The Regional Horticultural Research and Training Station (RHRTS), Sharbo, and Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Kinnaur, under the aegis of Dr YS Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni, recently organized a Strawberry Day celebration focused on promoting strawberry cultivation through natural farming practices in the hill region.
The programme saw enthusiastic participation from farmers of Kalpa, Pooh, and Nichar blocks, BRC members, and BSc (Horticulture) students of the University’s College of Horticulture and Forestry (COHF), Neri, Hamirpur, who are currently pursuing their Rural Agricultural Work Experience (RAWE) programme.
The event served as a platform for knowledge sharing, highlighting the importance of sustainable and eco-friendly farming models in the fragile Himalayan ecosystem. Experts emphasized how natural farming not only conserves the environment but also strengthens the economic resilience of smallholder farmers.
Dr. Pramod Sharma, Associate Director and Head of KVK Kinnaur, underscored the need to shift towards chemical-free agriculture, noting that natural farming is essential in ecologically sensitive areas like Kinnaur. He praised the efforts of over 50 local farmers already practicing these methods.
Training Coordinator Dr. Deepika spoke on crop diversification through strawberries, highlighting their role in climate resilience and value addition. Dr. B.R. Negi discussed natural pest management strategies, advocating biological controls over chemical solutions, while Dr. D.P. Bhandari guided participants on disease identification and natural approaches to disease resistance in strawberry cultivation. A field visit to the RHRTS research farm, led by Principal Farm Manager Jagjeevan Negi, gave farmers and students hands-on exposure to practical aspects of strawberry cultivation.
A key highlight was the Farmer-Scientist interaction session, where progressive woman farmer and natural farming practitioner Ganga Serni Bisht shared her inspiring journey. She recounted the challenges of shifting from conventional to natural farming and the benefits she gained in terms of soil health, cost reduction, and crop resilience, encouraging fellow farmers to adopt sustainable practices.
Concluding the event, Dr. Arun Negi thanked the participating farmers and students, noting that the celebration marked an important step towards sustainable horticultural development in Kinnaur. He emphasized that beyond its potential as a profitable crop, strawberry cultivation exemplifies how natural farming can safeguard the Himalayan environment while improving livelihoods.
