Three-Day Hands-On Training Program on “Agroecology” Begins Under the Joint collaboration of USERC and Doon PG College of Agriculture Science and Technology

On 25th February 2025, the Uttarakhand Science Education and Research Center (USERC) launched a three-day hands-on training program on “Agroecology” for students pursuing higher education. The program is being conducted in collaboration with Doon PG College of Agriculture Science and Technology, Selakui, at the college campus.

On this occasion, the Director of USERC, Professor (Dr.) Anita Rawat, addressed the gathering and stated that the “Three-Day Hands-On Training Program on Agroecology” has been launched by USERC. This program focuses on subjects such as soil science, agronomy, fisheries, organic farming, vermicomposting, Azolla farming, beekeeping, mushroom production, and protective cultivation. It is designed to provide students with three days of training that will not only enhance their knowledge but also aid in skill development, entrepreneurship, and career growth, in addition to guiding their research and academic endeavors.

The Director of the institution, Mr. Sanjay Chaudhary, described the program as highly beneficial for the students.

During the event, Dr. Bhavatosh Sharma, the coordinator of the training program and a scientist at USERC, outlined the framework of the three-day program. He mentioned that 30 students from five prominent educational institutions of Uttarakhand, including Core University Roorkee, Alpine Institute Dehradun, Shri Dev Suman University Rishikesh, Graphic Era Deemed University, and Doon PG College of Agriculture Science and Technology, will be participating in the training.

Dr. Omprakash Nautiyal, a scientist at USERC, elaborated on the research, innovation, and academic activities that USERC is undertaking across the state for the benefit of students.

The Principal of the college, Dr. R.R. Dwivedi, explained in his speech that various programs related to Agroecology are being conducted at their institution.

The vote of thanks for the event was delivered by Professor Dr. Roop Kishore Sharma. The first technical session lecture was presented by Dr. Mritunjay Rai, a professor at the institution, who spoke on “Protective Cultivation” and demonstrated practical aspects of the subject, including the production of various crops inside a polyhouse, flower cultivation, and more, by taking the participants to the field.

In the afternoon, the second technical session was led by Dr. Vipin Verma, who lectured on “Mushroom Cultivation.” After the lecture, he took the participants to a mushroom cultivation unit and taught them practical techniques of mushroom cultivation, answering their questions and clarifying doubts.

The program was conducted by Dr. R.K. Mishra, a senior professor at Doon PG College. At the end of the program, the vote of thanks was presented by Dr. Roop Kishore Sharma, the organizing secretary.

The event was attended by Mr. Anil Pandir, Dr. Kajal Srivastava, Dr. Gaurav Verma from Doon PG College of Agriculture Science and Technology, Mr. Umesh Joshi, experts from USERC, 30 trainees, specialists, and over 50 participants, including teachers and staff.