Regional Horticultural Research & Training Station, Dhaulakuan Dhaulakuan, Sirmour(HP)

The Regional Research and Training Station, Dhaulakuan is situated in Paonta block of district Sirmour, at an altitude of 468 m amsl in the sub-tropical, sub-montane and low-hill zone of Himachal Pradesh on Nahan–Paonta road (NH-72) at 30º30'20" North latitude and 77º20'30" East longitude. The station was established in 1954 by the State Department of Agriculture. After the establishment of Himachal Pradesh University in 1970, the station was transferred to the Agricultural Complex of the University in June, 1974. It came under the control of Himachal Pradesh Krishi Vishwavidyalaya on its establishment in November, 1978.The components of Horticulture and Forestry research were transferred to Dr Y S Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry on its raising day i.e. December 1, 1985.The cultivable land of 18 hectares was transferred in 2014 for the establishment of Indian Institute of Management. Subsequently, another farm (Khairi Farm) measuring about 9.0 hectare was transferred to this station in lieu of land transferred to IIM, Dhaulakuan.
The major emphasis is focused on citrus fruits especially Kinnow besides mango, strawberry, litchi, guava, flowers and Mushroom. During 2018, this research station was designated as lead centre for DUS testing of Dahlia cultivars in India. Elite quality planting material of aforesaid horticultural crops is being maintained, propagated and made available to the growers within and outside the state. Recently, some potential lesser exploited/minor fruits have been planted for diversification. The technologies generated at this station are transferred to the end users in coordination with the state department of horticulture.

Mandate

  • Introduction and evaluation of promising cultivars/varieties of sub-tropical fruits, flowers, mushrooms, medicinal/herbal plants and their mass multiplication.
  • Standardization of agro-techniques/value addition for potential horticultural crops and development of promising cultivars.
  • Dissemination of improved/developed technologies to the farmers and promotion of natural farming approaches for different horticultural crops .

Strengths

  • Sufficient experimental/demonstration area:16 hectares.
  • Research laboratory/training facility viz; 01 Floral craft laboratory, 01 functional mushroom laboratory and 01Classroom for training and extension activities.
  • Protected structures: Glasshouses/Polyhouses/Mist chambers: 06
  • Farm machinery: Tractors (02) with leveller, furrower, harrow etc.
  • Bore well tube wells for irrigation: 03

Research

Thrust Areas

  • Introduction, management and multiplication of subtropical fruits, flowers and mushrooms in lower Shivalik foothills of Himachal Pradesh.
  • Evaluation of potential germplasm of horticultural crops.
  • Standardization of improved cultural management techniques.
  • Taxonomic and nutraceutical aspects of specific fungi.
  • To lay out need based research trails according to local ecological situation(s)
  • Quality nursery production of sub-tropical fruits and flowers at RHRTS, Dhaulakuan (Rs 14.00 Lakhs; 2023)
  • Validation of DUS characterization of Dahlia variabilisL. funded by PPV&FRA, GOI, New Delhi ( 20.25 lakhs; 2018 to 2025)
  • Validation of DUS characterization of Dahlia variabilis L. funded by PPV&FRA, GOI, New Delhi (₹ 20.25 lakhs; 2018 to 2025)Diversification of fruit farming through cultivation of potential underutilized fruits in low and foothills of HP funded by DST (38.45 lakh; Year 2000 continuing).
More than 18 ad-hoc research projects from different funding agencies of Government of India like ICAR, DST, NHB, RKVY, PPV & FRA, Department of Horticulture, Sirmour, ATMA (Sirmour), Mini Mission-1 and NBM (National Bamboo Mission New Delhi) have been handled at this station. Presently, the station is having 03 ad-hoc research projects in operation with a worth ₹ 57.65 lakhs.
  • Developed Package of Practices for cultivation and management of fruits and flower crops in Himachal Pradesh
  • Reintroduction of Citrus cultivars at Dhaulakuan as major subtropical fruit crop
  • Adoption of meadow orchard plant geometry for ameliorating guava productivity in the foothills of H.P.
  • Introduction and Evaluation of different strawberry cultivars under open and low poly tunnels for screening as per prevailing climatic conditions of Dhaulakuan
  • Validation of DUS characterization of Dahlia variabilis
  • Evaluation of different strains for Mushroom cultivation
  • Value addition of native and naturalized plant parts in Shivalik hills
  • Varieties/cultivars of Flowers recommended after introduction and evaluation
  • The scientists have published 35 research papers, 07 books/booklets, 20 book chapters and 25 popular articles.

Seed production in winter annuals (Calendula, Acroclinium and Daisy)

Women Farmer training at RHR&TS, Dhaulakuan campus

Extension

To disseminate cultural management techniques regarding cultivation of subtropical horticultural crops in lower Shivalik hills of Himachal Pradesh:

  • Organization of specialized farmer’s/officer’s trainings
  • On campus and Off-campus diagnostic farm visits
  • Exhibitions/Kisan Melas/Field days
  • Demonstration trials
  • Farmer Scientists interactions
  • Resource person for location specific field problems/programmes
  • Radio/TV Talks
  • Publications
    • Organised 55 training programmes including 03 Skill development trainings under HP KaushalVikasYojana, 25 exposure visits, 01 national workshop, 01 Kisanmela, 01 awareness programme and 15farmer-scientist interactions.
    • Organized 26 Participatory Rural Appraisal programmes. Obtained10 best oral/poster awards and participated in 40 National/ International symposia/workshops.
    • The scientists delivered more than 500 lectures in different extension activities.
    • The Scientists delivered 30 radio/TV talks and published 13 popular articles on different aspects.

    Awards/Recognitions

    • The station was designated as DUS lead centre of Dahlia for validation of DUS characterization of Dahlia variabilisL. during 2018 by PPV&FRA, GOI, New Delhi
    • Dr. Vishal Singh Rana received UtkrishtShikshakSamman by Agree Meet Foundation, Uttar Pradesh. 2022.
    • Dr.Priyanka Thakur received SERS-Scientific Educational Research Society’s Women Scientist award in the field of Floriculture and Landscaping during 2nd International e-conference on Advances in Agriculture, Technology and Allied Sciences for sustainable development, organized by Graphic Era Hill University, Dehradun on October 9-10, 2022
    • Dr. Vishal Singh Rana received Eminent Scientist Award for outstanding contribution in the field of Horticulture by Agro Environmental Development Society (AEDS) on the occasion of 5th international Conference on Agriculture, Environment on Biosciences for Sustainable Development w.e.f. August 05-07, 2021 in association with CAU Passighat, Arunachal Pradesh, India.
    • Dr. Vishal Singh Rana received certificate of appreciation for acting as resource person during 2 days online Trainer’s training on production technology and postharvest management of horticultural crops organized by the Director, Central Institute of Horticulture, DAC & FW, GOI Nagaland w. e. f June 23-24, 2021.
    • Dr.Priyanka Thakur received letter of Appreciation in the field of Floriculture and Landscape Architecture by The Principal, Shri Guru Govind Singh JiGovt College, Paonta Sahib on 05 March, 2020 for the successful organization of National Workshop on Floriculture w.e.f. February 25-26, 2020.
    • Dr.Priyanka Thakur received Certificate of Appreciation for delivering excellent lecture on ‘Utilization of native and naturalized plant parts for making dry flowers” in National webinar on “Recent Trends in Floriculture and Landscape Industry” organized by Department of Floriculture & Landscape Architecture, College of Horticulture, SardarKrushinagarDantiwada Agricultural University, Jagudan held on October 15, 2020
    • Dr. Vishal Singh Rana and Dr.Priyanka Thakur received certificates of appreciation in recognition of outstanding contribution in kiwifruit production and in Floriculture and Collection of Wild Flora, respectively byDr HC Sharma, the Honourable Vice-Chancellor, YSPUHF, Nauni on June 12, 2019

    Facilities

    • Availability of quality, disease free planting material of commercial fruit and flower crops
    • Diagnostic visits to the farmers
    • Trainings to farmers for establishment and management of different crops
    • To provide nursery plants to the farmers through sale
    • Solution of common queries of the farmers regarding different horticultural crops