Dr G. Satheesh Reddy, Secretary, Dept. of Defence R&D; Chairman, DRDO and Scientific Advisor to the Raksha Mantri met Lt. Governor, RK Mathur on June 23 at Raj Niwas.
 
 Dr. O P Chaurasia, Director, Defence Institute of High Altitude Research (DIHAR), Leh-Ladakh was also present.

Conveying gratitude for the aid provided during the difficult times of the pandemic, particularly in the initial phase, Lt. Governor stated that Ladakh was able to receive essential items like masks, sanitisers, ventilators and Viral Transport Mediums (VTMs) etc on time. With the setting up of the RT-PCR lab at Defence Institute of High Altitude Research, DRDO Leh, in July’20, Ladakh has been able to enhance the rate of testing to identify COVID19 cases in the Union Territory.

Lt. Governor Mathur appreciated DRDO for the anti-COVID oral drug, the 2-deoxy-D-glucose (2-DG), developed at the Institute of Nuclear Medicine and Allied Sciences, DRDO. He stated that this invention is one more example of the scientific prowess of the DRDO.

Enumerating the contribution of the Defence Institute of High Altitude Research, DRDO in Ladakh, L-G Mathur spoke about various advanced methodologies introduced by DIHAR in the agricultural sector which has proved to enhance the overall output.

He said that DIHAR has played a vital role in the implementation of the Mission Organic Development Initiative (MODI) Scheme in Ladakh which is to become the major contributor in taking Ladakh forward towards carbon neutrality. The polycarbonate greenhouse developed by them is an apt solution to redress the shortage of fresh vegetables during winters in Ladakh, he added.

DIHAR has brought about notable advancements in other sectors in Ladakh like the introduction of the hydroponic system of agriculture, addressing the issue of the codling moth in apricot trees and improvement in dairy processing sectors etc.

Setting up a fruit processing plant at Khaltsey for Ladakhi apples will also be carried out under the aegis of DRDO by DIHAR. The plant is expected to be functional by September this year.