Krishi Vigyan Kendra Karil organized a day-long winter vegetable exhibition cum fair at KVK Kargil on March 11.

Executive Councillor Agriculture, Aga Syed Mujtaba, graced the occasion as chief guest. In his address, he lauded the efforts of KVK in identifying vegetables suitable for green house cultivation during the summer and winter.

He said that following the advice of scientists could make the region self-sufficient in green vegetables during the winter season. He also congratulated the scientists for making it possible to grow Dandeleon (Khorma) as a commercial vegetable through seed.

The EC assured the farmers of assistance in establishing Ladakh Greenhouses at subsidized rates. While hearing the grievances of farmers regarding the late blight of potatoes, he promised to implement proposals for the procurement of disease-resistant varieties Kufri Himalani and Trichoderma for the management of various diseases, as suggested by Chief Scientist Dr. Mohd Mehdi.

The exhibition saw a large number of farmers from various parts of the district. During the programme, various vegetables suitable for harsh winter climates under greenhouse cultivation were showcased, including Swiss Chard Yellow, Swiss Chard Burfi Red, Swiss Chard Green, Swiss Chard Red, Kale Lacenato, Dwarf Kale, Siberian Kale, Kale Selection 1, Chicory, Dandeleon (Khorma), Orach, and Dwarf Lettuce.

These vegetables, with higher productivity (4–7 kg per square meter), have the capacity to regenerate, ensuring a regular supply from November to April.

Experts from diverse fields delivered lectures on winter vegetable cultivation, organic farming, vegetable marketing and organic pest management.

The exhibition provided a platform for healthy interaction on productivity, pest control, marketing, and quality input availability between farmers, experts, and administrative department. In the end, the chief guest, along with officers, visited the stalls as well as the demo units of KVK.