Walnut saplings distributed in Dodra Kwar

In a bid to strengthen walnut cultivation and promote crop diversification in the remote Dodra Kwar region, the Department of Horticulture has rolled out a programme to supply quality planting material and technical guidance to local orchardists.

A spokesperson for the department said the Deputy Director of Horticulture, Shimla, has proposed the distribution of walnut saplings in every panchayat through the Sub-Divisional Magistrate, Dodra Kwar. As part of this initiative, a one-day training programme was organised on Friday in Jiskun panchayat after the approval of Rs 5 lakh under MGNREGA, with more than 100 men and women orchardists participating.

At the camp, farmers received detailed training on modern horticultural techniques and improved walnut saplings were distributed through the panchayat.

Kirti Chandel, Sub-Divisional Magistrate (Civil), Dodra Kwar, praised the initiative, noting that access to high-quality planting material would significantly enhance farmers’ incomes and support diversification efforts.