SAMBA: ICFRE- Himalayan Forest Research Institute, Shimla, with the courtesy of CAMPA Extension, organized a one day training programme on sustainable development through forestry technologies for progressive farmers at Krishi Vigyan Kendra-Samba.
Dr. Jagdish Singh, Scientist-G, Head of Division Extension and Training Coordinator/Coordinator, ICFRE- Himalayan Forest Research Institute, Shimla said that the objective of this training program is to increase productivity and generate sustainable income. The aim is to disseminate information on forestry technologies to stakeholders, progressive farmers so that they can pass on the knowledge to others as master trainers. Apart from this, he said that the institute has developed models for growing medicinal plants as intercrops with horticultural plants. The farmers can use the space between the horticulture crops to grow medicinal plants for additional income. He also threw light on the suitable medicinal plants that can be grown in the region.
Dr. Sandeep Sharma, Director, ICFRE-Himalayan Forest Research Institute, Shimla, highlighted the importance of modern nursery and plantation techniques to increase productivity. Apart from this, he informed about five new high quality varieties of Kadu, Nihani, Vanakkari medicinal plants developed by the institute. He also gave information on the status, use and conservation of herbs of the Himalayan region and said that there was great potential for commercial cultivation of high value medicinal plants in the region and also making it a sustainable income generating activity. The only way to protect and conserve these valuable medicinal plants is to cultivate them. He encouraged farmers to go for organic farming as organic farming is good for the environment and also in respect of economic gains. He suggested maintaining records of their produce and getting certification for their products so that farmers can get better prices for the organic produce.
Dr. Sanjay Khajuria, Principal Scientist and Head of Krishi Vigyan Kendra – Samba informed about the importance of integration of bamboo species in the agroforestry system to meet the actual needs and livelihoods. He also disclosed that various such programmes with other agencies are also in pipeline for the benefit of the farming community of District Samba.
Dr. Vaneet Jishtu, Scientist-E, Himalayan Forest Research Institute, Shimla made people aware of the role of traditional knowledge in conservation of natural resources, and said that the natural resources can be conserved only by preserving the rich traditional knowledge. He also threw light on the role of sacred groves as natural reservoirs of native plants and the important role they play in biodiversity conservation. He cited various examples of traditional practices across the globe and region.
Dr. Joginder Chauhan, Chief Technical Officer, ICFRE-Himalayan Forest Research Institute, Shimla gave information on conservation, use and value addition of medicinal plants. Dr. AmitMahajan, Krishi Vigyan Kendra – Samba talked on weed management in forest crops. This training program was attended by 40 participants from Samba, Jammu region, which included progressive farmers, Panchayat representatives, Mahila Mandal and Youth Club members, and frontline personnel of the Forest Department.