Leh, Sept 09: In a significant step towards enhancing agricultural practices in cold-arid regions, Dr. T R Sharma, Deputy Director General (Crop Science) of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) based in New Delhi, and Dr. Vijay K Yadav, Project Coordinator (Forage Crop Utilization) and Principal Scientist at the Indian Grassland and Fodder Research Institute in Jhansi, visited the Regional Research Station (RRS) of the Central Arid Zone Research Institute (CAZRI) in Stakna, Leh.
The visit, which took place over the past two days, was aimed at reviewing and discussing advancements in agricultural techniques tailored for the harsh climatic conditions of the region. Dr. M S Kanwar, Head and Principal Scientist at RRS, extended a warm welcome to the distinguished guests and provided an overview of the station’s innovative research initiatives.
Key highlights of the visit included a tour of trench cultivation and low tunnel technologies that have proven instrumental in vegetable cultivation despite the challenging cold-arid conditions. Dr. Kanwar also showcased the progress in vegetable production within south-facing greenhouses, featuring crops such as tomatoes and cucumber varieties ‘Koyal’ and ‘Abiba’. Another notable advancement discussed was the successful grafting of apple seedlings under greenhouse conditions.
The visitors were introduced to the Salix-alfalfa silvo-pastoral system and an integrated multi-storied agroforestry model, which incorporates alfalfa, apple, apricot, poplar, and Robinia fodder trees. Dr. Akash R Chichaghare highlighted the benefits of this system in enhancing soil fertility and improving fodder availability in the Leh region.
Additionally, Dr. Changchuk Lamo presented the multipurpose solar dryer, a critical innovation for drying apricots and vegetables. This technology is essential for preserving produce through the harsh winter months, addressing one of the significant challenges in Leh’s agricultural practices.
Dr. Sharma and Dr. Yadav engaged with the RRS staff, including Dr. M Raja Sekhar, Ms. Stanzin Landol, Mr. Rigzin Dorje, Mr. Mohd. Raza, Mr. Ankesh Kumar, and Mr. Rajendra Meena. Dr. Sharma stressed the importance of focusing on fodder trees and native grasses, particularly legumes, to secure fodder supply during winter. His guidance emphasized the need for continued research and innovation to overcome the unique challenges of the region’s cold-arid climate and ensure sustainable food and fodder production. The visit underscored the critical role of research and technological advancements in improving agricultural practices and securing food and fodder resources in India’s high-altitude regions.
