CSIR-IHBT (CSIR-Institute of Himalayan Bioresource Technology), Palampur, organised a one-day programme for the empowerment of the farmers at its Centre for High Altitude Biology, Ribling, Lahaul and Spiti on 19 September 2022. The theme of the programme was “Heeng, Kesar and Floriculture Crops along with Compost Booster”. Dr Ram Lal Markanda, Hon'ble Technical Education Minister, Government of Himachal Pradesh, was the Chief Guest in the programme. Shri Shamsher Singh, Member Tribal Advisory Committee, Himachal Pradesh, along with officials from various state departments also graced the occasion. Several tribal farmers, women, and unemployed youth of Tandi Panchayat participated in the programme. In addition, Pradhan and Mahila Mandals of Marble and Malang villages were also presented during the event.

Dr Ram Lal Markanda, Hon'ble Minister addressed the farmers and the local people during the programme. He appreciated the efforts made by CSIR-IHBT for the welfare of tribal people and asked the farmers and unemployed youth to take benefits from the technologies developed by the institute. In his address, he emphasised entrepreneurship development and start-ups in association with CSIR-IHBT to transform the rural economy. He also appreciated the initiatives taken by the institute for the formation of Floriculture Clusters in the district and the establishment of cold storage facility at Jagla and Shansha. Hon’ble Minister distributed plants of Heeng, corms of saffron, seeds of flower crops and compost boosters to several hundred inhabitants of the area.

On the occasion, Dr Sanjay Kumar, Director, CSIR-IHBT, welcomed the Hon’ble Minster and apprised him of the research and extension activities carried out by the institute. He emphasised the efforts made by the institute for the cultivation and expansion of area under Heeng, Kesar and commercial floriculture crops for boosting farmers’ income in high-altitude regions. Dr Kumar also highlighted the importance of the night soil composting technique developed by the institute for improving crop productivity.

A group of scientists Dr Rakesh Kumar, Dr Ashok Yadav, Dr Amit Chawla and Dr Ashok Singh from the institute held detailed discussions with stakeholders on “Package of Practices” developed by them for cultivation of Heeng, Kesar and commercial floriculture crops.