Discussion on the various prospect of an action plan to make Leh an organic district under Mission Organic Development Initiative (MODI) was held on November 23.

To make the organic mission successful, Phuntsog Stanzin, EC Agriculture stressed on the need to revive the ancestral method of organic farming and the system of Rarzi, Barzi, Churpon and Rantak. He said that it will help as a supportive mechanism to ensure self-sustainability, better public health, effective and timely implementation of the organic mission. 

He emphasised on the need to bring world-class technology for processing and packaging of agriculture and horticulture products in the region to ensure value addition of local produces. He talked about setting up an inclusive shopping complex for organic agriculture and horticulture products for its promotion and sustenance. Also, he highlighted the need to have large capacity cold storage in the district to make fresh vegetable available in winter months.

Possibilities of adding local barley flour (Tsampa) and buckwheat (Dago) in ration list through Food and Supplies distribution system was also discussed.

Rigzin Samphel, Commissioner Secretary Ladakh assured that there will be no funding issue but stressed to have concrete projects focusing the welfare and benefit to the region and its people. He asked Director Agriculture to submit a proposal for the establishment of required cold storages in both Leh and Kargil districts. 
 
Earlier, addressing a review meeting of the functioning and issues of Agriculture Departments of Leh and Kargil districts, Commissioner Secretary Ladakh directed the concern HODs to introduce organic products including 1000 packets of buckwheat and barley (tsampa) each within 15 days in the market. He asked them to identify 10,000 kanal of land each in Leh and Kargil for the cultivation of aromatic plant lavender for extraction of essential oil and to submit relevant projects.
 
Also, he urged the Agriculture departments Leh and Kargil to plant wild rose for extraction of rose water and development of tulip gardens in both the districts and to submit projects and land identification reports for its early implementation. He also instructed the department to submit a project proposal to provide poly-carbonated greenhouses to self-help groups working in the agriculture sector. 

Director Agriculture & Horticulture was further asked to submit an agriculture policy for UT Ladakh. He assured to address all the departmental issues of Agriculture in both the districts of Leh and Kargil in the given time frame.
 
Chief Agriculture Officer, Leh and Kargil explained about the activities of future strategies research, the process of supplying seeds, procurement of Rajma and packaging and marketing strategies. 

Tarvinder Singh, Director Agriculture and Horticulture, Ladakh; Sohil Ahmad, Deputy Secretary Ladakh Affairs; Chief Agriculture Officers of Leh and Kargil and officers of the agriculture department were present.