Shimla: Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO) is growing the temperate plants of Dr YS Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry (UHF), Nauni, in high altitude areas of Jammu and Kashmir. This year, Leh-based Defence Institute of High Altitude Research (Dihar), a DRDO’s constituent laboratory, has bought 6,070 plants of apple, pear plum and peach. Over 30,000 plants have already been supplied in the past five years and this planting material is being used to raise fruit plantations in high altitude areas of Jammu and Kashmir, where the Army is posted.According to university officials, besides farming community, DRDO has now also become a regular buyer of its temperate fruit plants. DRDO scientist Dr Anand Kumar Katiyar, who has been visiting the university, said the objective was to ensure regular supply of fresh fruits to the Army personnel in these tough terrains. Some plants are also distributed to farmers in these areas to improve their socio-economic conditions as the excess fruit produce can be sold at the Army counters.“Traditionally, there were very few fruit trees in these high altitude regions. Some wild species of apples were there, but the fruit was of poor quality and highly perishable. The apple plants which are bought from the university are of good varieties and perform quite well in these conditions,” Katiyar said.The planting has been done in various places like Nubra Valley, Leh, Kargil and Karu regions of Jammu and Kashmir. In addition, some plantations have also been carried out in Twang area of Arunachal Pradesh.Besides ensuring easy availability of fresh fruits, these plantations at 11,000 to 13,000 feet above sea level help scientists undertake research and determine the ideal fruit varieties for these extremely cold regions. The DRDO scientists undertake the scientific handling of the plants and also provide trainings to defence staff and civilians.Dr J S Chandel, professor and head of the department of fruit science of the university, said plants, especially apple, supplied by them have shown excellent results in areas where they have been planted by DRDO scientists. He said the two organisations have also been collaborating in research. “Varietal trials at different altitudes and studies like zero energy cold storage cellar at DIHAR have also helped to maximize the survivability of these fruit plants,” he said. Scientists of Dihar and UHF have also published joint research publications, he added.

Stay updated with all the Latest Shimla headlines here. For more exclusive & live news updates from all around India, stay connected with NYOOOZ.