KVK Shimla Adjudged Best Krishi Vigyan Kendra in Himachal Pradesh
2 min read
Solan Dec 26
Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Shimla at Rohru, affiliated with Dr Y.S. Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry (UHF), Nauni, has been adjudged the Best Krishi Vigyan Kendra in Himachal Pradesh for the year 2025 by the ICAR–Agricultural Technology Application Research Institute (ICAR-ATARI), Zone-I.
The award was conferred during the Annual Zonal Workshop–2025 of KVKs organised by ICAR-ATARI, Zone-I, Ludhiana. The workshop was hosted this week at Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology (SKUAST), Jammu, and witnessed the participation of Krishi Vigyan Kendras from Punjab, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, and Ladakh. At present, 13 KVKs are functioning in Himachal Pradesh.
The award was presented by the Chief Guest, Prof. B.N. Tripathi, Vice-Chancellor, SKUAST Jammu, and was received by Dr Inder Dev, Director of Extension Education, UHF Nauni, and Dr Usha Sharma, Scientist and Head, KVK Shimla, in the presence of Dr Parvender Sheoran, Director, ICAR-ATARI, Zone-I.
KVK Shimla was recognised for its focused and impactful interventions in crop diversification and sustainable apple farming, along with the successful development of capsicum- and pea-based production models tailored to the agro-climatic conditions of the region. The Centre’s sustained efforts in promoting natural and resource-efficient farming practices, supported by farmer-centric and need-based training programmes, were highly appreciated.
The KVK has adopted a proactive approach to address emerging challenges faced by farmers, with special emphasis on reducing dependency on excessive agro-chemicals, promoting natural and sustainable apple farming, and encouraging diversification to enhance farm income and climate resilience. In addition, KVK Shimla collaborated with the Stone Fruit Growers Association to co-organise the First National Stone Fruit Conclave, aimed at creating awareness about the vast potential and future scope of stone fruit cultivation in Himachal Pradesh.
On the concluding day of the workshop, KVK Shimla also released a comprehensive manual titled ‘Year-Round Cultivation of Apple under Natural Farming’ highlighting practical, season-wise management practices for sustainable apple production. The manual is expected to serve as a valuable reference for farmers, extension professionals, and other stakeholders promoting natural farming in hill regions.
Congratulating the scientists and staff of KVK Shimla on this notable achievement, Prof. Rajeshwar Singh Chandel, Vice-Chancellor, UHF Nauni, stated that the recognition reflects the Centre’s unwavering commitment to farmer welfare and innovation. He expressed confidence that KVK Shimla would continue to play a pivotal role in disseminating advanced agricultural technologies and harnessing the immense potential of one of the state’s most productive fruit-growing belts.
Dr Inder Dev and Dr Parvender Sheoran also congratulated the entire KVK Shimla team for earning this prestigious recognition and encouraged them to continue setting new benchmarks in extension services and farmer-centric innovations in the years ahead
