Modi will boost organic farming, promote GI crops
Leh, Sept 09: Reiterating the immense potential of Ladakh to become a model organic Union Territory in India, Lieutenant Governor, Kavinder Gupta on Tuesday said initiatives like Mission Organic Development Initiative (MODI) are paving the way for the region’s organic aim.
The LG highlighted that the region’s natural conditions, where the use of chemical fertilisers and pesticides is already minimal, provide a strong foundation for organic farming.
The Lt Governor was speaking at the One-Day Kisan Mela-cum-Vegetable and Flower Exhibition 2025, organised under the ATMA scheme by the Department of Agriculture at Eco-Park in Leh market.
He was accompanied by First Lady, Bindu Gupta; Executive Councillor, Stanzin Chosphel; Administrative Secretary, Bhupesh Chaudhary; Joint Director Agriculture, Thinles Dawa; and Director DIHAR, Dr O.P. Chaurasia.
Applauding Ladakhi farmers and entrepreneurs, the Lt Governor commended their resilience and adaptability in pursuing agriculture in one of the country’s most challenging terrains with a short farming season. He said Ladakh’s fruits—especially apples, apricots, and the GI-tagged sea buckthorn and Raktsey Karpo apricot—have not only boosted livelihoods but also earned the region global recognition.
He underlined the importance of branding and marketing to showcase Ladakh’s unique organic produce in national and international markets.
Highlighting the role of innovation, Gupta noted that the adoption of new technologies, such as the Ladakh Greenhouse project, has ensured year-round vegetable cultivation, including during harsh winters.
This, he said, addresses both local demand and the critical supply needs of the Indian Army stationed at high-altitude locations. Subsidies under the project, he added, are aimed at overcoming winter shortages, promoting organic farming, and generating employment opportunities for the youth.
The Lt Governor also recalled the Prime Minister’s farmer-centric initiatives, including the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana and the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana. He urged Ladakhi farmers to avail the benefits of these schemes, which are designed to improve irrigation efficiency, expand micro-irrigation, provide insurance against crop losses, and promote sustainable agricultural practices.
He assured that the UT Administration is committed to addressing the concerns of farmers, including the damage to alfalfa plants caused by recent heavy rainfall.
“Ladakh has the potential to not only feed its people sustainably but also emerge as a hub of premium organic produce for the country and the world,” Gupta said, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to strengthening the agriculture sector and improving the welfare of Ladakhi farmers.
Executive Councillor, Stanzin Chosphel, in his address, highlighted initiatives such as Mission Organic Development Initiative (MODI) to make Ladakh a fully organic state, along with subsidies provided to beneficiaries under Ladakh Greenhouse project.
He highlighted the need for a dedicated market for niche Ladakhi produce, compensation to farmers whose alfalfa plants were destroyed during the recent heavy rainfall and establishment of a local seed bank.
Director, DIHAR, Dr OP Chaurasia, highlighted the export potential of Ladakhi agricultural and horticultural products. He also highlighted efforts being made to grow vegetables and fruits throughout the year.
Earlier, the Lt Governor visited the stalls showcasing varieties of vegetables, fruits, flowers, farming tools and farming techniques.
He also inaugurated organic products from Ladakh and distributed organic certification to nambardars from Tar, Igoo, Kairy, Khaltse, Takmachik, Taru and Tia villages.
Earlier, Administrative Secretary, Bhupesh Chaudhary, welcomed the guests while Joint Director, Agriculture, Thinles Dawa, gave the vote of thanks.
