Dr. Mohd Jaffer Akhoon, Chairman/CEC of LAHDC Kargil, attended a field day focusing on melon crops at Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) Kargil-1 on August 8.

During his visit, Dr. Akhoon was briefed on the various melon varieties cultivated at KVK and toured the seed production units for newly introduced kale and Swiss chard under the DST project.

He underscored the need to revive mulberry cultivation and develop techniques for growing strawberries, emphasizing their high nutritional value.

Dr. Akhoon highlighted agriculture's crucial role in sustainable development and the local economy. He urged the adoption of sustainable agricultural and horticultural practices to generate employment opportunities for youth.

The CEC also requested that the achievements of Zanskar KVK be shared with his office. Addressing the high prevalence of anemia among lactating mothers in Kargil, he suggested that organic farming and products could play a significant role in addressing this issue.

Additionally, Dr. Akhoon commended local entrepreneurs for their mushroom spawn production and pledged to provide three BOD incubators on a subsidy basis to support their efforts.

Chief Scientist of KVK-1, Dr. Mehdi, also spoke at the event, outlining the department's achievements and initiatives. The event was attended by the Executive Councillor for Agriculture, LAHDC Kargil; Councillor Chiktan; Chief Agriculture Officer Kargil; senior and junior scientists from KVK-1; the former President of Baseej-e-Zaraat; other officials; and progressive farmers.