Shimla(Shilaroo):   The villagers including women from Kot Shilaroo got tips from the scientists of Himalayan Forest Research   Institute(HFRI)  on how to identify and  prevent fungi and viral infections in agro-forestry farms and pests of the coniferous forest that prevail in the Shimla district.     

HFRI organized the daylong awareness programme at Kot Shilaroo under  the Amrit Mahotsav of India on February 15   in Theog tehsil of Shimla in Himachal Pradesh to commemorate the 75th  anniversary of India's independence. Its  main objective was to make the growers aware of the importance of agro-forestry  and to make the villagers aware about the insects of coniferous trees and the fungi that thrive on them.  The event was attended by 50 villagers from the Panchayats of Kot Shilaroo including panchayat representatives, women and members of the youth clubs.  

 HFRI’s Director incharge  Dr. Sandeep Sharma informed the participants about techniques for developing coniferous trees and local species that can be further grown in the private farmers or common village land.

Dr. Jagdish Singh, Scientist-F., Head, extension division explained the  objective of this programme of   Amrit Mahotsav. “The inter-cropping of medicinal plants and role of non-timber forest produce in the rural economy is significant. He shared detailed information about important medicinal herbs like kutki, vanakkadi, kadu with the participants

Dr. Pawan Kumar, Scientist-E shared with the participants a detailed overview of the insects in coniferous trees and the eco-friendly methods used for their management.  He also shared detailed information on leaf defoliators, cutworms, white grubs, acorn Weevil and also spoke about the butterfly lifecycle. In the end, he gave his views on the topic of bio-control of major pests in nurseries and forests and how to foster prevention.

Dr. Ashwani Tapwal, Scientist-F, shared with the participants a detailed information about the fungus in the coniferous trees and explained their symptoms and ways to prevent them. Apart from this, he also gave detailed information on the topic of bacteria, viruses  in the trees and bio-control to avoid prevent them. Finally, he also highlighted the role of mycorrhiza in the growth of  plants  in the nursery.

 Dr. Pawan Kumar, Scientist-E appreciated the efforts of all the people associated with the event and thanked all the speakers sharing their views.