SHIMLA/CHAMBA: New plant growth boosters are set to accelerate plantations of medicinal plants, vegetables, and broad-leaved trees in Himalayan states including Himachal, say scientists.
The Himalayan Forest Research Institute (HFRI), Shimla, organized a one-day training program on February 20, 2025, at Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Saru, Chamba district.
The theme was "Capacity Building for Modern Nursery Establishment and Use of Mycorrhizal Biotechnology in Planting Material Production."
Around 40 forest officers, staff, and field personnel from Chamba participated in the session aimed at promoting modern nurseries and mycorrhizal biofertilizers.
Welcoming the participants, Dr. Ashwani Tapwal, Scientist-F and Head of Forest Protection Division, HFRI, Shimla, highlighted the importance of mycorrhiza in modern nurseries.
“We’ve developed ‘Him Mrida Sanjeevani,’ a soil and vermiculite-based mycorrhizal biofertilizer that can boost the growth of medicinal plants, vegetables, and broad-leaved crops organically,” he said.
Dr. Tapwal added that HFRI has also come up with ‘Him Growth Booster,’ another mycorrhizal biofertilizer designed specifically for conifer nurseries.
“This booster reduces the growth period of conifers in nurseries, helping plantations establish faster,” he explained.
The training program was organized under projects funded by the Himachal Pradesh Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority (CAMPA).
In her inaugural speech, Kanchan Devi, Director General, Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education (ICFRE), Dehradun, stressed the importance of biofertilizers and biopesticides in forestry. “These products are cost-effective, eco-friendly, and sustainable solutions for modern forestry,” she said.
Applauding HFRI’s work in setting up modern nurseries and developing mycorrhizal biofertilizers, she urged participants to adopt these techniques in their practices.
On the occasion, Kanchan Devi also released booklets on forestry topics published by the institute.
Abhilash Damodaran, Chief Conservator of Forests, Chamba Forest Circle, thanked HFRI, Shimla, for organizing the training and encouraged participants to engage in detailed discussions on the subject.
Dr. Sandeep Sharma, Director, HFRI, Shimla, discussed user-friendly techniques for compost production, vermicomposting, and modern nursery establishment. Sharing his experiences, he emphasized container nursery techniques for major conifer species of Himachal Pradesh.
Dr. Vaneet Jishtu, Scientist-E and Head of Extension Division, HFRI, spoke on plant identification techniques. “We’ve identified key medicinal herbs found in Chamba’s forests and promoted organic cultivation,” he said.
Dr. jishtu also informed participants about the availability of medicinal plant stocks at the institute’s nursery.
Dr. Keher Singh Thakur, Scientist, Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Saru, shared insights on nursery management for forestry and horticultural crops, equipping participants with advanced techniques and better operational methods.
