Workshop on Development of Climate Resilient and Sustainable Agri-based Systems for Better Food, Feed, Nutritional and Livelihood Security Options to Farming Community of Cold Arid Region of Ladakh on June 26.

The workshop was organised by the National Dairy Research Institute (NDRI), in Leh and Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, RK Mathur, attended the workshop. The development project is funded by the Department of Science & Technology (DST).

LG Mathur requested NDRI to conduct a study on the nutritional value of indigenous milk and suggest ways to bring prosperity to the people through the sale of indigenous milk of Ladakhi cattle with hypoxic properties. He stated that Ladakhi cattle are recognized as one of the indigenous cattle breeds of India. He stressed the need for youth from Ladakh to come forward and establish large dairy and fodder units to meet the overall demands of milk of the local population as well as the Army. 

He further stressed the need for large-scale production of fodder for livestock and suggested that NDRI may guide aspiring young entrepreneurs from Ladakh interested in the large-scale production of fodder and conduct research on the subject. He stated that it is the responsibility of the Administration and both the Hill Councils to earmark large areas for the production of fodder and enable young entrepreneurs to grow.

Highlighting the efforts being made by the Administration and the Hill Councils to sell horticulture products such as apricot in the international market, LG Mathur stressed the need for the processing of the fruits. He requested NDRI for their expert advice in the matter.

Dr. Anurag Saxena who would lead the DST Project briefed about the project outline and spoke of the shift in precipitation patterns due to the impact of climate change. He apprised of the need for a proper land-use plan for Ladakh, keeping in view the climate change pattern. He stressed the need for developing suitable products for improving the livelihood of the people of Ladakh.

Dr. Dheer Singh, Joint Director (Research), NDRI, also highlighted the challenges of the impacts of climate change. Secretary, Animal, Sheep Husbandry and Fisheries (ASH & Fisheries), Ravinder Kumar, shared the challenges faced by the people of Ladakh, especially the shortage of fodder and milk in the winters. Director, ASH & Fisheries, Dr. Mohammad Raza spoke on the sustainable development of the livestock sector in Ladakh.

Officials, researchers, and scientists from various organizations were present during the workshop.