Leh, May 27: In a major step aimed at strengthening market linkages for local farmers, cooperative societies, and Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs) in Ladakh, a historic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the ITBP Leh Frontier and the Union Territory’s Cooperatives Department.
The agreement is designed to address long-standing challenges faced by farmers in finding reliable markets for their produce, which often leads to financial losses.
Under the MoU, vegetables, dairy products, and other essential food items will be procured locally through Ladakh’s cooperative societies, FPOs, and Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS), ensuring assured demand for local produce.
Officials said the initiative aligns with the vision of Union Home Minister Amit Shah to enable CAPFs and the Army to procure local produce through cooperatives, thereby boosting employment opportunities and promoting self-reliance in border regions.
Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena said the initiative is expected to economically empower cooperatives, strengthen rural livelihoods, and encourage reverse migration from border villages, while also ensuring fresh and nutritious supplies for ITBP personnel deployed in harsh and remote conditions.
