ICAR-Central Arid Zone Research Institute (CAZRI), Regional Research Station (RRS), Stakna, Leh, successfully organized a Winter Exhibition on “Cultivation and Diversification of Vegetables under Protected Structures” on January 28. The event aimed to promote scientific vegetable cultivation techniques and ensure food security during the harsh winter months in Ladakh.

Dr. M.S. Kanwar, Head of RRS, Leh, warmly welcomed all dignitaries. Tashi Namgyal, Executive Councillor for Animal/Sheep Husbandry, LAHDC, Leh, served as the Chief Guest and emphasized the importance of winter vegetable cultivation for food security in Ladakh. He officially inaugurated the event and visited all the stalls, appreciating CAZRI’s efforts in organizing the exhibition during such a challenging season. He highlighted winter cultivation as crucial for promoting sustainable agricultural practices in Ladakh's cold-arid climate.

The exhibition also featured Tsewang Phuntsog, Director of Horticulture, Ladakh, as the Guest of Honour. Phuntsog praised CAZRI's ongoing initiatives and acknowledged the contribution of horticulture schemes in improving farmers' livelihoods.

Dr. Nasrin, Heads of Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVKs) from Nyoma, Leh, Kargil, and Zanskar, along with Dr. Dorje Namgyal, Associate Director of SAST, University of Ladakh, attended the exhibition, highlighting the collaborative efforts to improve agricultural practices in the region. Other notable attendees included officials from the Departments of Agriculture and Horticulture, scientists from SAST-Leh, KVK-Leh, DIHAR-Leh, and Skalzang Dorje from Ladakh Agri-clinic Centre, Leh.

The exhibition saw enthusiastic participation from farmers representing various regions such as Hemis, Matho, Ranbirpur, Stakna, Shang, and Kharu villages. Farmers from Kargil, Leh, Nubra, Zanskar, Sham, and Changthang also participated by submitting videos showcasing their greenhouse vegetable cultivation practices.

The exhibition featured a range of stalls displaying diverse vegetables cultivated during the winter season across Ladakh. Government organizations, including KVK-Leh, SAST-Leh, and the Agriculture Department of Leh, also showcased their initiatives. Awards were presented to the best greenhouse cultivation efforts and the best stalls among participating farmers, recognizing their contributions to advancing agriculture in the region.

The success of the exhibition was attributed to the dedicated efforts of Dr. OP Yadav, Director, CAZRI, Jodhpur, and the organizing committee, including Dr. M. Raj Sekhar, Dr. A.R. Chichaghare, Rigzin Dorje, and Mohd Raza. Their teamwork and meticulous planning ensured the event’s success.

The Winter Exhibition provided an essential platform for knowledge sharing, collaboration, and innovation, helping address the unique agricultural challenges of Ladakh’s cold-arid climate. It brought together farmers, researchers, and various stakeholders, fostering unity and commitment to sustainable agricultural practices. The event was widely appreciated for its timely relevance in promoting food security and agricultural diversification in the region.