Dr YS Parmar University of Horticulture & Forestry
Source: https://www.yspuniversity.ac.in/dkuan
Archived: 2026-04-23 17:17
Dr YS Parmar University of Horticulture & Forestry
Regional Horticultural Research & Training Station, Dhaulakuan
Dhaulakuan, Sirmour(HP)
Dr Priyanka Thakur (ADR & Head)
The Regional Horticultural Research and Training Station, Dhaulakuan is situated in Paonta block of district Sirmour, at an altitude of 468 m amsl in the sub-tropical, sub-montane and low-hill zone of Himachal Pradesh on Nahan–Paonta road (NH-72) at 30º30'20" North latitude and 77º20'30" East longitude. The station was established in 1954 by the State Department of Agriculture. After the establishment of Himachal Pradesh University in 1970, the station was transferred to the Agricultural Complex of the University in June, 1974. It came under the control of Himachal Pradesh Krishi Vishwavidyalaya on its establishment in November, 1978.The components of Horticulture and Forestry research were transferred to Dr Y S Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry on its raising day i.e. December 1, 1985.The cultivable land of 18 hectares was transferred in 2014 for the establishment of Indian Institute of Management. Subsequently, another farm (Khairi Farm) measuring about 9.0 hectare was transferred to this station in lieu of land transferred to IIM, Dhaulakuan.
The major emphasis is focused on citrus fruits especially Kinnow besides mango, strawberry, litchi, guava, flowers and Mushroom. During 2018, this research station was designated as lead centre for DUS testing of Dahlia cultivars in India. Elite quality planting material of aforesaid horticultural crops is being maintained, propagated and made available to the growers within and outside the state. Recently, some potential lesser exploited/minor fruits have been planted for diversification. The technologies generated at this station are transferred to the end users in coordination with the state department of horticulture.
Mandate
Introduction and evaluation of promising cultivars/varieties of sub-tropical fruits, flowers, mushrooms, medicinal/herbal plants and their mass multiplication.
Standardization of agro-techniques/value addition for potential horticultural crops and development of promising cultivars.
Dissemination of improved/developed technologies to the farmers and promotion of natural farming approaches for different horticultural crops
.
Strengths
Sufficient experimental/demonstration area:16 hectares.
Research laboratory/training facility viz; 01 Floral craft laboratory, 01 functional mushroom laboratory and 01Classroom for training and extension activities.
Protected structures: Glasshouses/Polyhouses/Mist chambers: 06
Farm machinery: Tractors (02) with leveller, furrower, harrow etc.
Bore well tube wells for irrigation: 03
FACULTY
Research
Thrust Areas
Introduction, management and multiplication of subtropical fruits, flowers and mushrooms in lower Shivalik foothills of Himachal Pradesh.
Evaluation of potential germplasm of horticultural crops.
Standardization of improved cultural management techniques.
Taxonomic and nutraceutical aspects of specific fungi.
To lay out need based research trails according to local ecological situation(s)
Major Ongoing Research Projects
Validation of DUS descriptors for the dahlia (
Dahlia variabilis
L.)
Funded by: PPV&FRA, Government of India
Budget: ₹30 Lakhs
Duration: 2018–2026
Seed production of marigold and flowering annuals for farmer’s livelihood security
Funded by: Director of Agriculture, Government of Himachal Pradesh (RKVY)
Budget: ₹35 Lakhs
Honey and other beehive product production model for sustainable high hill beekeeping in Himachal Pradesh
Funded by: National Bee Board
Budget: ₹10.40 Lakhs
Incubation centre for facilitating school-to-work transition in agriculture sector
Funded by: Project Director, Samagra Shiksha, Shimla (Govt. of HP)
Budget: ₹2.80 Crores (Total outlay of University)
SNA to Child Agency under National Bamboo Mission
Funded by: National Bamboo Mission
Budget: ₹2.00 Lakhs
Promotion of minor fruits (Avocado, Dragon fruit, Jamun, Galgal, Phalsa and Karonda)
Funded by: DST
Budget: ₹32 Lakhs
SC-SP component – RHRTS, Dhaulakuan
Funded by: ICAR
Budget: ₹3.50 Lakhs
Front line demonstration units of dragon fruit and standardization of package of practices for its commercial production in Himachal Pradesh
Budget: ₹5 Lakhs
Establishment of demonstration units of Macadamia nut and standardization of package of practices for its commercial production in Himachal Pradesh
Budget: ₹21.55 Lakhs
Establishment of demonstration units of dragon fruit and standardization of package of practices for its commercial production in Himachal Pradesh
Budget: ₹18.20 Lakhs
Achievements
Research Achievements
More than 18 ad-hoc research projects from different funding agencies of Government of India like ICAR, DST, NHB, RKVY, PPV & FRA, Department of Horticulture, Sirmour, ATMA (Sirmour), Mini Mission-1 and NBM (National Bamboo Mission New Delhi) have been handled at this station. Presently, the station is having 03 ad-hoc research projects in operation with a worth ₹ 57.65 lakhs.
Developed Package of Practices for cultivation and management of fruits and flower crops in Himachal Pradesh
Reintroduction of Citrus cultivars at Dhaulakuan as major subtropical fruit crop
Adoption of meadow orchard plant geometry for ameliorating guava productivity in the foothills of H.P.
Introduction and Evaluation of different strawberry cultivars under open and low poly tunnels for screening as per prevailing climatic conditions of Dhaulakuan
Validation of DUS characterization of Dahlia variabilis
Evaluation of different strains for Mushroom cultivation
Value addition of native and naturalized plant parts in Shivalik hills
Varieties/cultivars of Flowers recommended after introduction and evaluation
The scientists have published 35 research papers, 07 books/booklets, 20 book chapters and 25 popular articles.
Seed production in winter annuals (Calendula, Acroclinium and Daisy)
Women Farmer training at RHR&TS, Dhaulakuan campus
Extension
To disseminate cultural management techniques regarding cultivation of subtropical horticultural crops in lower Shivalik hills of Himachal Pradesh:
Organization of specialized farmer’s/officer’s trainings
On campus and Off-campus diagnostic farm visits
Exhibitions/Kisan Melas/Field days
Demonstration trials
Farmer Scientists interactions
Resource person for location specific field problems/programmes
Radio/TV Talks
Publications
Achievements
Extension Achievements
Organised 55 training programmes including 03 Skill development trainings under HP KaushalVikasYojana, 25 exposure visits, 01 national workshop, 01 Kisanmela, 01 awareness programme and 15farmer-scientist interactions.
Organized 26 Participatory Rural Appraisal programmes. Obtained10 best oral/poster awards and participated in 40 National/ International symposia/workshops.
The scientists delivered more than 500 lectures in different extension activities.
The Scientists delivered 30 radio/TV talks and published 13 popular articles on different aspects.
Awards/Recognitions
Dr Priyanka Thakur, Associate Director, (Research and Extension), RHRTS Dhaulakuan received Fellowship of the Indian Society of Ornamental Horticulture (ISOH) Award based on academic and research contributions in the field of Ornamental Horticulture on 18 February,2025 during Tulip Festival and National Symposium on Ornamental Bulbous Flowers at CSIR-IHBT, Palampur
Dr Priyanka Thakur, Associate Director and RHRTS, Dhaulakuan team received an appreciation letter from Dr Rajeshwar Singh Chandel, Honourable Vice Chancellor, YSPUHF Nauni for organizing Kisan Mela -cum- drug awareness programme on 26 March, 2025 in a befitting manner with limited resources and manpower. The research station is involved in new initiatives with commendable work under the supervision of ADR and contribution for the welfare of the farming community.
Dr Priyanka Thakur, Associate Director and RHRTS Dhaulakuan team received an appreciation letter from respected Director Research, Dr Sanjeev Kumar Chauhan for outstanding efforts in organizing Kisan Mela -cum-drug awareness programme on 26 March, 2025 with great passion, hard work, dedication, co-ordination and commitment for making it a tremendous successful event.
The station was designated as DUS lead centre of Dahlia for validation of DUS characterization of Dahlia variabilisL. during 2018 by PPV&FRA, GOI, New Delhi
Dr.Priyanka Thakur received SERS-Scientific Educational Research Society’s Women Scientist award in the field of Floriculture and Landscaping during 2nd International e-conference on Advances in Agriculture, Technology and Allied Sciences for sustainable development, organized by Graphic Era Hill University, Dehradun on October 9-10, 2022
Dr.Priyanka Thakur received letter of Appreciation in the field of Floriculture and Landscape Architecture by The Principal, Shri Guru Govind Singh JiGovt College, Paonta Sahib on 05 March, 2020 for the successful organization of National Workshop on Floriculture w.e.f. February 25-26, 2020.
Dr.Priyanka Thakur received Certificate of Appreciation for delivering excellent lecture on ‘Utilization of native and naturalized plant parts for making dry flowers” in National webinar on “Recent Trends in Floriculture and Landscape Industry” organized by Department of Floriculture & Landscape Architecture, College of Horticulture, Sardar Krushinagar Dantiwada Agricultural University, Jagudan held on October 15, 2020
Dr.Priyanka Thakur received certificates of appreciation in recognition of outstanding contribution in Floriculture and Collection of Wild Flora, respectively by Dr HC Sharma, the Honourable Vice-Chancellor, YSPUHF, Nauni on June 12, 2019
Facilities
Availability of quality, disease free planting material of commercial fruit and flower crops
Diagnostic visits to the farmers
Trainings to farmers for establishment and management of different crops
To provide nursery plants to the farmers through sale
Solution of common queries of the farmers regarding different horticultural crops
Gallery
Regional Horticultural Research & Training Station, Dhaulakuan
Dhaulakuan, Sirmour(HP)
Dr Priyanka Thakur (ADR & Head)
The Regional Horticultural Research and Training Station, Dhaulakuan is situated in Paonta block of district Sirmour, at an altitude of 468 m amsl in the sub-tropical, sub-montane and low-hill zone of Himachal Pradesh on Nahan–Paonta road (NH-72) at 30º30'20" North latitude and 77º20'30" East longitude. The station was established in 1954 by the State Department of Agriculture. After the establishment of Himachal Pradesh University in 1970, the station was transferred to the Agricultural Complex of the University in June, 1974. It came under the control of Himachal Pradesh Krishi Vishwavidyalaya on its establishment in November, 1978.The components of Horticulture and Forestry research were transferred to Dr Y S Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry on its raising day i.e. December 1, 1985.The cultivable land of 18 hectares was transferred in 2014 for the establishment of Indian Institute of Management. Subsequently, another farm (Khairi Farm) measuring about 9.0 hectare was transferred to this station in lieu of land transferred to IIM, Dhaulakuan.
The major emphasis is focused on citrus fruits especially Kinnow besides mango, strawberry, litchi, guava, flowers and Mushroom. During 2018, this research station was designated as lead centre for DUS testing of Dahlia cultivars in India. Elite quality planting material of aforesaid horticultural crops is being maintained, propagated and made available to the growers within and outside the state. Recently, some potential lesser exploited/minor fruits have been planted for diversification. The technologies generated at this station are transferred to the end users in coordination with the state department of horticulture.
Mandate
Introduction and evaluation of promising cultivars/varieties of sub-tropical fruits, flowers, mushrooms, medicinal/herbal plants and their mass multiplication.
Standardization of agro-techniques/value addition for potential horticultural crops and development of promising cultivars.
Dissemination of improved/developed technologies to the farmers and promotion of natural farming approaches for different horticultural crops
.
Strengths
Sufficient experimental/demonstration area:16 hectares.
Research laboratory/training facility viz; 01 Floral craft laboratory, 01 functional mushroom laboratory and 01Classroom for training and extension activities.
Protected structures: Glasshouses/Polyhouses/Mist chambers: 06
Farm machinery: Tractors (02) with leveller, furrower, harrow etc.
Bore well tube wells for irrigation: 03
FACULTY
Research
Thrust Areas
Introduction, management and multiplication of subtropical fruits, flowers and mushrooms in lower Shivalik foothills of Himachal Pradesh.
Evaluation of potential germplasm of horticultural crops.
Standardization of improved cultural management techniques.
Taxonomic and nutraceutical aspects of specific fungi.
To lay out need based research trails according to local ecological situation(s)
Major Ongoing Research Projects
Validation of DUS descriptors for the dahlia (
Dahlia variabilis
L.)
Funded by: PPV&FRA, Government of India
Budget: ₹30 Lakhs
Duration: 2018–2026
Seed production of marigold and flowering annuals for farmer’s livelihood security
Funded by: Director of Agriculture, Government of Himachal Pradesh (RKVY)
Budget: ₹35 Lakhs
Honey and other beehive product production model for sustainable high hill beekeeping in Himachal Pradesh
Funded by: National Bee Board
Budget: ₹10.40 Lakhs
Incubation centre for facilitating school-to-work transition in agriculture sector
Funded by: Project Director, Samagra Shiksha, Shimla (Govt. of HP)
Budget: ₹2.80 Crores (Total outlay of University)
SNA to Child Agency under National Bamboo Mission
Funded by: National Bamboo Mission
Budget: ₹2.00 Lakhs
Promotion of minor fruits (Avocado, Dragon fruit, Jamun, Galgal, Phalsa and Karonda)
Funded by: DST
Budget: ₹32 Lakhs
SC-SP component – RHRTS, Dhaulakuan
Funded by: ICAR
Budget: ₹3.50 Lakhs
Front line demonstration units of dragon fruit and standardization of package of practices for its commercial production in Himachal Pradesh
Budget: ₹5 Lakhs
Establishment of demonstration units of Macadamia nut and standardization of package of practices for its commercial production in Himachal Pradesh
Budget: ₹21.55 Lakhs
Establishment of demonstration units of dragon fruit and standardization of package of practices for its commercial production in Himachal Pradesh
Budget: ₹18.20 Lakhs
Achievements
Research Achievements
More than 18 ad-hoc research projects from different funding agencies of Government of India like ICAR, DST, NHB, RKVY, PPV & FRA, Department of Horticulture, Sirmour, ATMA (Sirmour), Mini Mission-1 and NBM (National Bamboo Mission New Delhi) have been handled at this station. Presently, the station is having 03 ad-hoc research projects in operation with a worth ₹ 57.65 lakhs.
Developed Package of Practices for cultivation and management of fruits and flower crops in Himachal Pradesh
Reintroduction of Citrus cultivars at Dhaulakuan as major subtropical fruit crop
Adoption of meadow orchard plant geometry for ameliorating guava productivity in the foothills of H.P.
Introduction and Evaluation of different strawberry cultivars under open and low poly tunnels for screening as per prevailing climatic conditions of Dhaulakuan
Validation of DUS characterization of Dahlia variabilis
Evaluation of different strains for Mushroom cultivation
Value addition of native and naturalized plant parts in Shivalik hills
Varieties/cultivars of Flowers recommended after introduction and evaluation
The scientists have published 35 research papers, 07 books/booklets, 20 book chapters and 25 popular articles.
Seed production in winter annuals (Calendula, Acroclinium and Daisy)
Women Farmer training at RHR&TS, Dhaulakuan campus
Extension
To disseminate cultural management techniques regarding cultivation of subtropical horticultural crops in lower Shivalik hills of Himachal Pradesh:
Organization of specialized farmer’s/officer’s trainings
On campus and Off-campus diagnostic farm visits
Exhibitions/Kisan Melas/Field days
Demonstration trials
Farmer Scientists interactions
Resource person for location specific field problems/programmes
Radio/TV Talks
Publications
Achievements
Extension Achievements
Organised 55 training programmes including 03 Skill development trainings under HP KaushalVikasYojana, 25 exposure visits, 01 national workshop, 01 Kisanmela, 01 awareness programme and 15farmer-scientist interactions.
Organized 26 Participatory Rural Appraisal programmes. Obtained10 best oral/poster awards and participated in 40 National/ International symposia/workshops.
The scientists delivered more than 500 lectures in different extension activities.
The Scientists delivered 30 radio/TV talks and published 13 popular articles on different aspects.
Awards/Recognitions
Dr Priyanka Thakur, Associate Director, (Research and Extension), RHRTS Dhaulakuan received Fellowship of the Indian Society of Ornamental Horticulture (ISOH) Award based on academic and research contributions in the field of Ornamental Horticulture on 18 February,2025 during Tulip Festival and National Symposium on Ornamental Bulbous Flowers at CSIR-IHBT, Palampur
Dr Priyanka Thakur, Associate Director and RHRTS, Dhaulakuan team received an appreciation letter from Dr Rajeshwar Singh Chandel, Honourable Vice Chancellor, YSPUHF Nauni for organizing Kisan Mela -cum- drug awareness programme on 26 March, 2025 in a befitting manner with limited resources and manpower. The research station is involved in new initiatives with commendable work under the supervision of ADR and contribution for the welfare of the farming community.
Dr Priyanka Thakur, Associate Director and RHRTS Dhaulakuan team received an appreciation letter from respected Director Research, Dr Sanjeev Kumar Chauhan for outstanding efforts in organizing Kisan Mela -cum-drug awareness programme on 26 March, 2025 with great passion, hard work, dedication, co-ordination and commitment for making it a tremendous successful event.
The station was designated as DUS lead centre of Dahlia for validation of DUS characterization of Dahlia variabilisL. during 2018 by PPV&FRA, GOI, New Delhi
Dr.Priyanka Thakur received SERS-Scientific Educational Research Society’s Women Scientist award in the field of Floriculture and Landscaping during 2nd International e-conference on Advances in Agriculture, Technology and Allied Sciences for sustainable development, organized by Graphic Era Hill University, Dehradun on October 9-10, 2022
Dr.Priyanka Thakur received letter of Appreciation in the field of Floriculture and Landscape Architecture by The Principal, Shri Guru Govind Singh JiGovt College, Paonta Sahib on 05 March, 2020 for the successful organization of National Workshop on Floriculture w.e.f. February 25-26, 2020.
Dr.Priyanka Thakur received Certificate of Appreciation for delivering excellent lecture on ‘Utilization of native and naturalized plant parts for making dry flowers” in National webinar on “Recent Trends in Floriculture and Landscape Industry” organized by Department of Floriculture & Landscape Architecture, College of Horticulture, Sardar Krushinagar Dantiwada Agricultural University, Jagudan held on October 15, 2020
Dr.Priyanka Thakur received certificates of appreciation in recognition of outstanding contribution in Floriculture and Collection of Wild Flora, respectively by Dr HC Sharma, the Honourable Vice-Chancellor, YSPUHF, Nauni on June 12, 2019
Facilities
Availability of quality, disease free planting material of commercial fruit and flower crops
Diagnostic visits to the farmers
Trainings to farmers for establishment and management of different crops
To provide nursery plants to the farmers through sale
Solution of common queries of the farmers regarding different horticultural crops
Gallery