Leh: The Chief Secretary of the Union Territory of Ladakh, Ashish Kundra, chaired the State/UT-Level Sanctioning Committee (SLSC) meeting to approve the Annual Action Plan for the financial year 2026–27 under centrally sponsored schemes including Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY) and Krishonnati Yojana. The meeting also covered components of the Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH).
The key objective of the meeting was to finalise and approve consolidated Annual Action Plans for Ladakh’s Agriculture and Horticulture Departments for FY 2026–27.
Focus on Agriculture and Horticulture Development in Ladakh
A detailed presentation was delivered by the Joint Director, Agriculture, outlining proposed interventions under RKVY and Krishonnati Yojana. Key components discussed included:
- ATMA scheme
- National Food Security and Nutrition Mission (Wheat)
- Farm mechanisation initiatives
- Major interventions under Krishonnati Yojana
The Director of Horticulture presented the proposed activities under RKVY and MIDH, including:
- Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (organic farming)
- Organic certification initiatives
- Per Drop More Crop (PDMC)
- Sub-Mission on Agricultural Mechanisation (SMAM)
- National Mission on Natural Farming (NMNF)
- Other horticulture development programmes
Promotion of Traditional and High-Value Crops
During the meeting, Chief Secretary Ashish Kundra emphasized the promotion of buckwheat and traditional Ladakhi wheat varieties. He directed departments to ensure maximum outreach and benefits to eligible farmers under the schemes.
Highlighting Ladakh’s unique agro-climatic conditions, he stressed scaling up high-value horticulture crops, niche fruits and vegetables, and nursery development for both national and international markets.
Nursery Development and Digital Agricultural Market
The Chief Secretary reviewed the identification and development of nursery land across Ladakh. He directed officials to ensure transparent village selection, proper land suitability assessment, and rectification of gaps observed in earlier processes.
To enhance long-term sustainability, he called for a feasibility study on establishing a digital agricultural market platform tailored for Ladakh and assessing its potential impact on farmers’ income and market access.
Strengthening FPOs and Medicinal Plant Cultivation
Emphasizing convergence and collective growth, the Chief Secretary instructed departments to adopt a farmer-wise convergence approach and strengthen Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs). He underlined the need to promote FPO-oriented schemes to improve economies of scale.
He also stressed upgrading traditional medicinal systems under Sowa-Rigpa and promoting medicinal plant cultivation through convergence mode to unlock new economic opportunities for farmers.
Senior Officials Participate
The meeting was attended by senior officials including:
- Dr. Laltinkhuma Franklin, Commissioner/Secretary
- Bhupesh Chaudhary, Secretary, Horticulture
- Shashanka Ala, Secretary, Rural Development
- Romil Singh Donk, Deputy Commissioner Leh
- Ashraf Bhat, Director Industries & Commerce
- Thinles Dawa, Joint Director Agriculture
- Tsewang Punchok, Director Horticulture
- Dr. Usman Khan, Additional Secretary Horticulture
Strengthening Agricultural Growth in Ladakh
The UT-Level Sanctioning Committee meeting marks a significant step toward boosting agricultural productivity, promoting sustainable farming, enhancing horticulture development, and ensuring effective implementation of RKVY and Krishonnati Yojana in Ladakh for FY 2026–27.
