A seminar on “Doubling farmers’ income in Ladakh by 2022” was organised by Thangjuk Nursery and Organics Domkhar and LAHDC Leh supported by DIHAR Leh on May 25.The seminar was held with the concept of ‘Revival of agriculture in Ladakh’. 

Stressing the importance of organic farming His Holiness Chetsang Rinpoche said, “The main medium of prosperity, healthy and meaningful human life can be achieved through organic agriculture. Ladakh has good potential for organic farming and this is the right time to work hard and become less dependent on external sources. In addition to vast scope in agriculture, there is enormous potential in the field of horticulture”. 

He appealed people to preserve the petroglyphs and said that it is the responsibility of the residents to preserve and protect them.

 

Speaking about the theme, Chhering Dorjey, Minister for Cooperatives and Ladakh Affairs said, “Looking at the round the year production potential in the agriculture and horticulture field, there is a reasonable possibility of regular income generation”.

Stressing the importance of storage facility for round the year production, he informed about the on-going work of 1000 metric ton capacity of the cold storage building. 

He further talked about the huge potential of income generation from sea buckthorn plant. 

Talking about the loan schemes through National Cooperative Development Corporation, he informed that he is working hard on getting 50% subsidy policy approval for the benefit of the farmers of Ladakh at large. 

He added, “Defence is a stable market but due to lapses on our part, they are compelled to contact outsiders. DIHAR has come up with a new greenhouse design that will be functional round the year. This will prove beneficial to the farmers if adopted.”

Nawang Rigzin Jora, MLA said, “The easier and alternative avenues such as tourism and defence have led to the neglect of agriculture and horticulture sectors. It then eventually led the outsiders to venture into these high potential sectors”.

He added, “The need of the hour is to work hard and make a stronghold in the market by using organic way of farming for good health of people in general and overall development of the region’s economy. Citing the example of Stanzin Thangjuk, he said that he has taken the initiative and such initiative from any individual or organization will always benefit the future of Ladakh.”

Tsering Stobdan, a senior scientist of DIHAR gave a detailed account of the ways, techniques, and concrete policies that can be used to explore the potential on large scale of our agriculture and horticulture products. 

Professor Dawa an expert in rock-art, talked about the importance of rock art. He expressed anguish over the incident of breaking and taking away from a 2000-year-old rock art at Skurbuchan for construction. 

Kunzes Angmo, Horticulture Development Officer and Tashi Dolma, Sub-Agriculture Officer gave detailed awareness programme about schemes, policies, and benefits in the sectors. 

His Eminence Togdan Rinpoche and Skyabje Palga Rinpoche also spoke on the occasion.