Department of Tree Improvement and Genetic Resources Neri,Hamirpur (HP)

Dr. Dushyant Kumar Sharma
Assistant Professor & Incharge

The Department of Tree Improvement and Genetic Resources was established in the College of Horticulture and Forestry, Neri, Hamirpur, Himachal Pradesh in the year 2018 to look after the teaching, research and extension activities on tree improvement and related aspects.

Mandate

To train manpower specialized in the field of tree improvement and genetic resources and in forest ecology through under graduate and post-graduate teaching.
Introduction and evaluation of fast growing forest tree species for subtropical zone of Himachal Pradesh.
Development of promising clones/varieties of different tree species through molecular and traditional breeding techniques.

Strengths

Field germplasm bank of Melia dubia, Sweitinia mahagoni and Bamboo. Production of quality planting material of Melia dubia and Sweitinia mahagoni.

Academics

M.Sc (TIGR)

Click here for course details

Research

Thrust Areas

Screening of suitable genotypes of trees for commercial cultivation in subtropical zone of Himachal Pradesh.
Establishment of germplasm bank of forest tree species.
Production of quality planting material of forest tress for distribution to farmers.

Achievements

Research work on selection of agroclimatic zone wise suitable cultivars of Melia dubia (Malabar Neem), a promising agro-forestry tree species is being done by Department of Tree Improvement and Genetic Resources. On-farm trials of seventeen improved genotytypes of Melia dubia (Malabar Neem) brought from Forest Research Institute (FRI), Dehradun have been established in three districts namely Hamirpur, Una and Bilaspur (one location in each district) for evaluation of growth parameters. 15 block level and 4 district level People’s Biodiversity Registers (PBR’s) were prepared by the department under the project funded by Himachal Pradesh State Biodiversity Board, Shimla, Himachal Pradesh. First reporting on association of lantana camaraand Santalum album in research entitled Lantana camara as a Potential Secondary host for Natural Populations of Santalum album in Foothills of Himalayas: A hope to stand along with Noxious Weed.

Celebration of World Forestry Day,2023

Extension

To impart training on nursery raising and cultivation of commercial species of forest trees to students, farmers, foresters and nursery growers.

Extension Activities

Displayed exhibition of College of Horticulture and Forestry, Neri in Kisan Mela organised by Himalyan Forest Research Institute on 18/9/2022 at village Longni, Tehsil Dharampur, Disst. Mandi (H.P.).
Organised training camp on cultivation of Melia dubia for famers of Gram Panchayat Piplidhar, Block Basantpur, Distt. Shimla on 18/08/2018.
Delivered radio talk on “Nichle aur madhayam parvatiye kshetron main Malabar neem ki kheti” on All India radio, Hamirpur on 13th November, 2018.
Delivered radio talk on “Krishi ke sath kheton ke kinare ped lga ke aay main kaise vridhi karei” on All India radio, Hamirpur on 24th December, 2019.
Delivered radio talk on “Forestry” on All India radio, Hamirpur on 15th June, 2021.

Awards/Recognitions

Dr. Dushyant Kumar Sharma received “Outstanding Scientist award 2019” during 9th International Conference on Agriculture, Horticulture and Plant Science at Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh form Indian Society of Tropical Agriculture.
Dr. Dushyant Kumar Sharma received “Bharat Shiksha Ratan award 2019” at constitution Hall, Bithal Bhai Patel House, New Delhi, India from Global Society for Health & Educational Growth.
Dr Ravindra Kumar Dhaka received “Best Teacher Award-2023” in 6th International Conference on “Strategies and Challenges in Agricultural and Life Science for Food Security and Sustainable Environment” SCALFE-2023 held at HP University, Shimla, Himachal Pradesh, India during 28-30 April 2023.

Infrastructural Facilities

Compound microscopes for microscopic studies
Seed germinator
Experimental farm
Forest gene bank
Laboratory
Polyhouse & Forest nursery