One-day workshop on Cooperative Movement and Awareness was organised by Cooperative Department, Leh, UT-Ladakh at DC Conference Hall on March 2.

Executive Councillor, Horticulture, LAHDC, Leh, Ghulam Mehdi was the chief guest and Additional Registrar Cooperative Societies, UT-Ladakh, Moses Kunzang was the guest of honour. Besides, Councillors from LAHDC, Leh including Tsering Sandup, Smanla Nurbu, Morup Dorjey, Lundup Dorjey and BDC Leh, Skalzang Dorjey were present.

Executive Councillor, LAHDC, Leh ,Ghulam Mehdi said that switching to organic farming and developing a brand and certification of the same is very important. Getting the GI tag for ‘Raktsey Karpo’ apricot as a unique produce of Ladakh will have a great impact on farmers and also marketing of the fruit. He said that GI tagging of similar unique produce of Ladakh should also be undertaken. Further, he suggested forming cooperative societies in seabuckthorn processing and marketing in the district, especially in Nubra.

Additional Registrar Cooperative, UT-Ladakh, Moses Kunzang welcomed all the participants and threw light on activities and future programs of the Cooperative Department including the revival of village-level cooperative societies and various services provided and infrastructural development in the cooperative sector after the formation of UT. He informed that the J&K State Cooperative Act have been continued for the registration of cooperatives in UT-Ladakh.

Deputy Registrar Cooperative Societies, Leh, Dr Mohd Abass gave a detailed presentation on the ongoing activities, schemes, and role of cooperatives in organic farming and economic development through marketing of agri-horticultural and livestock produce of farmers and livestock rearers. Further, he impressed upon the public representatives to support in strengthening the existing cooperative societies and revival of non-functional cooperatives for the betterment of public services.

Explaining the need for and importance of practicing natural farming, Scientist, DIHAR, DRDO, Leh, Dr Dorjey Angchok said that soil has a unique content of beneficial microscopic organisms which play an important role in maintaining fertility and improved productivity. He further added that the use of chemical fertilizers kills the microbes which affect soil health.

Research Assistant, Agriculture Department, Leh , Manzoor Ahmad spoke on how to convert daily waste into useful organic manure for healthy soil using additives and decomposers through  simple procedure. He added that organically prepared manure supplement the soil fertility against the chemical fertilizers.

Additional Registrar Cooperative, UT-Ladakh ensured all efforts from the Department in executing and implementing various activities for the betterment of the general public and farming community.