Aiming to convert Leh into an organic district by 2025, Hill Council, Leh unanimously passed the Mission Organic Development Initiative of Ladakh on March 9.

A special General Council meeting was called to discuss and approve the draft policy and action plans of the Mission Organic Development Initiative of Ladakh.

Jamyang Tsering Namgyal, Chairman/ CEC LAHDC, Leh chaired the meeting.

Reminding the time of self-sufficient and self-reliant Ladakh when people produces its own food and clothing through agriculture and livestock, Jamyang Tsering Namgyal said that the new economy is overtaking the essence and originality of Ladakh. He said that the present LAHDC Leh has felt the need for reviving the ancestral glory of organic farming for self-sustenance as well as to ensure better public health. 

He informed that a research committee was formed who studied and compiled up their research work with detail policy, strategy and action plan.

Phuntsog Stanzin, EC Agriculture/ Chairman, Mission Organic Initiative Committee spoke about the potential, feasibility, and possibilities of making Ladakh fully organic. He gave a detailed future work plan for recognising the existing fully organic villages, and total eradication of chemical fertilizers and pesticides use.

Dr. Tsering Stobdan, Sr. Scientist DIHAR presented a power-point presentation based on overall study and research. The presentation highlighted actual agricultural scenario, future prospects, and possibilities to convert Leh district into a fully organic region.

Constructive criticism on the current state of soil health, livestock population, and preparation of compost manure and other relevant topics and issues were discussed in the house.

A locally grown kidney bean named ‘Leh Rajma’ was also launched.

The production was initiated by the Agriculture Department, Hill Council, Leh to promote and increase production of the high-quality beans or Rajma in the district. Procurement of locally grown Rajma from various growers of the district for processing, packaging, and marketing also started. The aim is to promote locally grown organic Rajma as a high-quality product of Ladakh, to generate farm income in remote villages by growing low-risk crop and to check migration from villages towards Leh town.

Tashi Tsetan, Chief Agriculture Officer, Leh explained their research study and the process of supplying seeds to the growers, procurement of the Rajma, and packaging by the department. 

Talking about the marketing strategy, he said that the department will be promoting it as a souvenir of Ladakh by making ‘Leh Rajma’ available at all hotels, restaurants, and airport which will not only help growers but would also generate job opportunities. 

Jamyang Tsering Namgyal congratulated the Agriculture Department and said that such innovative ideas will play a pivotal role in taking Ladakh towards self-reliant and self-sustained.