CSK HP Agriculture University to develop Sangla as model research centre: VC

Our Correspondent

Palampur, November 7

CSK HP Agriculture University organised a field day on potential crops and farmer-scientist interaction at its Regional Research Station in Sangla, in tribal area of Kinnaur district today.

Chief Guest Prof HK Chaudhary, Vice-Chancellor, while addressing around 150 farmers and farm ladies from the valley, suggested them to grow ‘Kala Zeera’ (black cumin) as intercrop in apple orchards and saffron as a sole crop. It would enhance their income and the university would extend them technical knowledge, besides providing improved plant material and training. He appreciated the tribals for their hardwork and assured them all technical support to grow exotic vegetables, like broccoli, lettuce, red cabbage, off season vegetables, improved fodder like fescue grass, red clover and improving animal production with quality breeds and feed.

He directed scientists to develop a calendar on apple spray schedule and make it available to the growers. The university would develop Sangla as a model farm and research the station. It would be strengthened with scientific and technical manpower in the near future, Dr Chaudhary added.

Earlier, the Vice-Chancellor inspected the station and directed scientists to introduce intercropping of ‘kala zeera’ in the apple orchard at the station.

Dr SP Dixit, Director of Research, Dr Satish Paul, Director of Extension Education, Dr Mandeep Sharma, Dean, Dr GC Negi COVAS, Dr Desh Raj Chaudhary, Head, Deptt of Vegetable Crops, Dr VK Sood, Head, Deptt of Genetics and Plant Breeding, and other scientists also interacted with the farmers.

Pardeep Negi, pradhan of Gram Panchayat Batseri, and Karuna Negi, Mahila Mandal pradhan, Kamru, thanked the Vice-Chancellor and the university for taking efforts to revive potential crops in the region. Dr Parveen Lata Chaudhary, first lady of the university, was also present.