Lieutenant Governor, R K Mathur convened a meeting with Secretaries of Industries and Commerce, Animal and Sheep Husbandry and Skill Development departments on June 11 and reviewed their progress.

L-G Mathur was apprised about the value addition and promotion of Sea Buckthorn. Discussion was held on setting up of a Sea Buckthorn Centre of Excellence at Nimmo with provisions of submersible pumps to irrigate the nursery and orchard, horticulture processing unit, laboratory etc. 

L-G Mathur suggested the facility may be used not just for Sea Buckthorn but also for processing other berries such as Goji berry, which is a potential high-income generation source. He spoke about the scope of the experiment with other berries. Further, he suggested bringing on-board consultants like Defence Institute of High Altitude Research (DIHAR), Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) and the prospect of sorting help from countries working successfully in the field, stating that the target must be to opt for the best available source to produce international standard products with a professional approach.

The Secretary, Industries & Commerce, Saugat Biswas briefed about the new tools and equipment being procured to facilitate harvesting with a target to double the yield.

Discussing initiatives for Sea Buckthorn plantation, L-G Mathur stated that for commercial viability, focus should be on large plantations and handholding for contract farming with entrepreneurs must be done strictly in accordance to set rules of the Ministry of Agriculture, GoI.
He stressed that the development of Sea Buckthorn, similar to all other potential resources, must lead to entrepreneurship opportunities for the youth of Ladakh. “Let it be led by entrepreneurs while the administration becomes the facilitator,” stated LG Mathur.

Further, discussing fodder concerns of the nomads of Changthang under Changthang Package with Secretary Animal and Sheep Husbandry, Ravinder Kumar, the Lieutenant Governor directed the department to look at long term solutions such as the development of grazing land. He stated that the 6 % growth in the Pashmina goat population is a notable development, made possible by the efforts of the Department and all concerned.

The meeting also discussed at length various means to provide better living conditions to the Pashmina herders with facilities of lighting, heating, toilets etc.

Secretary Kumar informed about the distribution of equipment such as solar milk churners and developments in health, school education and sports.

LG Mathur also suggested proper management of livestock manure by converting it into compost, thus contributing to Mission Organic Development Initiative.

Later, Secretary Technical Education and Skill Development Padma Angmo presented statistics of the youth population of Ladakh based on their gender, educational qualifications and briefed about works being undertaken by the department to generate employment opportunities by providing skill training.

She informed that the department is in coordination with Beauty & Wellness, Tourism & Hospitality, Food Processing, Handicrafts & Carpet Sector Skill Councils (SSC) for facilitating training. She stated that the District Skill Committees (DSCs) have identified homestays and Eco Tour Guides as potential job-generating areas. In addition, National Skill Training Institute (NSTI) has identified the trades of solar technician and mobile repairing for training to generate jobs, she informed.

 She also put forth proposals for partnering with organizations like the United Nations Development Plan (UNDP), Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS), Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur and Ladakh of University (UoL) for comprehensive scientific studies for skill gap assessment and job generation approach.