Empowering Farmers in Lahaul Valley: Himachal Pradesh State Biodiversity Board’s Training Initiative
2 min read
Shimla Nov 25
In a significant effort to promote biodiversity conservation and sustainable agriculture, the Himachal Pradesh State Biodiversity Board organized a comprehensive two days training program for farmers, gram panchayat representatives and mahila mandals of Udaipur Sub-division of Lahaul and Spiti District on 24 and 25 November 2023. The training, focused on imparting essential knowledge regarding conservation through cultivation, post-harvest handling, and value addition of bioresources. Some important, unique and threatened species of medicinal plants like Kuth (Saussurea costus), Pushkarmool (Inula racemosa), Kadhu (Picrorhiza kurroa), Jatamansi (Valeriana jatamansi) etc., were targeted under the training programme.
The training initiative aimed at equipping farmers with the latest practices and techniques to enhance the quality of their produce while ensuring the preservation of biodiversity. Some 40 participants including Progressive farmers, BMC members, Gram Panchayat representatives, SHGs and Mahila Mandal of subdivision Udaipur participated in this two days training programme.
The experts shared insights into cultivation practices/protocols with an aim to promote biodiversity conservation through cultivation and livelihood generation. Farmers were educated on the importance of preserving indigenous crops and adopting eco-friendly farming methods. The training also highlighted the best practices for post-harvest handling to minimize losses and ensure the delivery of high-quality produce to the market. Farmers were educated on proper storage, packaging, and transportation methods. In addition, importance of adding value to bioresources for economic sustainability was a key focus. Participants learned about processing techniques that enhance the market value of their agricultural products.
The two-day program featured expert-led sessions, demonstrations, and interactive discussions covering various aspects of biodiversity conservation through livelihood generation and sustainable agriculture.
This initiative has been organized under the guidance of Sh. DC Rana, Member Secretary, HP State Biodiversity Board and Sh. Satpal Dhiman, Joint Member Secretary, HP State Biodiversity Board.
The training programme was coordinated by Dr. ML Thakur and Sh. Aman Gupta from HP State Biodiversity Board. Who explained the importance of Biodiversity Management committees in conservation of biodiversity and Peoples Biodiversity Registers of this unique ecosystem of Lahaul valley. Besides, experts from reputed institutions working in the field of biodiversity conservation namely Dr. Amit Chawala, Dr. Ashok Singh, Dr. Kiran Kumari from CSIR-IHBT Palampur; Dr. Sourabh Sharma, Dr. Pankaj Palsra and Dr. Chandel from RCFC-NMPB-Regional Centre Joginder Nagar; Dr. Pankaj Chopra and Dr. Shabnam Katoch from CSK-KVK-Kukumseri and Dr. Yashbir Negi from Dabur India Limited discussed arious aspects related to conservation, sustainable use, cultivation, post harvest handling and value addition of unique biological resources.
During the training programme, Sh. Babnesh Chadha, BDO Lahaul explained the importance of local bodies in conservation of biological resources and Sh. Virbhadar Singh, Range Forest Officer, Udaipur highlighted the unique and threatened species of animals and plants found in Lahaul valley.
