Leh, March 31, 2026: The Horticulture Department of the Union Territory of Ladakh has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with National Co-operative Exports Limited to promote the export of agricultural and allied produce from the region, marking a significant step toward enhancing farmers’ income and global market access.
MoU Signed at World Trade Centre, New Delhi
The agreement was formalized at the World Trade Centre between:
- Tsewang Punchok, Director of Horticulture, UT Ladakh
- Unupom Kausik, Managing Director, NCEL
The Cooperative Department of Ladakh will act as the coordinating agency for implementation.
Three-Year Agreement to Promote Export-Ready Produce
Under the three-year MoU:
- The Horticulture Department will function as the nodal agency to identify export-worthy produce from cooperative societies
- NCEL will provide:
- Market linkages
- Capacity building support
- Assistance in processing and exports
The Cooperative Department will ensure coordination and strengthen the cooperative ecosystem in the region.
Focus on Value Realisation and Global Reach
The initiative aims to:
- Enhance value realisation for farmers
- Promote Ladakh’s unique produce in domestic and international markets
- Build a sustainable export ecosystem for horticulture and allied sectors
To ensure transparency, the MoU provides for direct payments to cooperative societies, wherever feasible.
Joint Monitoring Mechanism
A Joint Committee, comprising representatives from:
- Horticulture Department
- NCEL
- Other stakeholders
will oversee implementation, track progress, and submit periodic reports.
Boost to Ladakh’s Agri-Export Potential
This collaboration is expected to unlock new opportunities for farmers, improve supply chains, and position Ladakh as an emerging hub for high-value agricultural exports.
