CEC, LAHDC Leh Gyal P Wangyal inaugurated the Vegetables-cum-Flowers Expo, 2019 in the premise of Indoor Stadium, Leh today.EC Agriculture Stanzin Phuntsog, EC Animal/Sheep Husbandry Mumtaz Hussain, Councilor Upper Leh, Councilor Khaltsi, Satya Prakash Negi, Himalayan Forest Research Institute, Shimla, Chief Agriculture Officer, Chief Horticulture Officer, DFO, Leh, Dy Dir Command area, other senior officers of Agriculture and Forest Departments, Leh and farmers from different villages of the district participated in the function.Addressing the gathering, CEC said that agriculture has always been the priority sector of Hill Council and the project of making Leh district completely organic by 2025 is an important step taken on mission mode by Hill Council. He said that initially farmers may earn less income from organic produces but over the time it will increase manifold. He also made a mention of Bugwheat which has a high demand and price in national and international market and stressed on the need to grow more of bugwheat for commercial purposes. He also stressed on the need to develop mushroom production in Leh and create more awareness among public at all levels.
Satya Prakash Negi, IFS Conservator of Forest, HFRI, Shimla in his speech, spoke about their success with 70% germination of Juniper seeds in Himachal with the use of seed technology and artificial regeneration technique. He said that they are using similar technique with local species of Juniper in Leh and once the result is positive they in collaboration with Forest Division, Leh will introduce it for the public. He also mentioned about the potential of medicinal plants in Ladakh and informed about a project taken up with Sowa Rigpa to research on medicinal plants in Leh.On the occasion, there was wide range of exhibition of vegetables, fruits and flowers presented by local farmers who were later also awarded with prizes. KVK SKUAST-K, CAZRI, Agriculture Department and J&K Forest Department also participated in the exhibition. There were stalls of local handicraft and food by SHGs and Women Alliance. A skit by artists of Ladakh Advertising Agency, Leh was also presented on the occasion.