The reason behind cut down in vegetable prices is that Outsider Contractors (ROC) are selling vegetables at a very lower rate. Farmers in Ladakh cultivate only one crop in a year that costs very high prices for buying seeds, fertilizer as well as labour charges. The Cooperative Marketing Societies of Ladakh has been supplying all varieties of vegetables under committed schedule, where as ROC contractors’ supplies few varieties which they managed to get from Kashmir at low prices. The rates of Potato and Onion used to increase every year but this year the Northern Command and Brig. ASC 14 Corps refused to increase the rates. 

Army accepts potatoes that are 5 cm or more in diameter. There should be relaxation on the size of Potato and Onion as short summers and harsh climatic conditions prevents healthy growth of potatoes.

Skarma Togdan, General Secretary, Sham fruits and vegetables society, said that this society was registered in 1987 and since then they are supplying vegetables to the Army.  Achinathang and Nimoo are the two main units where locals sell their vegetables to the Army

“This year Army Authorities refused to increase the rates on local vegetables and on the other hand ROC contractor supplies few varieties of vegetables on cheap rates. This matter should be resolved soon,” he said. 

It is a matter of great concern that the Ministry of Defense has so far not given sanction for renewal of negotiated contract to the Cooperative Marketing Societies of Ladakh, which clearly indicates that the MOD and Army Authorities are more interested in giving contract to ROC (Road Opening Contract) that is outsider contractor.