The two days Ladakhi Kisan-Jawan-Vigyan Mela was organised by Defence Institute of High Altitude Research (DIHAR), an agro-animal R&D Institute of DRDO on 6 & 7 August. 

The main theme of the mela was to disseminate technical know-how of various agro-animal technologies developed by DIHAR among the local farmers and troops deployed in Ladakh sector.

The mela was inaugurated by Lieutenant General SK Patyal, GOC, HQ 14 Corps. Major General A.S Chowdhry, COS HQ 14 Corps, Air CMDE B Mahikantam, AOC, 21 Wing, Air Force Station and Dr. Bhuvnesh Kumra, Director DIHAR was also present.

Lieutenant General, S.K Patyal stressed that with the help of DIHAR the local organic produce of local farmers will be taken by the army and the effort should be to meet maximum requirement of the army through local farmers only. He assured that Army will accept in total the vegetable and fruits if produced locally by the farmers.

He further suggested that with the adoption of these technologies the local farmers should increase their supply of fresh food to Army through their cooperative societies.  

Dr Bhuvnesh Kumra, Director DIHAR in his welcome speech briefed about DIHAR  and said that the  main purpose of this annual Mela is to provide a platform for all the peasants, army and locals and to make them aware of the studies and new agricultural technologies used at DIHAR.

He said that 40 kinds of medicinal plants and 101 ranges of vegetables are grown on one field out of which 28 variety of vegetables are being profitably grown by local farmers, supporting the market and army units.

The closing ceremony was held on August 7 which was presided over by CEC, Dr Sonam Dawa. He asked the local farmers to take maximum benefit from DIHAR and make Ladakh self-sufficient in fresh food production. He emphasised that farmers should pay frequent visits to DIHAR and takes the guidance of DIHAR scientists in the adoption of new and appropriate technologies.  

During this mela, DIHAR organised a Gosthi, in which local farmers from far-flung villages like Dha, Takmachik and Army troops from kaksar to Kharu actively participated. This Gosthi helped DIHAR to understand the various problems being faced by these farmers and troops regarding fresh vegetable production in their respective locations. 

The major attractions of mela, which were appropriate for Ladakh region included:

     Demonstration of agro-techniques for growing of vegetable crops.

     Different types of protected cultivation structures.

     Cultivation techniques of Seabuckthorn and development of products.

     Conservation of local herbal plants and formulation of various value added products.

     Livestock & Poultry production and their management techniques.

Competitions were also held among defence units and local farmers in various categories viz. vegetable garden, tree plantation, fruit trees, unit gardening, greenhouse cultivation, vegetable basket and flower arrangement. 

On the last day, winners were felicitated with mementoes and certificates 

Around 21,000 visitors including farmers, military and para-military forces personnel and school children turn out during the two-day mela.