There is a need to provide the farmers with the latest technical know-how so that they can reap the benefits from the development in the agricultural sector.  Dr. Parvinder Kaushal, Vice-Chancellor of Dr. YS Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry (UHF), Nauni, stated this during his visit to the Regional Horticultural Research Station (RHRS), Jachh and Litchi and Mango Research Station (LMRS) at Nagrota on Wednesday. Dr JN Sharma, Director Research of the university was also present on the occasion.

During the visit, Dr. Kaushal interacted with Dr ML Bhardwaj, Associate Director (RHRS), scientists and staff of the station. He asked the scientists of the station to establish natural farming demonstration models on different fruits and crops so that the farmers can be apprised about the benefits of the model. He urged the scientists to work with increased determination to fulfil the goal of doubling farmers’ income in the state and continue to disseminate the latest agri-technology to the farming community.

Dr. Kaushal also visited the experimental fields of the RHRS and LMRS. Dr. Atul Gupta, In-charge of the station explained about the activities of the station. At present, the station has Litchi, Mango, Papaya, Citrus and Indian Gooseberry (Amla), and jackfruit plantations. Dr Kaushal also inspected the groundwater supply scheme installed at the LMRS through support from the Government of India. He also visited the fields of Suresh Upadhyay, a progressive farmer who is raising apple orchards of low chilling varieties besides other fruits.

The research station of the university serves as a centre for developing strategies for the improvement of fruits, vegetables, flowers, forest species, and medicinal plants in low hills subtropical areas. It works towards developing horticulture and forestry-based farming systems to increase and stabilize farm production through efficient use of natural and human resources.