Precision farming tech event begins at Nauni

A two-day national seminar on “Precision farming technologies for enhancing production and productivity of horticultural and forestry crops” commenced at the Dr YS Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry (UHF), Nauni. The event, organised by the Precision Farming Development Centre (PFDC) in collaboration with the Indian Society of Tree Scientists (ISTS), attracted 200 participants, including farmers, researchers and experts from across the country.

C. Paulrasu, Secretary of Horticulture, Himachal Pradesh, was the chief guest at the inauguration. In his address, he emphasised the government’s focus on agriculture and encouraged farmers and youth to adopt new technologies for maximising returns. He also highlighted government initiatives at promoting natural farming and sustainable practices.

UHF Vice-Chancellor, Prof Rajeshwar Singh Chandel, advocated for integrating environmentally friendly methods, particularly natural farming, into PFDC’s programmes for Himalayan agriculture. Prof PK Khosla, Chancellor of Shoolini University and president of ISTS, spoke on the significance of tree crop-animal forestry for enhancing farmers’ livelihoods.

Dr Uday Sharma, head of the Soil Science and Water Management Department, emphasised farmer participation in precision farming. Dr Sanjeev Chauhan, Director of Research, highlighted PFDC’s development of micro-irrigation and protected cultivation recommendations, including a package of practices (PoPs) for various crops. Established in 1995-96, PFDC aims to demonstrate the latest horticultural technologies to farmers, with support from the National Committee on Precision Agriculture and Horticulture under the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare.