News Items 2010 - CSK Himachal Pradesh Agricultural University

Farming Movement (IFOAM), National Centre of Organic Farming (NCOF) Govt. of India and
International Certifying Agency. The research efforts have been intensified for the formulation of
package of practices for organic farming.
Six technologies viz., herbal dye, citrus based formulation, bio-pesticide formulation, premix
blower type Biogas Stove and improved tissue chamber assembly for isolated organ bath
apparatus and use of perennial grass for doubled haploid production in wheat have been filed and
four patents viz., a repellent/antifeedant agent, insecticidal bioactive extract, pesticidal
preparation and a repellent agent have been registered.
The technology for harvesting roof top and run-off water in poly-ethylene spread tanks has been
standardized by the university for hill farmers. The water may be stored in small dug-out farm
ponds by individual farmer (100-200 m 3 ) or community basis (6000 m 3 or more). Cost of stored
water is about Rs. 60/m 3 (excluding digging cost).
Integrated Disease Management (IDM) and Integrated Pest Management (IPM) modules for the
management of diseases, insect pests and weeds of different crops have been developed. Rice
blast forecasting module has been developed and validated in collaboration with IMTECH,
Chandigarh. Effective rice blast resistant genes have been pyramided in elite genetic background.
Micro-propagation protocols for multiplication of carnation, ginger and foliage begonias have been
standardized.
The University developed technology to eradicate obnoxious weeds viz., Lantana, Ageratum
and Parthenium from community pastures, grasslands and forest lands with public participation.
Developed and released seven agricultural tools/implements, viz., Palam Plough, Haloder, Manual
Rice Transplanter, Maize Sheller, Shrachi Power Tiller, Self-Propelled Reaper and Paddy Thresher
have been recommended for use by the farmers of the state. Three new tools/implements viz.,
Power Tiller operated Multi-crop Planter, Power Tiller operated Zero-till Drill and Maize Dehuskercum
Sheller have been designed and developed.
Amelioration of Acidic Soils: About 75,479 ha of cultivated area in Kangra, Kullu, Chamba,
Mandi and Sirmour districts is acidic in nature with pH below 5.5. University has developed and
tested cost effective technology of applying lime @ 1/10 th of lime requirement (4 t/ha) in furrows
to kharif crops except paddy at farmers fields in Kangra district.
Launched by the University “Kangra Natural Organic Tea- “Dhauladhar” has distinctive flavor
with higher antioxidants as compared to tea of other growing regions of India and is free from
agro-chemicals.
The university’s ultra modern spawn laboratory which supplies high quality seed of buttom
mushroom, dhingri and milky mushroom has helped in spread of mushroom cultivation
technology to Kangra and adjoining districts thus providing additional income of between Rs
70,000 to 1,25,000 per annum to the farmers. For the first time, university has succeeded in
introducing mushroom cultivation in Lahaul Valley during summers. A low temperature loving
strain of Pleurotus ostreatus(dhingri) which will make its cultivation possible throughout the year
has been made available to the growers.
Continuous use of nitrogen alone through urea without FYM has the most deleterious effect on
crop productivity vis-à-vis soil health. In maize-wheat cropping sequence under rain-fed
conditions, continuous application of FYM 10 t/ha along with N or NP (25-100%) to maize saved
25-50%N, 50% P and 100% K of maize and 50% NPK budget of wheat. In rice-wheat system
application of 50% NPK + 50% N (FYM) to rice and 100% NPK to wheat was most productive and
sustainable nutrient management system.
A model Forage Production and Management unit of the university has been operationalized and
the improved pasture land is now producing 400-500 qha -1 of green fodder with 10 times
improvement over initial status after rehabilitation of Lantana and other weeds infested land into
Productive Pasture at Dairy Unit of the university.
For vermin-composting, the efficiency of Eisenia foetida (temperate region) and Eudrilus
eugenae (tropical region) species of worms have be studied and popularized in the state.
The University is providing elite planting material of apple, pear, peach, plum, apricot, kiwi,
persimmon, pomegranates and pecan nut not only to the farmers of the state but also to other
hill states like Arunachal Pradesh.
The College of Veterinary an d Animal Sciences of the university has well established clinics with
modern diagnostic facilities for treatment of sick animals. Attending disease outbreaks and
clinical camps is its regular feature in various districts of HP. The university produces products