LEH DEC 16: The Administrative Secretary, Animal Husbandry, Sheep Husbandry & Fisheries/Industries & Commerce including Mining & Geology/Power Development & New Renewable Energy, UT of Ladakh, P.T. Rudra Goud, IAS, visited the School of Agricultural Sciences and Technology (SAS&T), Stakna Campus, Leh, to review ongoing academic, research and development initiatives focused on cold desert agriculture.
The Secretary was formally welcomed by Dr. Dorjay Namgyal, Dean, Agricultural Sciences, SAS&T, who briefed him on the mandate of the institution, its academic programmes, research activities, and infrastructure and institutional capabilities.
Special emphasis was laid on research and development initiatives tailored to the unique challenges of high-altitude and cold desert farming systems in Ladakh.
During the visit, the Secretary inspected the Precision Farm Development Centre (PFDC) at SAS&T. He appreciated the successful cultivation of green leafy vegetables under trial conditions, particularly during the harsh winter months, terming it a significant achievement towards enhancing local food security through protected cultivation.
Dr. Sonam Spaldon explained the various greenhouse structures designed for high-altitude regions, highlighting the efficiency of the three-wall greenhouse model. She also elaborated on the range of green leafy vegetables being grown during winter using advanced protected cultivation technologies.
The Secretary also interacted with Dr. Kunzes Angmo, Forage Scientist, to understand the fodder species being cultivated and evaluated in the region. Stressing the importance of addressing livestock feed shortages in Ladakh, Goud emphasized the need to develop and submit a collaborative proposal on fodder development, involving SAS&T and the concerned departments, to ensure sustainable solutions for the livestock sector.
In a major assurance, the Secretary stated that the project for installation of solar photovoltaic (PV) plates at Pang would be sanctioned soon, acknowledging its critical role in promoting renewable energy and sustainable power use at the campus.
The visit and discussions were attended by Dr. Mohammad Ismail, Director, Animal Husbandry & Fisheries, Dr. Dorjay Namgyal, Dr. Stanzin Thekchos, Prof. Deldan Namgail, Dr. Kunzes Angmo, and Dr. Sonam Spaldon, among others.
The visit concluded with constructive deliberations on strengthening protected cultivation, advancing fodder development research, and integrating renewable energy solutions, reinforcing the UT Administration’s commitment to sustainable agriculture and allied sectors in Ladakh’s challenging climatic conditions.
