Low Tunnel Tech, Orchard Care demonstrated
Leh, Jun 06: A multi-institutional agricultural outreach mission under the Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan (VKSA) 2025 was conducted across several villages in the Khaltsi block of Ladakh on June 5 and 6, with a focus on sustainable farming, pest control, and climate-resilient practices.
Led by Dr. Feroz Din Sheikh, Professor and Head of Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) Leh and Nodal Officer of the VKSA programme, teams comprising scientists from KVK Leh, CAZRI RRS Leh, SAST Stakna, and officials from the Agriculture, Horticulture, and Animal Husbandry Departments visited Wanla, Lamayuru, Domkhar, Takmachik, Tia, Temisgam, and Nurla villages.
The outreach featured live demonstrations of low tunnel nursery technology, detailed technical sessions on integrated pest management, and briefings on central and local government agricultural schemes. The initiative aimed to both educate and listen—offering solutions to farmer challenges while tailoring interventions to local needs.
In Wanla village, 74 farmers attended a session where experts addressed pest issues such as yellow tail moth and leaf miner in poplar trees. Farmers were introduced to schemes like “Per Drop More Crop,” Ladakh Polycarbonate Greenhouse, and techniques including mulching and improved crop geometry for vegetable cultivation.
Domkhar farmers voiced concern over aphid infestations in greenhouses, codling moth in apple orchards, and the proliferation of Rampa weed due to power tiller use. Scientists responded with control strategies and emphasized integrated methods for orchard and crop health management.
Lamayuru saw participation from 42 farmers. Discussions there centered on livestock damage to fruit saplings during winter, aphid infestations, and the need for fencing and hands-on training in pruning techniques. In Takmachik, 50 farmers took part in canopy management and pruning demonstrations, while addressing aphid and codling moth problems.
Events in Tia, Temisgam, Khaltsi, and Nurla followed a similar pattern—emphasizing sustainable practices, pest control, and local problem-solving through scientific engagement.
Throughout the two-day campaign, farmers actively engaged with scientists and officials, showing strong interest in adopting new techniques suited to Ladakh’s cold arid environment. The VKSA programme continues to position itself as a key initiative in transforming high-altitude agriculture through knowledge-sharing, grassroots involvement, and climate-adapted solutions.
