Kargil, Apr 25 : The Kargil campus of the University of Ladakh has stepped up its environmental and agricultural initiatives, with Vice Chancellor Prof. (Dr.) Saket Kushwaha leading a plantation drive and reviewing farm-based research at the School of Agricultural Sciences and Technology (SAS&T), officials said on Friday.
The engagements followed the campus’ observance of World Earth Day on Thursday, during which 393 saplings were planted across the campus. Organised by the Department of Environmental Science, the drive brought together students, faculty and administrative staff, reflecting growing awareness of environmental stewardship in the region.
According to officials, the plantation included species suited to Ladakh’s fragile ecosystem, comprising 250 saplings of Salix, 52 apricot plants, 30 poplar plants and 61 Russian olive plants. The Vice Chancellor, accompanied by Registrar Dr. Nawang Tundup and Dr. Dorjay Namgyal, Head of Stakna Campus, participated in the plantation exercise.
Administrative arrangements were coordinated by Dr. Mehboob Ali, In-charge Administration, while Dr. Mohd Baqir, Coordinator of the Biodiversity Research Centre, supervised its execution. The university has also announced an expanded plantation programme in collaboration with Jamiat Ul Ulema Isna Asharia Kargil, under which an additional 1,000 saplings are to be planted in the coming days to strengthen green cover and support climate resilience.
During Friday’s visit to SAS&T Kargil, the Vice Chancellor planted juniper saplings alongside the In-charge Registrar and the Dean of SAS&T Leh, with active participation from students.
He later inspected the campus farm, where Prof. Faizan Ahmad, Dean SAS&T Kargil, briefed him on ongoing academic and research activities. These include protected cultivation in greenhouses featuring parthenocarpic cucumber varieties, winter garlic, currant, imported grapes, strawberries, tomatoes and capsicum.
The Vice Chancellor also reviewed trials on lilium cultivation and hybridisation experiments in the apple orchard aimed at improving crop varieties. He visited the nursery area dedicated to fruit and vegetable propagation.
Intercropping practices and varietal evaluation trials were highlighted during the inspection, with the Vice Chancellor noting their importance in improving productivity and identifying crop varieties suited to local climatic conditions.
The visit concluded with an inspection of the campus tulip field, where he encouraged a focus on bulb multiplication to enhance production and promote floriculture in Kargil.
Officials said the sustained plantation efforts, alongside ongoing research activities, are aimed at reinforcing ecological balance and advancing agricultural practices in Ladakh’s high-altitude environment.
