Department of Horticulture, Leh Organizes Exposure Tour for Farmers to Promote Modern Horticultural Practices

LEH, March 22: The Department of Horticulture, Leh, organized a one-day exposure tour aimed at promoting modern horticultural practices for farmers from Teri, Hemya, Kungyam, Khatpo, Sankar, Chubi Katpa, and surrounding villages. Approximately 120 farmers participated in the tour, which was flagged off by the Hon’ble Executive Councillor for Horticulture, LAHDC Leh, Shri Ghulam Mehdi, along with Shri Phuntsog Stanzin Tsepag, Councillor of Upper Leh Constituency, and Shri Thinles Nurboo, Councillor of Kungyam Constituency in the presence of Smt. Kunzang Wangmo, Chief Horticulture Officer, Leh, and Dr. Sonam Dawa, Horticulture Development Officer, Leh.

The one-day tour commenced from the LAHDC Leh Council Office, with the farmers visiting the Model Orchard cum Nursery in Saspol, where they were accompanied by Nursery Incharge, Smt. Kunzes Angmo. During the visit, they observed the cultivation of a variety of fruits, including apricots, apples, the GI-tagged Apricot Raktsey Karpo, and strawberry farming under protected cultivation.

On the return journey, the group visited the Centre of Excellence for Seabuckthom and Temperate Fruits in Nimoo. They were guided by Dr. Stanzin Angmo, Nursery Incharge, and gained valuable knowledge about the scientific cultivation of Seabuckthorn. The tour concluded with a visit to the Fruit Processing Unit in Nimoo, where the farmers learned about fruit processing and the development of value-added products. They were accompanied by Tsering Ngodup, Grading and Marketing Inspector, who provided insightful information on fruit grading and marketing practices.

At the conclusion of the tour, the participating farmers expressed their sincere gratitude to the Chief Horticulture Officer, Smt. Kunzang Wangmo, the nursery incharges, and the Department’s staff for organizing the event and ensuring a smooth and informative experience.

This exposure tour was organized as part of the Department of Horticulture’s ongoing efforts to enhance the knowledge and skills of local farmers. By promoting the adoption of modern horticultural practices, the initiative aims to boost agricultural productivity, enhance farm incomes, and contribute to the economic growth of the region.