Leh: Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh flagged off consignments of organic fertilisers for distribution among farmers across various villages of the Union Territory from the LG Secretariat in Leh. The initiative aims to promote sustainable and environment-friendly agricultural practices in the region.
The event was attended by Chief Secretary Ashish Kundra, DGP Ladakh Mukesh Singh, Commissioner/Secretary L. Franklin, Deputy Commissioner Leh Romil Singh Donk, Additional Registrar Cooperatives Tsering Paldan, and officials from the Agriculture Department.
Timely Supply Ahead of Sowing Season
Additional Registrar Cooperatives Tsering Paldan informed that the UT Administration has procured adequate quantities of organic fertiliser to ensure timely distribution to farmers before the start of the sowing season.
He said the fertilisers were stocked well in advance to avoid shortages and to ensure a smooth supply to farming communities across Ladakh.
Emphasis on Sustainable Agriculture
Addressing the gathering, Lieutenant Governor Kavinder Gupta stressed the importance of adopting sustainable and environment-friendly agricultural practices in Ladakh. He called for a gradual transition from chemical fertilisers to organic manure and organic fertilisers to preserve soil health and maintain ecological balance.
He noted that Ladakh’s pristine environment and traditional farming practices provide the region with the potential to become a fully organic region, similar to Sikkim, which is India’s first fully organic state.
Transparent Distribution to Farmers
The Lieutenant Governor directed officials to ensure that the distribution process remains transparent and equitable, so that every eligible farmer benefits from the initiative.
He also stressed the need for proper monitoring and coordination to ensure that no beneficiary is left out during the fertiliser distribution process.
Challenges of High-Altitude Farming
Highlighting the unique agricultural conditions of Ladakh, Gupta said farming in the region is influenced by a short cropping season, high-altitude climate and difficult terrain. In such conditions, sustainable farming practices become even more important to maintain soil fertility and productivity.
He noted that organic fertilisers help improve soil structure, increase moisture retention and support microbial activity in the soil, which is essential for crop growth in Ladakh’s fragile Himalayan ecosystem.
Strengthening Traditional Farming Practices
The Lieutenant Governor said organic farming aligns well with Ladakh’s traditional agricultural heritage, where farmers have historically relied on natural manure and eco-friendly cultivation methods.
Promoting organic fertilisers will not only improve soil health but also enhance the quality and market value of agricultural produce from the region, he added.
Gupta reiterated that the UT Administration is committed to strengthening the agriculture sector and supporting the farming community through sustainable initiatives that promote food security, environmental protection and economic opportunities for farmers across Ladakh.
