An annual action plan worth ₹16 crore for the holistic development of the Horticulture sector in UT Ladakh for the year 2020-21 was approved on April 20.

Secretary, Agriculture and Horticulture, Ravinder Kumar reviewed the action plan of Mission for Integrated Development Horticulture (MIDH) 2021-22. He informed that the Budget allocation has increase manifold after the formation of UT.

The mission includes components like the establishment of new gardens, organic farming, creation of water resources, import of plant material, centre of excellence for Horticulture, post-harvest management, HR management, food processing, etc.

He emphasized that the results should be visible on the ground and benefits should reach ground-level farmers. He further directed the concerned executing agencies to expedite the establishment of the Centre of Excellence and ensure that available funds are utilized immediately against the works already done.

Secretary impressed all the concerned officers that they should make expenditure under all the schemes in a time-bound manner and they should not give any chance to lapse the Government money which is otherwise allocated for strengthening of the Horticulture sector. He also added that the subsidy should go to the people who are genuinely interested. Also, he asked to explore entrepreneurs and to focus on hi-tech horticulture. 

The concerned officers were asked to tie up with the progressive farmer from other areas and organise an exposure tour for farmers outside Ladakh. 

The meeting was attended by Director, DIHAR; Director, Rural Development; Associate Director Research, SKUAST, Stakna, Leh, Nominee Centre Govt (Ministry of Agriculture (DOAC) Krishi Bhawan and Director, Horticulture Ladakh.