\r\nWith a vision to make Ladakh an organic farming region and to lead towards sustainable development, ‘Ladakh organic farmer’s meet- Sustainable agriculture development’ was held for the first time on September 25 at Pologround Leh.  \r\n

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\r\nHis Holiness Drikung Skyabgon Chetsang Rinpoche, United Nation Ambassador for Mountain Development presided over the programme. \r\n

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\r\nThe day was organised jointly by LAHDC, Leh, Ladakh Environment, and Health Organization (LEHO), LEDeG, Ladakh Women Alliance, Amchi Saba, SECMOL and Go green Go Organic. \r\n

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\r\nAddressing the gathering, His Holiness Chetsang Rinpoche, United Nation Ambassador for Mountain Development stressed on the need to adopt the organic way of farming for the sustainable development. \r\n

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\r\nHis Holiness said, “The traditional and ancient way of farming was purely organic but with the change in time the trend of sophisticated machinery, fertilizers and chemicals were adopted which has harmed the health of the people and also degrades the quality of the soil. Though these inventions have increased the yield of the crop but have caused severe harm to the environment and health”.\r\n

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\r\nHis Holiness stated that the consumption of unhealthy food is one among the reason for the rising cancer patients in Ladakh.\r\n

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\r\n“The use of pesticides, fertilizers, and chemicals to increase the production not only causes a threat to the human life but takes the life of many insects, birds, and animals. Thus, the use of such harmful things not only cause health complications but has been also affecting ecologically”, His Holiness added. \r\n

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\r\nHis Holiness also assured to bring more experts to impart the knowledge on various techniques to produce compost manures and hoped that with the joint effort of associated NGO's, Government agencies, LAHDC, and farmers the vision of organic farming will be successful.\r\n

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\r\nDr. Sonam Dawa, CEC informed that the council has adopted agriculture as a prioritized sector and the vision is to make the whole region organic.   \r\n

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\r\nHe talked about the need and importance of adopting the traditional practices of farming and strong marketing policy to encourage people on the way to sustainable development.\r\n

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\r\nNawang Rigzin Jora said, “Organic is not a new concept for the people of Ladakh, it was a traditional farming practice which our ancestors have adopted and the concept changed after the introduction of Urea in 1970.” \r\n

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\r\nHe stated that the agriculture practices can be encouraged and motivated if there is a high scope of income generation. People will adopt the farming if there is an income scope thus, he stressed on the need of market facilities. Also, he suggested for organic seed multiplication through which the farmers can earn a huge amount.\r\n

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\r\nHe also talked about the multiple benefits and values of apricots and seabuckthorn which is one of the valuable resources of the region which has a potential to generate huge income.\r\n

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\r\nTsering Wangdus, EC Agriculture informed that around 2600 quintals of apricot, 3500 quintals of apples and 8000 quintals of vegetables are produced in the district annually. \r\n

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\r\n“Around 70 percent populations of the region are depended on the agriculture and at present people are giving up farming practices because of the less income generated, lack of market facilities and unexplored avenues. There is an immense potential in cash crop cultivation which needs to explore”, he added.\r\n

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\r\nHe urged the young educated youths to explore new avenues in agriculture sector as it is sustainable and economical.\r\n

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\r\nVarious organisation and villagers displayed locally produce fruits, buckwheat food items, art and craft, local cuisines, medicinal plants and herbs, vegetables and many other things.\r\n

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\r\nDr. Mohammad Deen, Former Director, LEHO talked about the need of adopting the compost manure generation technique at large scale to replace the chemical fertilizers. \r\n

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\r\nAn appreciation certificate was distributed to all the participants of the daylong farmers meet.\r\n

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