Conference on ‘Mission Organic and Launch of Organic Initiative’ held in Leh today

Leh July 31, 2021: Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council, Leh organized a conference on ‘Mission Organic and Launch of Organic Initiative’ at the Conference Hall of DC Office, Leh today. The Chairman/Chief Executive Councillor, LAHDC Leh, Advocate Tashi Gyalson presided over as the Chief Guest during the event.He was accompanied by Executive Councillor for Horticulture, Ghulam Mehdi Ashoor, Executive Councillor for Agriculture, Stanzin Chosphel, Departmental heads of Agriculture and its line departments, Head of Scientific Research Institutes, and Progressive farmers of Leh district.

The objective of the conference was to bring together Agriculture and its line departments, scientists, and stakeholders on a single platform so that the mission of converting the entire Ladakh region into an Organic Certified region could be achieved by the year 2025.

During the session, an organic initiative “Ser-Lakmo” was launched by the Chairman, LAHDC Leh. “Ser-Lakmo” is a Ladakhi word that has been used to encourage the farmers as a theme for promoting organic production for better livelihood and ecosystem in Ladakh.

Addressing the gathering, CEC Tashi Gyalson stressed the need for exploring sustainable projects in the agricultural sector of Ladakh. He highlighted that the youths need to explore more scopes and possibilities in this sector with sustainable solutions rather than opting for the Tourism sector which the Covid pandemic has taught us about the stability of the business. He appreciated the contribution from the stakeholders which includes the line departments, scientific research institutes, and the governing body led by the concerned ECs in promoting and exploring such initiatives for making Ladakh the first Organic UT in the country.

Officials of Scientific Research Institutes gave presentations on Major Pests of Cold Arid Region and their eco-friendly management, the importance of social health management in an organic manner, Promoting Sustainable Organic Farming. The Food Safety Department also shared the food safety rules and regulations of FSSAI and the various parameters needed to achieve their license.

A discussion was also held among the participants who focused on the development of package of practices, including organic recommendations for inputs like compost and vermin-compost, etc. The need and importance of disseminating correct and true information to the farmers from a credible source were also discussed.

EC Horticulture, Ghulam Mehdi shared that the mission organic aspiration of Leh has the support of LAHDC and UT Administration and directed all the stakeholders to develop and recommend best practices for achieving this feat, which is suitable according to our own needs. He added that organic certification is essential as it develops a sense of assured and credible quality produce among the producers and consumers.

EC Agriculture, Stanzin Chosphel requested the scientific community and the concerned departments to recommend feasible schemes and initiatives to be introduced in the Changthang sub-division via the agricultural department to generate a new source of livelihood for the region. Presented the vote of thanks and termed the first conference on mission organic a new beginning.