LEH: In a major grassroots outreach initiative aimed at strengthening agricultural extension services in Ladakh, the University of Ladakh, through Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) Leh, conducted a three-day programme across Nubra Valley under the Khet Bachao Abhiyan, with farmers highlighting concerns ranging from market access and seed availability to shrinking pasture resources and crop pest infestations.
The outreach programme, held from June 4 to 6, was led by Vice-Chancellor Prof. Saket Kushwaha along with Prof. Feroz Din Sheikh, Head, KVK Leh, and a team of scientists. Covering the villages of Khardong, Hunder, Thang, Tyakshi and Bogdang, the initiative focused on sustainable agriculture, natural farming, livestock development and location-specific challenges confronting farming communities.
The programme assumes significance as one of the first major field-level engagements undertaken by the University following the transfer of KVKs from SKUAST to the University of Ladakh, signalling a renewed push towards direct farmer outreach and scientific extension services.
During interactions at Khardong, farmers sought assistance in establishing market linkages for milk, cheese and agricultural produce, besides demanding quality pea seeds and exposure visits. Responding to the concerns, Prof. Kushwaha assured support in facilitating exposure visits and improving access to quality planting material.
At Hunder, the team reviewed the ongoing Network Project on Animal Genetic Resources and held discussions on the conservation and scientific management of Nubra’s Double-Humped Bactrian Camel. Veterinary medicines and mineral mixtures were distributed among camel rearers, while the Vice-Chancellor lauded local efforts to preserve the unique livestock resource.
In the border villages of Thang and Tyakshi, farmers raised issues related to insect pests affecting apricot orchards and vegetable crops and sought support for mulching materials and crop protection measures. A training programme under the AICRP Poultry Project was also organised, during which beneficiaries received poultry-rearing inputs and called for expansion of the initiative across the Tyakshi-Turtuk belt.
Throughout the tour, KVK scientists conducted technical sessions on natural farming, Jeevamrit preparation, integrated pest management, climate-resilient agriculture, protected cultivation and low-tunnel technology. The Vice-Chancellor distributed low-tunnel kits, apricot harvesting nets, spraying machines and watering cans to encourage adoption of improved farming practices.
At Bogdang, villagers voiced concerns over mounting pressure on agricultural and grazing land, attributing part of the challenge to limited land availability for expansion. Prof. Kushwaha directed officials to prepare a proposal for pasture development and assured that the matter would be taken up with the concerned authorities.
Addressing gatherings across the valley, the Vice-Chancellor reiterated the University’s commitment to promoting natural farming, conserving indigenous livestock resources, improving market access and creating sustainable livelihood opportunities. Prof. Feroz Din Sheikh and Dr. Sabiya Asmat also stressed the need to integrate scientific interventions, value addition and processing technologies to enhance farm incomes in Ladakh’s high-altitude regions.
The outreach programme concluded with field visits and interactive sessions, with farmers welcoming the University’s direct engagement and seeking sustained technical support to address emerging agricultural challenges.
