Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar, who was present as the chief guest in "Apple Day and Farmer's Fair" at Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Tabo in tribal district of Lahaul-Spiti, expressed happiness and said that the way the farmers here had saved traditional agriculture practice even today, that was a matter of pride for all of us.
He said that during Kullu Dussehra, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had sought information from him about natural farming in the State. He said that the Prime Minister asked him to make special efforts in this direction so that Himachal emerges as a leading State in natural farming in the country.
The Governor called upon the farmers to come forward and inspire the future generations to move forward in this direction.He said that others should also take inspiration from the experiences of farmers who were engaged in natural farming in tribal districts.
He assured that the state government and administration would also extend all possible help to the farmers who would come forward for natural farming.On the occasion, the Governor inaugurated Adarsh Food Processing Unit constructed at a cost of Rs. 40 lakhs.
In this unit various products would be produced from apples and other crops grown in the valley. Self-help groups, farmers working in the field of agriculture will get a lot of benefits through this unit. They would be able to make high quality products and send them to the market in minimum time.
The Governor also inspected the center and got information about the apple crop.The Governor also released a book 'Piti Shingpa' on the occasion.Earlier, Prof. Rajeshwar Chandel, Vice Chancellor of Dr. Yashwant Singh Parmar Horticulture and Forestry University welcomed the Governor.
He said that pesticides used in crops had adverse effects on both health and environment. He urged the farmers to adopt natural farming practices only and said that it could save the environment also.The farmers of the area also shared their experiences with the Governor on the occasion and the Governor honored the progressive farmers of the valley.
Sub-Divisional Magistrates Abhishek Verma and Gunjit Singh Cheema, Superintendent of Police Rohit Mrigpuri, Director of Extension Center Dr. Indra Dev, Head of the Center, Tabo Dr. Sudhir Verma and other prominent people were also present on the occasion.