultivation and creating greater awareness about its economic and ecological benefits among farming communities.

The programme concluded with the distribution of participation certificates, bamboo saplings, and study material to all 30 trainees. Participants appreciated the practical orientation of the training and described it as highly relevant for promoting sustainable bamboo-based livelihoods and encouraging scientific bamboo farming in the state.