Leh, June 27: In a landmark initiative aimed at bolstering agricultural education and research in Ladakh, the Ladakh Skill Development Mission (LSDM) has entered into a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Indian Agricultural Research Institute (ICAR-IARI), Pusa, New Delhi. The MoU marks the beginning of a collaborative effort to enhance training in Horticulture, Floriculture & Landscaping for students and trainers of Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) across Ladakh, encompassing Leh and Kargil districts.
The primary focus of this MoU is to introduce specialized training in Horticulture, Floriculture & Landscaping for students and trainers from Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) across Leh and Kargil districts. Under this partnership, ICAR-IARI will play a crucial role in providing technical expertise and upgrading laboratory infrastructure for Horticulture & Floriculture trades at Government ITIs in the region.
Key Objectives of the Collaboration Include (i) Applied Research Initiatives: Emphasizing High Altitude Horticulture and Floriculture practices through practical research initiatives at ITIs. (ii) Academic and Cultural Exchanges: Exploring opportunities for exchanges in teaching, research, and related activities to enrich educational experiences. (iii) Specialized Training: Conducting value-added short-term training programs in Horticulture, Floriculture & Landscaping trades for ITI students and trainers. (iv) Establishing a Research Cell: Dedicated to practical research in high altitude Horticulture, Floriculture & Landscaping at ITIs in Leh and Kargil.
The signing ceremony was attended by key dignitaries including Ms. Padma Angmo, IIS, Commissioner/Secretary Technical Education & Skill Development Department, Ladakh; Dr. C Viswanathan, Joint Director (Research) ICAR-IARI; Dr. B. S. Tomar, Head and Professor of Vegetable Science Division, ICAR-IARI; Dr. Markandey Singh, Head and Principal Scientist, Floriculture & Landscaping Division, ICAR-IARI; Dr. O.P. Awasthi, Head and Principal Scientist, Fruits and Horticultural Technology, ICAR-IARI; Dr. Pramod Kumar, Incharge PME, ICAR-IARI; Dr. Murtaza Hasan, Principal Scientist, Centre for Protected Cultivation Technology, ICAR-IARI; Sh. Abied Hussain, Superintendent ITI; and Sh. Thinles Wangchuk, Superintendent ITI Leh.
This collaboration underscores a significant stride towards enhancing agricultural education and research capabilities in Ladakh, promoting sustainable development across the region. The initiative is expected to equip local youth and trainers with advanced skills and knowledge in agricultural practices, paving the way for a prosperous agricultural sector in Ladakh’s challenging geographical terrain.
