Kargil Moves Toward Organic Farming as EC Punchok Tashi Reviews Fertilizer Procurement

Kargil, November 17, 2025: Ex ecutive Councillor for Cooperative, LAHDC Kargil, Er. Punchok Tashi chaired a review meeting today with officials of the Cooperative Department to streamline procurement and distribution of fertilizers ahead of the next agricultural season.

During the meeting, the Executive Councillor underlined the council’s long-term commitment to gradually reducing chemical fertilizer usage and promoting organic farming across the district. He cautioned that a sudden shift could adversely affect farmland productivity and farmers, and therefore stressed the need for a phased, farmer-friendly transition.

For the current year, the council has decided that only 25% of the fertilizer requirement will be met through chemical inputs, while 75% will be sourced from organic fertilizers. Tashi said that even if a complete shift is not feasible immediately, ensuring at least 75% organic procurement should remain the goal.

He highlighted that adopting organic practices will enhance soil health and eventually boost farmers’ income. Appreciating the Cooperative Department’s efforts, the Executive Councillor directed that locally produced organic products be made available and promoted at all sale centres to support local entrepreneurship and value addition. He assured full support from LAHDC in advancing organic alternatives.

Officials from the department informed that fertilizer procurement is carried out exclusively through cooperative societies.
The meeting was attended by Dr. Sarwar Shazad (JKAS), Deputy Registrar, Cooperative Department Kargil, along with other departmental officials.