Germplasm Field Day on Stone Fruits

The Germplasm Field Day on Stone fruits (Peach, Plum & Apricot) was organized at ICAR-National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources (NBPGR), Regional Station, Shimla on 7th June, 2019. The field day was attended by 19 participants from different organization namely ICAR-Central Institute of Temperate Horticulture Regional Station Mukteshwar, UK; ICAR-IARI Regional Station Shimla; Dr. Yashwant Singh Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni, Solan; KVK Kinnaur, (HP); KVK Tabo, Lahul & Spiti, (HP); Regional Horticultural Research Station Mashobra, Shimla. (HP); KVK Kandaghat, Solan, (HP); Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), Ludhiana; Chaudhary Sarwan Kumar Himachal Pradesh Krishi Vishvavidyalaya (CSKHKV) Palampur; Directorate, State Department of Horticulture Navbahar, Shimla, NBPGR Headquarters New Delhi and the progressive farmers from stone fruits growing area of Himachal Pradesh. Dr. Mohar Singh, Principal Scientist & OIC of Regional Station welcomed participants and informed about the germplasm being maintained at the Station and also stressed on how can this station will help the farmers of the North-Western Himalayan region. Dr. Ashok Kumar, Head, Division of Germplasm Evaluation, NBPGR emphasized the importance of germplasm and field days for their effective utilization. Dr. Narender Negi & Dr. Rahul Scientists of the station accompanied the participants for field visit and also provided information related to germplasm of stone fruits. All the participants assessed on spot variability/ traits for their ongoing crop improvement programme as well as direct use to the farmers after evaluation at their respective centers. During feedback and interaction session, the participants appreciated the efforts of ICAR-NBPGR, RS Shimla in showcasing the diversity at appropriate stage and progressive farmers also shared their experiences about the stone fruit cultivation and how this event will help them for understanding the variability of germplasm and their peculiar features. The Field Day was ended with the vote of thanks and thereafter working lunch to the participants.

(Source:  Mr. Dayal Singh Bisht, ICAR-NBPGR, Regional Station Shimla)