Programmes aimed at promoting scientific organic farming and strengthening the Scheduled Caste farming community
Palampur, September 11, 2026: Chaudhary Sarwan Kumar Himachal Pradesh Krishi Vishvavidyalaya, Palampur, organized two one-day training programmes on Organic Farming for Scheduled Caste (SC) farmers of Himachal Pradesh at the Department of Organic Agriculture & Natural Farming from September 9–10, 2026. A total of 80 SC farmers from villages Ambotu, Gharloon, Kachehra, Ghed, Bhamber, Dhandhera, Makol, Kangri, Makroti, Kailashpur, Nagta and Pharer, falling under Gram Panchayats Bhuana, Tarehal and Pharer of Kangra district, participated in the programmes.
Sponsored by the Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY), Government of Himachal Pradesh, the programmes aimed to strengthen the SC farming community and promote the scientific adoption of organic farming as a sustainable and profitable agricultural practice.
The training programmes were chaired by Dr. Janardan Singh, Director of Extension Education, CSKHPKV, Palampur. Addressing the farmers, Dr. Singh encouraged them to adopt crop diversification and grow seasonal pulses as intercrops to improve soil health. He cautioned farmers against the ill effects of indiscriminate and unbalanced use of chemical fertilizers, pesticides, weedicides and other agrochemicals. He emphasized the importance of organic farming in maintaining the physical, chemical and microbial health of soil and in producing wholesome food and grains. He also motivated the participants to gain both theoretical and practical knowledge during the training and adopt organic farming as a profitable venture.
During the programmes, expert lectures and hands-on training sessions were conducted on various aspects of organic farming. Principal Scientists Dr. Rameshwar, Dr. Gopal Katna and Dr. Rakesh delivered lectures on the principles and improved techniques of organic farming, seed production and insect-pest management.
The participants were also taken to the organic farm for field demonstrations, where experts provided hands-on training on the preparation of different types of composts and bio-formulations, as well as the use of biofertilizers and bio-agents. Agricultural tools were also distributed among the participating farmers to support effective pest management under organic farming practices.
The programmes provided the participating farmers with practical skills and scientific knowledge aimed at encouraging the sustainable adoption of organic farming and improving farm productivity and profitability in the region.