SHIMLA: An apple orchard  manned by the Dr YS Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry at its centre at Mashobra has staged a comeback using natural farming techniques, say scientists.

The orchard had been struggling, but  under Prakritik Kheti Khushhal Kisan Yojana (PK3Y), it has flourished again, they say.

State Horticulture secretary C. Paulrasu today visited the orchard and was impressed by the positive results. Natural farming methods were used to revive the orchard, and it's now producing not only apples but also vegetables and pulses.

The Vice Chancellor of Dr YS Parmar University, Prof Rajeshwar Singh Chandel, explained that these techniques were studied for four years, and their success is evident.

The orchard, which was neglected in the past due to resource limitations, has turned around with these new methods.

Senior Scientist at the Research Station, Dr Usha Sharma revealed that with natural farming technique, the soil health and the overall health of the orchard has improved and they are now able to take seven crops, including vegetables and pulses, alongside apples.

Project director, Hemis Negi from PK3Y, Joint Director, PK3Y, Dr Ravinder Singh Jasrotia, Director Research, Nauni University, Dr Sanjeev Chauhan and Associate Director of the Regional Horticultural Research and Training Station, Dr Dinesh Thakur also were present during the visit here. 

They all highlighted the importance of natural farming for sustainable agriculture and how it's the way forward.

But they did not reveal the total production and the varieties grown in this orchard. 

The officials also met with local farmers who are using natural farming methods. They emphasized that this approach is not only better for the environment but also beneficial for farming in the long run.