Kinnaur farmers pledge chemical-free farming on Strawberry Day

To promote strawberry cultivation through natural farming practices, the Regional Horticultural Research and Training Station (RHRTS), Sharbo, and Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), under the aegis of Dr YS Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni, recently celebrated Strawberry Day in Kinnaur.

The programme saw enthusiastic participation from farmers of Kalpa, Pooh and Nichar blocks, members of Block Resource Centres and BSc (Horticulture) students from the University’s College of Horticulture and Forestry (COHF), Neri, Hamirpur, currently pursuing their Rural Agricultural Work Experience (RAWE).

The event provided a platform for knowledge sharing, focusing on sustainable and eco-friendly farming models suited to the fragile Himalayan ecosystem. Experts highlighted how natural farming not only conserves the environment but also strengthens the economic resilience of smallholder farmers.

Dr Pramod Sharma, associate director and head of KVK Kinnaur, underlined the need to adopt chemical-free agriculture, particularly in ecologically sensitive regions like Kinnaur. He praised the efforts of over 50 farmers in the district already practising natural farming.

Training coordinator Dr Deepika spoke on crop diversification through strawberries, emphasising their role in climate resilience and value addition. Dr B R Negi stressed natural pest management strategies, advocating biological controls over chemicals, while Dr D P Bhandari guided participants on identifying crop diseases and adopting natural approaches for resistance.

A field visit to the RHRTS research farm, led by principal farm manager Jagjeevan Negi, gave farmers and students hands-on exposure to practical techniques in strawberry cultivation.

One of the highlights was a farmer–scientist interaction, where progressive woman farmer and natural farming practitioner Ganga Serni Bisht shared her inspiring journey. She described the challenges of moving from conventional to natural farming and the benefits in terms of soil health, reduced costs and greater crop resilience. Her story reflected grassroots innovation and encouraged others to adopt sustainable methods.

Concluding the event, Dr Arun Negi thanked participants, noting that the celebration marked a significant step towards sustainable horticultural development in Kinnaur. He emphasised that beyond being a profitable crop, strawberry cultivation demonstrates how natural farming can safeguard the fragile Himalayan environment while improving rural livelihoods.