Empowering Rural Farmers – NABARD-Sponsored 5-Day Integrated Farming Training at Eternal University

NABARD Joins Hands with Eternal University for Farmer Upliftment

A five-day on-campus training program was held at Eternal University, Baru Sahib, sponsored by NABARD under the project “Integrated Farming System with Allied Sectors for Socio-economic Upliftment of Rural Farmer Families of Himachal Pradesh.”
The initiative aimed to enhance knowledge and promote sustainable agricultural practices among 40 local farmers.

Day 1: Inauguration & Introduction to Integrated Farming Systems (IFS)

‘The program commenced on October 4, 2021, with a warm welcome by Dr. Neelam Thakur, Assistant Professor, Department of Zoology. She introduced the concept of Integrated Farming Systems (IFS), emphasizing the synergy among six enterprises:
Dairy Farming

• Vermicomposting
• Silage Making
• Horticultural/Agricultural Farming
• Food Processing
• Water Harvesting

A roadmap for the lectures and practical sessions for the upcoming days was also outlined.

Day 2: Practical Demonstrations in Dairy, Silage & Vermicomposting

The second day began with an informative lecture by Dr. Krishan Kumar on dairy farming, covering government subsidies, cow breeds, diseases, and milking techniques. This was followed by Dr. Priyanka Thakur’s session on crop selection and pest management near IFS units.
Post-lunch, farmers visited:

• Akal Modern Dairy: Witnessed breeds and vacuum pump milking techniques.
• Silage Unit: Demonstrations on silage making using oats by Dr. Neelam Thakur and Dr. Mahesh Tripathi.
• Vermicomposting Unit: Hands-on training on compost production from farm waste.

Day 3: Hands-on Food Processing Training

Day three offered an engaging session in the University’s Food Processing Unit. Farmers learned to make:
Tomato Puree

• Apple Jam
• Puff Corns
• Cakes
• Noodles & Pasta

They also interacted with experts and explored packaging techniques, gaining practical exposure to agri-based micro-enterprises.

Day 4: Exposure Visit to Dr. Y.S. Parmar University, Nauni

A field trip to UHF, Nauni exposed farmers to:

• Vegetable Science Department: Crop rotation and nursery preparation by Dr. Kuldeep Thakur
• Floriculture and Landscaping: Dry flower value addition by Dr. Bharti Kashyap
• Forestry Department: Herbal gardens and medicinal plants by Dr. Sunil Kumar
• Fruit Science Department: Kiwi orchard demo and cultivation insights by Dr. Gopal Singh

This visit broadened the horizon of farmers through expert interaction and departmental walkthroughs.

Day 5: Water Harvesting & Valedictory Session

The final day began with a lecture on Rainwater Harvesting by Dr. Mahesh Tripathi, followed by a closing talk by Dr. Neelam Thakur on the practical implementation of IFS.

The valedictory ceremony was graced by Mr. Gaurav Sharma, DDM, NABARD Sirmour, and Dr. Yash Paul Sharma from NGO Aravali. Prof. A.S. Ahluwalia (Pro Vice Chancellor) assured continued support for IFS adoption. Farmer feedback praised the training’s impact on their agricultural practices and livelihood vision.

A Step Towards Sustainable Rural Prosperity

The training program—coordinated by Dr. Neelam Thakur along with Dr. Krishan Kumar, Dr. Priyanka Thakur, and Dr. Mahesh Tripathi—highlighted the potential of Integrated Farming Systems in ensuring food security, income diversification, and ecological balance. Such initiatives bridge the gap between traditional farming and modern sustainable methods, empowering small and marginal farmers in Himachal Pradesh.