CSK Himachal Pradesh Krishi Vishvavidyalaya Campuses

The College of Horticulture and Forestry at Neri serves as a specialized sub-campus of CSK Himachal Pradesh Krishi Vishvavidyalaya, dedicated to education and research in horticultural crops and forest resources, vital for the state's economy dominated by fruits, nuts, and timber. Located in the mid-hill zone, it offers targeted programs that address the cultivation, protection, and sustainable management of horticultural and forest produce in diverse terrains.

• Bachelor of Science in Horticulture (B.Sc. Hons. Hort.): A four-year undergraduate program emphasizing fruit science, vegetable production, floriculture, plantation crops, and landscape architecture. Students learn propagation techniques for temperate fruits like apples, pears, and stone fruits, along with protected cultivation methods such as polyhouses for off-season vegetable farming in hilly regions.
• Master of Science in Horticulture (M.Sc. Hort.): Two-year postgraduate specializations in fruit science, vegetable science, and post-harvest technology. Focus areas include breeding for disease-resistant varieties, integrated pest management, and value chain development for exports of kinnow, mangoes, and kiwis, tackling issues like hailstorms and frost damage.
• Bachelor of Science in Forestry (B.Sc. Forestry): A four-year degree covering silviculture, forest ecology, agroforestry, wildlife management, and forest products utilization. Training includes surveying forest resources, conservation of medicinal plants, and community-based forest management practices suited to Himachal's oak and pine-dominated forests.
• Master of Science in Forestry (M.Sc. Forestry): Advanced studies in forest genetics, soil conservation, and non-timber forest products. Research emphasizes rehabilitation of degraded lands, biodiversity hotspots, and sustainable harvesting of timber and resins.
• Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Horticulture and Forestry: Doctoral research in areas like molecular biology of horticultural crops, climate change impacts on forests, and agro-horticultural systems for soil health improvement.

The curriculum at Neri integrates theoretical knowledge with practical demonstrations in demonstration orchards, nurseries, and forest plots, enabling students to master grafting, pruning, and irrigation techniques for water-scarce hill slopes. Courses also cover entrepreneurial skills in agro-processing, such as juice extraction from local berries and essential oil production from herbs, promoting rural livelihoods. Emphasis is placed on organic horticulture, IPM strategies against pests like codling moths, and certification for GI-tagged products like Kangra tea. With facilities like tissue culture labs, cold storage units, and GIS-enabled mapping, the programs prepare graduates for roles in extension services, agribusiness, and environmental policy, contributing to the green revolution in Himachal's horti-forestry sector. This holistic approach ensures sustainable resource use, enhancing productivity while mitigating environmental degradation in fragile ecosystems.

The Main Campus at Palampur is the primary hub for agricultural and allied sciences education at CSK Himachal Pradesh Krishi Vishvavidyalaya. It houses several colleges offering a wide array of undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programs focused on advancing agricultural practices, animal husbandry, and basic sciences tailored to the Himalayan region's unique agro-climatic conditions.

• Bachelor of Science in Agriculture (B.Sc. Ag.): A four-year program covering crop production, soil science, plant pathology, entomology, agronomy, horticulture, and agricultural economics. Students engage in practical training on hill farming techniques, sustainable agriculture, and precision farming methods suitable for terraced fields.
• Master of Science in Agriculture (M.Sc. Ag.): Specialized two-year courses in areas like agronomy, soil science, plant breeding, and genetics. Emphasis is placed on research in high-altitude crop varieties, organic farming, and climate-resilient agriculture to address challenges like soil erosion and variable weather patterns in Himachal Pradesh.
• Bachelor of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry (BVSc & AH): A comprehensive five-and-a-half-year degree program including anatomy, physiology, pathology, medicine, surgery, and livestock management. Training focuses on hill breeds of cattle, sheep, and poultry, with modules on veterinary public health and zoonotic diseases prevalent in mountainous areas.
• Master of Veterinary Science (MVSc): Advanced studies in clinical subjects, animal nutrition, and reproduction, with research opportunities in ethno-veterinary practices and integrated farming systems.
• Bachelor of Science in Basic Sciences (B.Sc. Honours): Programs in chemistry, physics, mathematics, and biochemistry, providing foundational knowledge for agricultural research and biotechnology applications.
• Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in various disciplines: In-depth research in agricultural biotechnology, environmental science, and agribusiness management, contributing to policy-making for sustainable development in the region.

These courses integrate classroom learning with extensive fieldwork, laboratory experiments, and extension services, ensuring graduates are equipped to tackle food security, biodiversity conservation, and rural development issues. The curriculum also includes interdisciplinary electives on agroforestry, water resource management, and GIS applications in agriculture, fostering innovation in hill ecosystem management. With state-of-the-art facilities like greenhouses, animal farms, and research labs, the campus promotes hands-on experience in seed technology, post-harvest management, and value addition to local produce such as apples and off-season vegetables. Overall, the programs aim to produce skilled agronomists, veterinarians, and scientists who can drive economic growth in Himachal's agrarian economy while preserving its ecological balance.

The Sub-Campus at Neri, located in the Hamirpur district, specializes in horticulture and forestry education, research, and extension, catering to the subtropical and mid-hill agro-climatic zones of Himachal Pradesh. Established to promote specialized training in fruit crops, vegetables, and forest resources, it houses the College of Horticulture and the College of Forestry, offering targeted programs that address the state's rich biodiversity and horticultural potential.

• B.Sc. (Hons.) Horticulture is a flagship four-year program focusing on fruit science, vegetable production, floriculture, post-harvest technology, plant propagation, and landscape architecture. Practical components include orchard management, greenhouse cultivation, and value addition for export-oriented crops like apples, kiwis, and stone fruits.
• M.Sc. Horticulture in specializations such as Fruit Science, Vegetable Science, and Floriculture explores advanced topics like protected cultivation, organic horticulture, and breeding for disease resistance.
• Ph.D. in Horticulture advances research in precision horticulture, climate-smart varieties, and agro-tourism integration.

The College of Forestry offers B.Sc. (Hons.) Forestry, emphasizing silviculture, forest ecology, wildlife management, agroforestry, and forest products. Students participate in field surveys, tree improvement programs, and conservation projects in the surrounding Shivalik hills.

• M.Sc. Forestry in Wildlife Sciences, Forest Biology, and Conservation covers biodiversity assessment, non-timber forest products, and sustainable forest management practices.
• Ph.D. programs investigate forest genetics, carbon sequestration, and community-based forestry to combat deforestation and enhance ecosystem services.

The campus also features the Centre of Excellence in Horticulture, which integrates teaching with research on high-value crops, mushroom production, and medicinal plants. Programs include diploma courses in beekeeping and sericulture, promoting livelihood diversification for rural communities. Agricultural engineering aspects related to horti-machinery and irrigation are covered through collaborative modules.

• Extension programs train farmers in integrated fruit production, soil health management, and market linkages.
• Interdisciplinary electives in agribusiness and environmental horticulture prepare students for entrepreneurial ventures in seed production and eco-tourism.

With state-of-the-art facilities like tissue culture labs, polyhouses, and demonstration orchards, the Neri campus ensures hands-on learning aligned with national missions such as the National Horticulture Mission and Green India Mission. Graduates are equipped to tackle challenges like soil erosion, water scarcity, and market volatility, contributing to the growth of India's horticulture sector, which accounts for a significant share of agricultural exports. The curriculum evolves with emerging trends in vertical farming, bio-fertilizers, and digital agriculture tools, fostering innovation for sustainable development in the region.