Axis Bank Foundation (ABF) launched a multi-year project under its Sustainable Livelihood Programme, in Leh & Kargil, along with Himmotthan Society and Leh Nutrition Project (LNP) on October 10. This marks ABF's first livelihood project in the Ladakh region, aimed at enhancing the incomes of rural communities through a combination of farm-based and non-farm-based activities.

The 5-year programme (April 2024 – March 2029), implemented by the Himmotthan Society and LNP, aims to benefit 7,500 tribal families across 60 villages in three clusters: Sham Valley in the west, Changthang in the east, and Kharu & Rong Valley in central Ladakh. The project covers 14 blocks in the Leh and Kargil districts, helping households enhance their incomes and living standards.

Chotak Gyatso, Executive Director of LNP, said, “Axis Bank Foundation is committed to enhancing livelihoods in Ladakh. Together with LNP, we are implementing sustainable livelihood projects through farm-based and non-farm-based initiatives that empower local communities and foster economic growth.”

A key objective of the project is the development of value chains for apricots, high-value crops like vegetables, horticultural orchards/nurseries, woolen handicrafts, and dairy products with backward and forward integration. The programme will also experiment with innovative approaches in agriculture (buckwheat, rajma, local peas, apples, apricots), livestock development (yak/goat cheese, churpey), IT (graphic and web design, animation), handicrafts (woolen products), skill-based activities (plumbing, tailoring, electrical work), and food crafts (local bakery, pickle-making). The initiative is designed to address the challenges of climate change and geographical isolation, offering solutions tailored to Ladakh’s unique needs.

Santosh Sukhadeve, Deputy Commissioner/CEO of LAHDC, Leh, the Chief Guest at the launch event, emphasized the importance of the programme in promoting sustainable livelihoods. He highlighted the administration’s focus on skilling the youth, promoting seabuckthorn, pashmina, and apricots for trade, and using greenhouse technology for off-season vegetable production. He urged government officials to work in close collaboration with implementing agencies to ensure the programme’s success and avoid duplication of efforts.

The event brought together 60 participants, including key stakeholders and decision-makers from various sectors. Tsewang Phunchok, Director of Horticulture & Floriculture, was the Guest of Honour. Representatives from government departments (Agriculture, Horticulture, Animal Husbandry, Handicraft and Handloom), research institutes (DIHAR, KVK, SAST), Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs), Self-Help Groups (SHGs), and NGO partners (LNP and Himmotthan Society) also attended.

Prominent attendees included Abhinav Sen, Vice President of Axis Bank Foundation, Isha Ayyer, Senior Manager of ABF, Gowher Sheikh, Vice President and Cluster Head for Axis Bank in Kashmir and Ladakh, and Rinku Gupta, State Head of Government Business, Axis Bank. Representatives from Tata Trusts, Himmotthan, and other local cooperatives also participated.

The project launch marks an important step in empowering rural communities and promoting sustainable economic development in Ladakh.