KVK Tabo Mobilises Farmers for Sustainable Horticulture Future in Spiti Valley

21 October, 2026

Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Tabo of Dr YS Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni organised a grand Kisan Mela witnessing enthusiastic participation from around 400 farmers from different parts of Spiti Valley. The event was organised under the ICAR Tribal Sub Plan on Research and Development initiatives for advancing agriculture and horticulture in tribal regions of Himachal Pradesh.

The event provided an important platform for interaction among scientists, extension personnel and farmers, facilitating the exchange of knowledge on natural farming, fruit cultivation and advanced agricultural technologies.

The programme was graced by Dr DP Sharma, Director of Extension Education of the university as the Chief Guest. Chhering Dolma, Chairperson of the Block Development Committee (BDC), Spiti, along with Pradhans and BDC members from the region, also attended the event.

Welcoming the dignitaries and farmers, Dr RS Spehia, Senior Scientist and Head, KVK Tabo, highlighted the KVK’s activities and achievements in promoting scientific and sustainable agriculture in the cold desert region. He acknowledged Dr. Sharma’s pioneering efforts in introducing and disseminating apple cultivation technology in Spiti Valley during his tenure as Head of research station at Tabo. He also expressed gratitude to the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh for declaring Spiti Valley a Natural Farming Valley, describing it as a long-cherished vision that the KVK has been working towards.

Addressing the gathering, Dr. DP Sharma shared his experiences of introducing apple cultivation in Spiti Valley. He recalled the challenges and hardships faced during the initial stages of establishing apple orchards in the region and highlighted the remarkable progress achieved through the vision, perseverance and cooperation of local farmers.

He commended the farming community for its significant contribution to the state’s economy through apple and pea cultivation, which has strengthened rural livelihoods and improved farmers’ incomes. He also appreciated farmers for adopting innovative technologies and supporting the dissemination of university-developed technologies across the valley. Dr Sharma called for a dedicated push towards the diversification and adopting varieties which are suited to the harsh climatic conditions of the Spiti valley. Lauding the efforts of the KVK team, Chhering Dolma called for collective efforts to strengthen horticultural activities in Spiti Valley, with particular emphasis on expanding apple cultivation across the region to enhance farmers’ livelihoods and boost the local economy.

During the programme, progressive farmers promoting natural and traditional farming practices in horticultural and agricultural crops were honoured for their contributions to agricultural development and farmer outreach. Exhibitions showcasing various products developed by KVK, local farmers and Self-Help Groups (SHGs) were also a major attraction at the Kisan Mela. The exhibits featured a diverse range of local produce, products prepared from natural farming produce and sea buckthorn-based products, which were highly appreciated by the participants.