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If Properly Trapped, Fruit and off-Season Vegetable Production Can Double Farmers’ Income in Himachal: Scientists
Solan: A three-day ‘National Seminar on Doubling Income through Sustainable and Holistic Agriculture (DISHA)’ commenced today at the Dr YS Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry (UHF), Nauni. The seminar is being jointly organized by the Society for Advancement of Human and Nature (SADHNA), Solan and UHF Nauni with the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) and the Central Potato Research Institute (CPRI), Shimla as technical collaborators of the event.
Addressing the gathering, Chief Guest Dr SK Chakrabarti, Director CPRI Shimla called for the sincere involvement of all stakeholders to achieve the goal set for doubling farmers income and the need for developing sustainable means of agriculture.
Dr Chakrabarti said,
“There is a huge gap in the area of post-production management of the crop which can help to minimize the losses and maximize the profits. A proper strategy should be prepared to improve the extension technology and service through which the latest technology and know-how can be passed on the farmers.”
He added that even though the country has become self-sufficient in producing food but more efforts were needed to ensure that the farmers get adequate remuneration for their produce.
Dr JN Sharma, Director Research of the university, explained the general scenario of the agricultural sector in the country. He explained how the income in all sectors had seen a significant increase since independence but the increase in the agricultural sector was very less as compared to other fields. Explaining the importance of post-harvest technology, Dr Sharma said that on an average, 20-25 per cent of the agricultural produce is lost due to the gap in the post-harvest technology.
Stressing on the need for greater R&D in the sector, Dr Sharma said that there was great scope for diversification and increasing crop intensity.
The experts were of the view that the strength of Himachal was the production of fruit and off-season vegetables which is sent to every part of the country. If this area is properly tapped the goal of doubling farmers’ income in the state can be achieved or even surpassed.
Earlier, Chairman of the Seminar and Dean College of Horticulture Dr Rakesh Gupta gave a background about SADHNA and the activities carried out by the society. He informed that the seminar aims to put the focus on the sustainable enhancement of productivity and economics of agriculture. He added that through various technical sessions, it will lay emphasis on the socio-economic issues related to agriculture, the livelihood of the peasantry, resource-use efficiency, abiotic and biotic stress factors, ethnic knowledge, climate change and global warming and sustainable management. The souvenir of the seminar was also released on the occasion.
The annual SADHNA research awards in various categories were also presented to researchers during the event.
During the next two days scientists and experts will share their research under the following thematic areas: Intensification and Diversification in Agriculture for Higher Income, Integrated Production and Protection of Crops, Organic Agriculture, Forest and Natural Resource Management, Post-harvest Management, Processing and Marketing of Produce, Animal Husbandry, Fishery and Wildlife Management, Rural Sociology and Economy and Extension and Support Services.
Over 200 scientists and experts from across the country including Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Haryana, Himachal and the northeastern region of the country, Dr PK Mahajan, Dean College of Forestry, Dr YC Gupta, Dean College of Horticulture Thunag, HM Verma, Comptroller, Dr JK Dubey, Editor IJFS and Heads of Department and scientists also attended the event.
Solan—In a shocking incident on Monday, an 18-year-old youth, Pravesh, survived a vicious leopard attack in Sarli village of Arki subdivision. The teenager reportedly fought the leopard for nearly 12 minutes before breaking its jaw, killing the animal on the spot.
Quick Thinking Saved His Life
Pravesh told the media that he was walking from the fields to a nearby shop in the morning to fetch milk when the leopard, hidden in the crops, lunged at him. Noticing the leopard’s tail, he attempted to run but fell after a short distance. During the attack, he covered his neck with his hands to protect himself from fatal bites.
The teenager continued to struggle with the leopard, repeatedly attempting to put distance between himself and the predator. In a desperate move, he grabbed the leopard by its mouth, twisted its jaw, and broke it, killing the animal instantly. Pravesh sustained multiple injuries, including deep claw marks, and is currently receiving treatment at Arki Hospital. Police and forest department teams have launched an investigation into the incident.
Serious Allegations of HP Forest Department’s Negligence
One of Pravesh’s relatives accused the forest department of negligence, noting that similar attacks had occurred in the area previously.
Earlier, a leopard had attempted to attack a scooter rider, who managed to escape. The family said they had informed the forest department on March 6 about potential danger, but no concrete action was taken. Villagers waited for three hours for a forest team to arrive, but none came. When the Block Officer eventually visited, he reportedly told villagers to ensure their own safety. Requests for cages to capture the leopard were also denied, with officials asking for written complaints instead.
SHIMLA | 7 August 2025 –The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast light to moderate rainfall across Himachal Pradesh over the next two weeks, with isolated heavy to very heavy showers likely over the low hills, plains, and adjoining mid-hill regions. While the ongoing monsoon remains vital for agriculture, it also brings an elevated risk of localized flooding and landslides.
Week of August 8–14
Maximum temperatures will range from 22°C to 34°C, depending on elevation—22°C to 28°C in high hills, 26°C to 30°C in mid-hills, and up to 34°C in lower regions. Minimum temperatures are expected to remain near normal, between 12°C and 24°C. Cooler conditions may persist in districts like Kullu and Lahaul-Spiti.
Week of August 15–21
Similar rainfall patterns are expected to continue, with scattered heavy rain episodes. Temperature trends will remain stable, though slightly below-normal maximum temperatures are likely in parts of Lahaul-Spiti, Mandi, Kangra, and Kullu districts.
Outlook for Late August
Rainfall is expected to remain broadly normal, with region-specific variations. Districts such as Kinnaur, Shimla, and Sirmaur may see below-normal precipitation, while Una, Kangra, Hamirpur, Bilaspur, and Solan are likely to receive above-average rainfall. Both maximum and minimum temperatures are forecast to stay close to seasonal norms.
Officials at the Meteorological Centre in Shimla have urged residents and local authorities to remain alert for sudden heavy downpours, which could disrupt road connectivity and trigger landslides—especially along vulnerable hillside routes. Past monsoon episodes have blocked key highways, including routes between Mandi and Kullu and near Banjar, underscoring the ongoing challenges in the region.
This advisory comes as Himachal Pradesh continues to face the dual pressures of sustaining its agriculture-dependent economy while managing the life and infrastructure risks posed by an active monsoon. Continued vigilance and preparedness remain crucial.
SHIMLA | 7 August 2025 –Himachal Pradesh continues to deal with the impacts of the 2025 monsoon season, reporting extensive property damage, loss of lives, and widespread disruptions across the state. According to the official reports from the State Emergency Operations Centre (SEOC), the Department of Revenue, and the India Meteorological Department, from June 20 to August 6, 2025, heavy monsoon rains caused significant damage across multiple districts:
- Casualties: 199 deaths due to landslides, flash floods, cloudbursts, drowning, lightning, electrocution, and accidents; 304 injuries reported.
- Property Loss: Extensive damage to houses (both pucca and kaccha), shops, factories, labor sheds, animal shelters, and substantial crop losses in agriculture and horticulture.
- Public Infrastructure: Over ₹1,900 crore in damages to roads (including PWD), power supply, health, education, fisheries, rural and urban development, and animal husbandry.
Most affected districts include Mandi, Kangra, and Hamirpur, with severe crop and infrastructure losses.
Additionally, 91 deaths occurred due to monsoon-related road accidents.
Public Utilities and Infrastructure Disruptions
The SEOC report dated August 7, 2025, highlights ongoing disruptions:
- Roads Blocked: About 493 major roads and 3 national highways (NH-305, NH-21, NH-05) remain blocked by landslides and floods.
- Power Supply: Disruption of 1,120 distribution transformers (DTRs).
- Water Supply: 245 water schemes affected, threatening access to potable water for communities.
Key blockages include NH-21 between Mandi and Kullu and NH-305 near Banjar and Jhed.
Weather Forecast and Warnings
The India Meteorological Department’s forecast valid from August 7, 2025, includes:
- Isolated heavy rainfall expected throughout the week.
- Thunderstorms and lightning predicted in isolated areas.
- Minimum temperatures near normal or slightly below.
- Maximum temperatures showing a moderate increase.
The public is urged to remain vigilant due to the risks of further landslides and flash floods.
Himachal Pradesh remains vulnerable as the monsoon season continues, with thousands affected by damage, displacement, and disruption of essential services. Authorities are continuing with rescue and recovery operations and are urging residents to stay alert to the ongoing adverse weather. This situation highlights the pressing need for enhanced infrastructure and disaster management strategies to mitigate monsoon-related risks.
Himachal’s LPG Supply Hit Amid Global Tensions, Likely to Affect Hospitality Industry
Himachal Teen Survives 12-Minute Leopard Attack, Kills Predator in Self-Defense
Weather Forecast for Himachal Pradesh For the Next Two Weeks
Monsoon 2025: Himachal Pradesh Suffers 199 Casualties, Over ₹1,905.50 Cr in Damages
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