Dr. Divender Gupta, Director of Extension Education, Dr. YS Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni visited the Regional Horticultural Research and Research Station and Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Kinnaur to monitor the activities being undertaken. Dr. Gupta also visited the demonstrations on apple and other crops at research farms and farmers’ fields. He said that the High density of apple will be a key tool for enhancing productivity and socio-economic status of the tribal peasantry of district Kinnaur, in times to come. He also interacted with the progressive farmers at Kalpa, Roghi, and Telangi villages and got their feedback on the activities of the station. He advised them to consult the scientists of the university stationed at the station for getting technical advice and follow their recommendations.
Dr. Ashok K Thakur, Associate Director (R&E) and Head, Dr. Arun Kumar, Dr. D.P. Bhandari and Dr. Budhi Ram co-ordinated the visit and explained various research and extension activities of the station. The scientists informed that out of various cultivars being evaluated at an elevation of around 2740 meters above sea level Super Chief, Red Velox and Jeromine showed promise in terms of productivity and quality. The research outcomes of High-Density Plantation of Apple are being demonstrated at four locations namely Sungra (Nichar), Telangi (Kalpa), Chitkul (Sangla) and Nako (Pooh).
Dr. Gupta appreciated the efforts of RHRTS and KVK and said that the university administration led by Vice-Chancellor Dr. Parvinder Kaushal always keeps the farmers’ welfare on top priority. He directed the scientists to lay stress on training and pruning awareness among the farmers along with the necessity of pollinizers and honey bees to improve the productivity of apple and pear.
