Palampur, August 10, 2026: Chaudhary Sarwan Kumar Himachal Pradesh Krishi Vishvavidyalaya (CSKHPKV), Palampur today inaugurated the “8th 16-Week Long- Duration Training Course on Protected Cultivation and Value Addition of Vegetables & Horticultural Crops” for personnel of the Indian Armed Forces comprising Junior Commissioned Officers (JCOs) and equivalent ranks. These long-duration training courses are sponsored by the Directorate General of Resettlement (DGR), New Delhi.

Lt. Col. Aman from Holta Military Station inaugurated the training programme as the Chief Guest. Addressing the gathering, he appreciated CSKHPKV for providing specialized, skill- oriented training to Armed Forces personnel and emphasized the importance of acquiring practical knowledge and technical skills that can be effectively utilized for productive livelihood opportunities. He encouraged the participants to actively participate in the training and make the best use of the Universitys expertise, facilities and practical exposure.

Dr. Chanderkanta Vats, Dean, College of Community Sciences, CSKHPKV, welcomed the Chief Guest and the participating defence personnel. A total of 42 personnel, including 29 from the Indian Army, 5 from  the Indian Navy and 8 from the Indian Air Force, are participating in the 16-week training programme.

Dr. Vinod Sharma, Director of Extension Education, CSKHPKV; Dr. Ankur Sharma, University NCC Officer; and Dr. Suman Kumar, Senior Professor, also addressed the gathering and welcomed the participating Armed Forces personnel to the University. They emphasized the importance of skill development and practical training in enabling the participants to explore new opportunities in agriculture and horticulture.

Prior to that Dr. Lav Bhushan, Course Incharge, elaborated on the objectives and detailed components of the training course. He informed that the programme has been specifically designed to impart scientific as well as practical knowledge on protected cultivation and value addition of vegetables and horticultural crops. The training will cover modern production technologies, protected structures and their management, nursery raising, cultivation of high-value vegetable and horticultural crops, integrated management of pests and diseases, post-harvest handling, processing, preservation, packaging and value addition of farm produce. The participants will also receive hands-on practical training and exposure to relevant field demonstrations and agricultural enterprises.

The training programme will continue for 16 weeks up to 27 November 2026 and will comprise classroom lectures, practical sessions, field demonstrations, hands-on training and exposure visits. The programme is part of CSKHPKV's continued efforts to provide skill- oriented and technology-based training to Indian Armed Forces personnel, equipping them with knowledge and practical skills in modern agriculture and horticulture.

SS/NK

(रिलीज़ आईडी: 2297236) आगंतुक पटल : 20