Kargil : The Department of Horticulture, Kargil, in collaboration with the Government of India’s “One District One Product” (ODOP) initiative, successfully hosted the Apricot Exhibition 2025 at the Syed Mehdi Memorial Auditorium Hall today.
The event marked a significant step in promoting apricot as the flagship product of Kargil, focusing on its cultivation, value addition, and export potential.
The exhibition was graced by the Hon’ble Chairman and Chief Executive Councillor of LAHDC Kargil, Dr. Mohd Jaffer Akhoon, as the Chief Guest, and Deputy Commissioner/CEO LAHDC Kargil, Rakesh Kumar (IAS), as the Guest of Honour.
Both dignitaries visited various stalls showcasing a rich variety of apricots and plums, set up by local farmers, SHGs, and agri-entrepreneurs.
Representatives from key stakeholders such as Halman Apricot Kargil and Ladakh Organic & Green Initiative Consultancy briefed them on product processing, grading, packaging, and export avenues.
In his address, Dr. Jaffer Akhoon applauded the efforts of the horticulture department for selecting apricot as Kargil’s ODOP and highlighted its deep cultural and economic value.
He assured continued support from LAHDC for enhancing apricot production and processing through schemes providing subsidies, equipment, driers, and pack houses.
He also expressed gratitude to Chief Secretary Dr. Pawan Kotwal for facilitating a drier plant for the region, which will further boost post-harvest handling and quality.
Deputy Commissioner Rakesh Kumar underscored the potential of the apricot economy and emphasized the importance of technology in improving productivity and market reach.
He announced that a Center of Excellence would soon be set up in Kargil to provide scientific and technical support to farmers and urged widespread awareness of available government schemes.
Director of Horticulture and Floriculture, Tsewang Phunchok, thanked the participants and stressed the need for collaborative efforts in scaling up apricot marketing and branding.
Chief Horticulture Officer Ali Raza presented a detailed overview of the department’s achievements and announced ongoing efforts to obtain GI tags for Halman Apricot and Karkitchoo Apple, which would greatly enhance their market recognition.
A documentary showcasing the lifecycle of apricot farming in Kargil was also screened, drawing appreciation from the audience for capturing both the challenges and innovations of local farmers.
The event concluded with the distribution of awards to top-performing farmers and certificates of appreciation to young entrepreneurs contributing to the apricot value chain.
Prominent attendees included Chief Agriculture Officer Ashiq Hussain, Senior Scientist Dr. Nassreen Fatima Kacho(KVK Kargil-1), District Sheep Husbandry Officer Dr. Niyaz ul Hussain, along with other district officers, scientists, and progressive farmers.
