The department of Fruit Science, College of Horticulture and Forestry, Neri, consists of six faculties specialized in various branches of fruit science. We envision using emerging technologies to develop genetic resources together with resource-efficient fruit culture and orchard management for horticultural transformation in sub-Himalayan subtropics.
Our primary objective is the translation of fundamental scientific findings into sustainable production. We are researching the introduction of the concept of high-density planting in subtropical fruit crops. Major crops of emphasis are mango, citrus, guava, litchi, peaches, pomegranate, etc., for which work on strengthening genetic resources and the development of high-density production modules is under progress. We are working on the water balance, yield physiology and quality formation.
Under changing climatic scenarios we are modelling temporal and phenological phases of the crops for the sustenance of productivity under the current and future climatic scenarios. Besides these, we are imparting quality education in the field of fruit science at undergraduate and postgraduate levels.
Department, since its inception received research funding in more than 20 ad-hoc research projects from different funding agencies of Government of India like ICAR, DST, HIMCOSTE, RKVY and H.P. Department scientists have published over 200 research papers, 26 book chapters, 16 books, in national and international journals for technology dissemination to farmers and entrepreneurs. Department in its journey was able to promote useful human resources for the country in the form of 22 M.Sc. students.