Kisan Mela in Rohru pushes medicinal plant cultivation

In a bid to encourage the cultivation of medicinal and forestry plants of high environmental, health and economic value, Dr YS Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry (UHF), Nauni, in collaboration with the Himalayan Forest Research Institute (HFRI), Shimla, organised a Kisan Mela at Rohru today. The event, hosted at Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) Shimla, drew participation from over 215 farmers across the district.

Rohru MLA Mohan Lal Bragta graced the occasion as chief guest, while Padma Shri awardee Nek Ram Sharma attended as guest of honour. Welcoming the gathering, Dr Inder Dev, Director of Extension Education, highlighted the university’s outreach initiatives and appealed to farmers to strengthen their linkages with research centres and KVKs. He noted that such collaboration was essential for advancing agriculture and horticulture in the region.

In his address, Bragta stressed that “natural farming is no longer an option but a necessity.” He assured that the state government is committed to ensuring fair prices for naturally grown produce to encourage its wider adoption. He further advised farmers to adopt the university’s scientific crop management practices to minimise production losses.

Nek Ram Sharma spoke about the multiple benefits of natural farming and millet cultivation, underlining their role in improving health and ensuring food security. He urged farmers to spread awareness of these practices among younger generations.

HFRI Director Dr Sandeep Sharma elaborated on the immense future potential of medicinal plants, calling for crop diversification while conserving the region’s rich forest wealth. He added that investing in medicinal plant cultivation today would yield substantial economic returns for future generations.

Emphasising the importance of farmer–scientist collaboration, UHF Director of Research Dr Sanjeev Chauhan called for climate-resilient farming practices. Citing this year’s outbreak of leaf-related diseases in apple orchards, he said farmers who followed university recommendations had suffered minimal damage.

Dr Ashwini Katwal highlighted the environmental and health hazards of chemical farming, urging farmers to adopt safer alternatives. The event concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr Usha Sharma, In-charge of KVK Shimla.

Exhibits by the horticulture department, HFRI, and local self-help groups showcased themes related to sustainable farming, natural produce, and conservation.