Solan: The Department of Floriculture and Landscaping, Dr YS Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry (UHF), Nauni, organised a one-day training camp on ‘Cut and Potted Flowers’ at Village Kundla, Gram Panchayat Kothon in Solan district. Organised under the Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY)–Scheduled Castes Sub-Plan (SCSP), the programme aimed to provide farmers with practical knowledge of floriculture and highlight its potential for crop diversification and income generation. Around 65 farmers participated in the training programme.
Dr (Col) Sanjay Shandil, former alumnus of the University, was the Chief Guest on the occasion. He emphasised the importance of such training programmes and practical demonstrations in familiarising farmers with opportunities for diversification in agriculture and horticulture. He said that such programmes also help farmers learn about new technologies and practices that can contribute to improving their agricultural activities and income. He lauded the department’s work on developing various indigenous varieties of flower crops and also suggested demonstration units of these varieties to ensure adoption.
Scientists and research scholars from the Department of Floriculture and Landscaping, including Dr BS Dilta, Professor and Head; Dr Puja Sharma; Dr Meenakshi Basoli; Dr Preeti Sharma; Dr Arushi Garg; and Priyanka Sharma, imparted technical knowledge to the farmers on various aspects of cut, loose and potted flower production.
During the training, Dr BS Dilta spoke about the status, scope and employment opportunities in floriculture. He explained how adoption of floriculture can help farmers diversify their cropping systems and enhance farm income. Dr Puja Sharma delivered a detailed lecture on the commercial cultivation of Cymbidium and other cut flower crops, while Dr Meenakshi Basoli discussed production practices from planting to harvesting in chrysanthemum and highlighted the potential of potted plants. Dr Preeti Sharma provided technical information on carnation production.
The participants were also informed about different types of potted plants, growing media and their management, as well as the use of flowering plants and ornamentals in landscaping homes, institutions and public spaces. The role of flowers in enhancing the aesthetic appeal and helping mitigate pollution was also discussed.
During the valedictory session, plants and relevant literature were distributed among the participating farmers. The scientists also addressed the queries raised by the participants and encouraged them to visit the University for technical guidance on different floriculture and landscape crops. An exhibit on floricultural technologies and products were also displayed for the farmers.
