Kargil, Apr 16: The Hon’ble Vice Chancellor of the University of Ladakh, Prof. Saket Kushwaha, on Wednesday underscored the need for strengthening market linkages and scaling up climate-resilient agricultural practices during a comprehensive review of initiatives at Krishi Vigyan Kendra Nyoma in the Changthang region.
During his visit, accompanied by Registrar Shri Nawang Tundup and other officials, the Vice Chancellor assessed ongoing programmes and interacted with scientists, farmers and local stakeholders, focusing on strategies to enhance farm incomes in Ladakh’s high-altitude terrain.
Calling for a structured mechanism to ensure assured marketing of produce, Prof. Kushwaha emphasised that sustainability and income generation must remain central to agricultural interventions in remote regions. He urged the KVK to intensify its outreach and encourage wider adoption of improved technologies suited to the region’s fragile ecosystem.
The review followed an inspection of a Model Apple Orchard at Nee village, developed under the Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture. The orchard, based on cold-resistant rootstocks adapted to extreme weather conditions, has recorded a survival rate of 98.59%, reflecting the viability of horticultural diversification in Ladakh. The Vice Chancellor commended the efforts of the implementing team for demonstrating successful adaptation in a challenging climate.
At Nyoma, Head of the Kendra, Dr. Phuntsog Tundup, presented a detailed account of the centre’s achievements and outlined an action plan for 2026–27, highlighting interventions across agriculture and allied sectors aimed at improving livelihoods in the Changthang belt.
Local Nambardars from Nyoma, Mudh and Nidder acknowledged the KVK’s sustained engagement, particularly its outreach to remote habitations such as Tsaga, located at over 15,000 feet above mean sea level. They noted that the centre’s field-level support has contributed to improved awareness and adoption of scientific practices among farmers.
Registrar Shri Nawang Tundup, while addressing the gathering, lauded the KVK team for maintaining consistent field operations despite harsh climatic conditions, observing that such institutional support remains vital for sustaining agriculture in Ladakh’s remote areas.
The visit concluded with a renewed emphasis on expanding extension services and consolidating gains achieved so far, as the University seeks to align research and field application with the evolving needs of farmers in one of the country’s most challenging agricultural landscapes.
