Kargil: Chairman and Chief Executive Councillor, LAHDC Kargil, Dr. Mohd Jaffer Akhoon, Monday inaugurated an Orchard Nursery at Hundurman Plot, located at TV Station area of Kargil. Dr. Akhoon was present as the Chief Guest on the occasion, which marked a significant milestone in promoting sustainable horticulture and community-driven development in the district.
In his address, Dr. Akhoon congratulated the Councillor of Poyen-Akchamal Constituency, the villagers of Hundurman, and the Department of Horticulture for their collaborative efforts in establishing the nursery.
He appreciated the plantation of over 1,700 fruit saplings, including apple, pear, cherry, and apricot, and the fencing of 34 kanals of land to safeguard the orchard.
He also lauded the dedication and proactive work of Chief Horticulture Officer, Ali Raza, and urged the department to conduct more awareness and outreach programmes to ensure that the people of Kargil fully benefit from horticulture-related government schemes.
Dr. Akhoon further highlighted the significance of Seabuck thorn, locally known as Tsoks-kyur, a traditional medicinal and cosmetic herb native to Ladakh. Rich in Vitamin C and known for its sun-protective properties, he said the plant has great potential in both skincare and herbal medicine sectors.
He also drew attention to the growing reputation of Karkichu apples, which are now being exported to Saudi Arabia, and mentioned that the Red Delicious variety is gaining popularity across markets.
The CEC reiterated LAHDC Kargil’s commitment to sustainable and balanced development and shared recent progress achieved in the constituency.
He noted the upgradation of Poyen High School to Higher Secondary level, and Biathang Middle School to High School, as well as the long-pending Lift Irrigation Project, sanctioned in 2011. The first phase of the project is scheduled for inauguration on May 26, 2025, and the second phase has already been sanctioned.
Member of Parliament, Ladakh, Haji Hanifa Jan, who attended as the Guest of Honour, congratulated the councillor, villagers, and the Horticulture Department for their commendable efforts.
He stressed the importance of engaging youth in plantation activities, adding that fruit cultivation, especially of apples and apricots, has the potential to become a major industry in Kargil and help reduce unemployment.
He also assured the gathering that the issue of drought in the Sodh region has been raised in Parliament and is being actively followed up.
Chief Horticulture Officer, Ali Raza, reaffirmed the department’s commitment to expanding fruit plantations across the district in line with the directions of LAHDC Kargil.
He said the department is actively reaching out to farmers and communities to promote orchard development.
Councillor Mohammad Amin of Poyen-Akchamal expressed his sincere gratitude to the CEC and LAHDC for their support, especially for ensuring the protection and fencing of the 34-kanal orchard land under the Special Development Package (SDP). He also thanked the villagers of Hundurman for their participation and dedication to the initiative.
The event was attended by Dr. Mohd Jaffer Akhoon, CEC, LAHDC, Kargil, Haji Hanifa Jan, MP Ladakh, Mohammad Amin, Councillor of Poyen-Akchamal, Ali Raza, Chief Horticulture Officer, Sheikh Mussa Ali Irfani, and residents of Hundurman.
