The Story of genesis of Progressive Horticulture
Progressive Horticulture Journal, as a research publication under the banner of Hill Horticulture Development Board (HHDB) from Govt. Hill Fruit Research Station, Chaubattia, (Almora) in undivided state of Uttar Pradesh was started in the year 1969. Dr.S.S. Teotia, is the brain behind starting the publication of the journal. The main idea for initiating a research journal was to provide a platform for publication of research findings of scientists involved in various research projects at state run various Horticulture Research Stations located at Chaubattia, Saharanpur and Basti which otherwise remain unpublished. Progressive Horticulture provided ample opportunity for sharing of research findings/ recommendations from these stations and other institutions on various aspects of horticulture and provided enormous information to academic and research organizations, progressive farmers, students and industries associated with horticulture. Dr. Teaotia nurtured the Journal till his superannuation in the year 1984.
Hill Fruit Research Station, Chaubattia was established in the year 1932- 33 for systematic research on temperate fruits. This was the pioneer institution in South East Asia, dedicated for temperate horticulture.
In those days, horticultural activities was confined around big cities such as Lucknow, Agra, Kanpur, Gorakhpur etc. only on the name of Company Bags, wherein conservation of ornamental trees and production of vegetable seedlings and ornamental plants for supply to the elite group of citizens in cities were main purpose. Two Fruit research stations, one at Saharanpur in the year 1958 and other one in the year 1963 at Basti were established. The separation of horticulture division from the department of agriculture took place during the year 1969, which gave big impetus to the horticulture development and research in the state. Dr. Teotia, played vital role in the development of the sector by establishing good centres/ facilities/ infrastructures for research & development, and attracting talented and dedicated experts in the field.
Dr S S Teotia was born on in a farmer family of Gulaothi village in the district Bulandshahar (UP).After completing B. Sc. Ag. & M. Sc. (Ag) in Horticulture from Govt. Agriculture College Kanpur (present day CSA University), he obtained his Ph. D. degree from Bristol University in England. Dr. Teotia jointed State department as Horticulturist in the year 1956 after his selection through UP Public Service Commission. Initially he contributed in giving scientific impetus to propagation of fruits like mango, guava. Credit for establishment of Fruit Research Station in eastern Uttar Pradesh at Basti goes to untiring efforts to Dr. Teaotia. As result of his contributions in mango, guava and banana in eastern region of Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and Nepal. Dr. Teaotia got opportunity as Director of Hill Horticulture in 1969 Basti and contributed in various capacities and rose to the level of Director, Horticulture and Food Processing. Credit for providing horticulture a commercial status to horticulture in Uttar Pradesh goes to his untiring efforts in different capacities.Today at the age of 87, Dr. Teotia, is active, providing guidance to horticulture fraternity and farmers and healthy and settled in Mahanagr,Lucknow (UP). Looking interest of Dr. Teaotia for the cause horticulture, a group of dedicated scientists, took decision to continue rename the society as Indian Society of Horticulture and Development, Uttarakhand, headquarter at Dehradun and provide ample opportunity for publication of research findings and recognizing contributions though recognition.
Team of Indian Society of Horticulture and Development salutes him for his vision and dedicated contributions and prays to the Almighty for his healthy, happy and long life.