Kullu farmers gain insights into commercial garlic, spice farming

A two-day district-level seminar on “Commercial Farming of Garlic and Spice Crops in Kullu” concluded at the Regional Horticultural Research and Training Station (RHRTS), Bajaura, aiming to boost scientific cultivation, quality seed production and farm management practices to enhance productivity and profitability.

Organised by the Department of Seed Science and Technology, Dr YS Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Solan, under the Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture project, the seminar drew more than 100 progressive farmers from the district, reflecting growing interest in commercial garlic and spice cultivation.

Dr Surender Thakur, Head of the Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Kullu, highlighted the region’s potential for these crops and urged farmers to adopt improved varieties and scientific production techniques to maximise returns. He emphasised the role of quality seed, integrated nutrient management and market-oriented production systems.

Dr NK Bharat, Head of the Department of Seed Science and Technology at the Solan university, underlined the importance of quality seed production in raising crop productivity. He stressed the need to strengthen the spice crop seed supply chain. Dr BS Thakur, Associate Director at RHRTS, Bajaura, highlighted the significance of research–extension–farmer linkages to accelerate technology adoption at the grass-roots level.

Dr Ashok Thakur, Senior Scientist (Seed Technology), outlined opportunities in certified seed production for garlic and other spices, including potential cultivation of select exotic spices. Technical sessions addressed production technologies, plant protection, seed production, soil and water management, and post-harvest handling, with experts providing practical guidance on pest control, nutrient scheduling, irrigation and improved varieties.

A farmer–scientist interaction session allowed the participants to raise queries on disease management, seed availability, storage, marketing and government support schemes, with experts providing detailed, site-specific solutions. Three progressive farmers were felicitated for innovation and excellence and participants visited the KVK-Kullu experimental farms and research facilities at Bajaura to observe ongoing trials and demonstrations of scientific crop management practices.