Leh, April 09: The Department of Agriculture, Leh, today organised a one-day farmers awareness programme on organic farming as a part of Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav at the Chemday Community Hall in Kharu block. Secretary, Agriculture/ Horticulture, UT Ladakh, Ravinder Kumar, was the chief guest during the event.
Secretary Agriculture, Ravinder Kumar, requested the farmers to adopt organic farming to sell their produce at a higher price. He also urged them to avail of the benefits of the greenhouses by cultivating varieties of vegetable. He shared that implementing the Mission Organic Development Initiative (MODI) scheme to turn Ladakh into a certified organic region by 2025 is the major step taken by UT Ladakh.
Secretary Ravinder shared that UT Administration is attempting to reduce the region’s dependency on imports during the winter months for vegetables and become self-sufficient.
Secretary Ravinder Kumar also highlighted the problems of depleting water resources and requested everyone to follow and adopt water conservation technologies such as mulching, sprinklers and drip irrigation.
Earlier, Chief Agriculture Officer, Leh, Tashi Tsetan, who is the Mission Director Organic Farming, highlighted the achievements and the services provided by the department to the farmers. He urged the farmers to adopt organic farming practices as a sustainable means of livelihood and income generation. He also shared his views on maintaining proper health and hygiene through the consumption of organic produce.
Mission Director Tashi also shared that the department alone cannot achieve the goal of promoting organic farming in Leh district and requested the cooperation of the farmers and other allied sectors, including Animal and Sheep Husbandry, to help the department achieve the goal.
He shared that the Agriculture Department in collaboration with the Animal and Sheep Husbandry are making efforts to revive the Rarzi and Barzi practices.
Chairperson, Block Development Council, Kharu, Deachen Dorjay, shared a few grievances with Secretary Ravinder, including the need to increase the quantity of peas (matar) seeds distributed in the block since Sakti village is the largest producer of peas in Ladakh. He also requested Secretary Ravinder to open a horticulture office in Kharu block since it causes inconveniences for the villagers who have to travel to Leh every time for any horticulture-related issues.
Sub-divisional Agricultural Officer (SDAO), Leh, Shakeel-ur-Rehman, made the farmers aware of the importance of soil nutrients management and water conservation through mulching technology.
Sarpanch, Kunzang Yangdol, officers of the department and farmers of Chemday and Kharu villages headed by their nambardars were present during the event.
