VoL Desk, August 22: A day long training programme on “Nursery and plantation techniques of Juniperus polycarpos (Shukpa)” was organized by Himalayan Forest Research Institute, Shimla for the front line officials of Kargil Forest Division at Divisional Forest Office, Kargil today.

Pitamber Singh Negi, Scientist from Himalayan Forest Research Institute, Shimla presented a detailed presentation on “Nursery and plantation techniques of Juniperus polycarpos (Shukpa) before the frontline officials of Kargil Forest Division.

In his presentation, Negi elaborated the importance of Shukpa- an important tree of Trans Himalayan Cold desert. He informed the participants that Juniperus polycarpos is naturally found in Cold Desert Areas of Himachal Pradesh and Ladakh Union Territory.

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The leaves of Shukpa are widely used as incense in temples and monasteries for performing various religious rites by the local communities in cold desert areas.

In the past, artificial regeneration technique of this tree through seed was not available. Himalayan Forest Research Institute, Shimla successfully developed seed, nursery and plantation technique of Juniperus polycarpos (Shukpa).

He further informed the participants that Himalayan Forest Research Institute, Shimla has also established Research-cum-demonstration plantation of Juniper at Van Vigyan Kendra, Badhamibagh, Leh and also distributed 1300 saplings of Juniper to local communities, NGO’s and forest department in Leh and Kargil region for plantation and conservation of this valuable tree in cold desert areas of Ladakh UT.

This training programme is being organized for dissemination of nursery and plantation technique of Juniperus polycarpos (Shukpa) to the field officials of Kargil Forest Division.

During the training programme, the frontline officials of Kargil Forest Division were trained on seed collection, processing, nursery and plantation technique of Juniperus polycarpos (Shukpa).

At least 18 front line staff from Kargil and Sankoo Forest Ranges of Kargil Forest Division participated in this training programme.

The participants of training programme appreciated the efforts of Himalayan Forest Research Institute, Shimla for carrying out various activities for conservation of Juniper in cold desert regions.

Sh. Niyaz Ali, Forest Range Officer, Kargil thanked the Himalayan Forest Research Institute, Shimla for organizing this training programme.