Diplomat Correspondent
Khaltse: DD, The Horticulture Department, Leh, successfully organised the Kisan Mela-cum-Fruit Exhibition 2025 at the SDM Ground, Khaltse.
The event was graced by Councillor, Khaltse, Lobzang Sherab as the Chief Guest, Sub Divisional Magistrate (SDM) Khaltse, Mohd Sharif as the Guest of Honour, and Tsewang Phuntsog, Director, Horticulture, UT Ladakh, as the Special Guest.
Prominent attendees included Dr. Kunzang Lamo (KVK Leh), Dr. Maheshwar (Head, CAZRI Leh), Ali Raza (Chief Horticulture Officer, Kargil), Kunzang Wangmo (Chief Horticulture Officer, Leh), Samstan Chosphail (Team Leader, Himmotthan Society, TATA Trust), Pankaj Rajput (Block Development Officer, Khaltse), Dr. Sonam Dawa (Horticulture Development Officer, Leh), and Sub Inspector Skarma Angchok.
The exhibition showcased a vibrant variety of fruits and flowers, alongside horticultural tools and machinery available at subsidised rates.
Addressing the gathering, Councillor Lobzang Sherab emphasised the importance of such events in recognising farmers’ contributions and providing them with a platform to display their achievements.
He stressed the need for strong coordination between farmers and government departments to ensure timely access to resources and equipment, and encouraged the integration of modern technologies with traditional practices to enhance productivity and promote sustainable horticulture.
SDM Khaltse, Mohd Sharif, highlighted the benefits of organic farming and urged farmers to diversify fruit cultivation.
Director Horticulture, UT Ladakh, Tsewang Phuntsog, underlined the unique microclimate of Ladakh and its potential for cultivating diverse varieties of apricots.
The experts including Dr. Maheshwar (CAZRI Leh), Dr. Kunzang Lamo (KVK Leh), Ali Raza (HDO Kargil), and Samstan Chosphail (Himmotthan Society) shared valuable insights on fruit cultivation and introduced innovative research techniques to benefit local farmers.
In her welcome address, Chief Horticulture Officer, Leh, Kunzang Wangmo, outlined various departmental schemes for farmers.
A one-year Planning Book was also inaugurated during the event.
Similarly, Tsering Tsomo (President, Women Alliance, Sham region), Principal, Moravian School Khaltse, and Namberdar Takmachik also addressed the gathering.
The programme concluded with Dr. Sonam Dawa, HDO Leh, delivering the vote of thanks.
A large number of farmers from different villages participated.
The prizes were awarded to winners in various fruit categories, along with consolation prizes for other participants.
The Kisan Mela-cum-Fruit Exhibition 2025 not only celebrated the accomplishments of Ladakh’s farming community but also served as a vital platform to foster innovation, strengthen collaboration, and promote the sustainable growth of horticulture in the region.DD
