Shimla: Horticulture Secretary, Government of Himachal Pradesh, C.Paulrasu on Friday visited an apple orchard revived by natural farming technique at the Regional Horticultural Research and Training Station of Dr YS Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni (Solan) at Mashobra near Shimla with the support of Prakritik Kheti Khushhal Kisan Yojana (PK3Y).
Vice Chancellor of Dr YS Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Prof Rajeshwar Singh Chandel briefed him about the significance of natural farming for sustainable agriculture. Prof Chandel said the Mashobra Research Station of the Nauni University had undertaken systematic research trials on natural farming technique over the last four years and the results were encouraging. He said the orchard, which was neglected for want of resources for past many years, had started giving good yields with the natural farming technique.
Senior Scientist at the Research Station, Dr Usha Sharma revealed that with natural farming technique, the soil health and the overall health of the orchard had improved and they were now able to take seven crops, including vegetables and pulses, alongside apples.
Secretary, Horticulture, Paulrasu showed keen interest in the environment-friendly natural farming technique and its fruitful impact on the apple orchard. He lauded the efforts to promote and popularise the non-chemical, low-cost and climate-resilient natural farming technique through PK3Y in Himachal Pradesh.
State Project Director of Prakritik Kheti Khushhal Kisan Yojana (PK3Y), Hemis Negi, Joint Director, PK3Y, Dr Ravinder Singh Jasrotia, Director Research, Nauni University, Dr Sanjeev Chauhan and Associate Director of the Regional Horticultural Research and Training Station, Dr Dinesh Thakur were also present on the occasion.
Later, the officials also interacted with the progressive farmers practising natural farming in Shimla district and said natural farming was the way forward for sustainable agriculture.
