SME Times News Bureau | 22 Jul, 2021
For giving boost to
exports of agricultural produce from Ladakh, which would enhance farmers’ as
well as entrepreneurs’ income, APEDA in association with officials of the
horticulture, agriculture, commerce and industry departments of Union Territory
and Defence Institute of High-Altitude Research (DIHAR) are working out comprehensive
plan of actions.
Following a series of
interactions held recently at Ladakh, identified areas of work include
enhancement of production of fruits with medicinal values including sea
buckthorn, apricot and organic produce and introduction of the traceability
system, capacity-building of farmers and value addition of products.
APEDA would provide
technical assistance for building the capacity of stakeholder including
entrepreneurs, officials, farmers, branding and marketing of Ladakhi products
and making Ladakh an ‘organic’ region. APEDA would provide special assistance
for branding and promotion of Ladakhi products, especially sea buckthorn which
is rich in Vitamin C, omega and other essential nutrients.
Emphasizing the need
for minimal or zero use of chemicals in the farming, during the interactions
with Ladakh officials, APEDA has urged non-use of chemicals and fertilizers at
the earliest and introduction of traceability systems to help in branding
Ladakhi products. The focus of this collaborations is to ensure that Ladakh
achieves the goal of becoming an organic region by 2025.
Officials of Ladakh
under the Mission Organic Development Initiativehave formed an organic study
group, drafting of ‘organic’ certification documents and implementation of certification
process in phases. The technological interventions introduced by DIHAR to
Ladakh administration is helping farmers grow leafy vegetables at -25 degrees.
APEDA would be
continuously working with officials from agriculture and horticulture departments
of Lek & Ladakh districts, Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences
& Technology of Jammu, DIHAR, and entrepreneurs for comprehensive development of
agriculture in Ladakh.
