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Adopt Scientific, Modern Precision Farming Techniques for ‘More Crop Per Drop’: UHF VC to Farmers at Kisan Mela
Solan-One-day Kisan Mela and scientists’ farmers’ interaction was organized by Dr YS Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry (UHF), Nauni and Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Solan at Village Diggal in the Nalagarh block of Solan district on October 20, 2019.
The event was organized under the Jal Shakti Abhiyaan of the Union Government to create awareness on water conservation and judicious use of water.
Sincere and mass efforts towards water conservation will go a long way in ensuring the availability of water for future generations for carrying out agricultural and day to activities. These were among the several views expressed by experts during the event.
Dr Parvinder Kaushal, UHF Vice-Chancellor was the Chief Guest on the occasion while Vivek Chandel ADM Solan was the Guest of Honour. Dr Rakesh Gupta, Director Extension Education of the university, Raj Kumar, BDO Nalagarh, Dr Rajender Sharma, Deputy Director Horticulture, Dr PC Saini, Deputy Director Agriculture and over 850 farmers from Diggal and nearby panchayats attended the event.
Besides line officers from the horticulture and agriculture departments, scientists from KVK Solan and various departments of the university were also present during the event.
Speaking at the occasion, Dr Kaushal said the issue of water conservation needed the attention of every person and efforts towards its mitigation was the need of the hour. He called for the active participation of women in creating awareness on the issue and ensure everyone’s participation in this movement. He urged the farmers to adopt scientific methods and modern precision farming techniques to ensure more crop per drop.
Dr Kaushal said that the lower hills of the state had immense potential in horticulture and the university will make efforts for its promotion through regular training programmes and quality planting material. He laid special emphasis on food processing and the role of self-help groups in the marketing of food produce.
ADM Vivek Chandel exhorted the farmers to become an active contributor in the conservation of the environment. He was of the view that the Gram Sabhas could be utilized for the dissemination of scientific information on the issues of public importance.
Dr Rakesh Gupta gave an overview of the various extension activities carried out by the university. BDO Nalagarh informed the gathering about the Jal Shakti Abhiyaan and its importance.
During the event, the participants were apprised about the various schemes of the agriculture and horticulture department for water conservation. Several technical lectures on strategies and methods for water conservation, precision irrigation and cultivation of prospective fruit for lower areas.
An exhibition on fruits, vegetables and flowers, soil and water conservation, food science and technology, forest products, entomology and plant pathology were also displayed. The exhibition also had a separate display of samples of different fruits, flowers, vegetables grown by the farmers.
A farmer scientist interaction was also held at the event where the scientists addressed the problems faced by the farmers. The winners of the essay and slogan writing and painting competition on water conservation organized by the KVK in the past week in several schools of the Nalagarh block were also awarded during 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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