Says Cooperatives will make Ladakh Farmers Self-Reliant
From farm to market, Ladakh’s local products to get bigger push
Unveils Cooperative Department’s Cafeteria-cum-Showroom at Kharul
Inaugurates Deputy Registrar & District Audit Officer building worth Rs 2.54 Cr in Kargil
Kargil, Aug 27: The Hon’ble Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, Shri Kavinder Gupta, today highlighted the crucial role of the Cooperative Department in realising Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s dream of doubling farmers’ income. He said strengthening the cooperative movement is essential to connect “farm to market,” ensuring farmers get the right value for their produce while Ladakh’s unique products find a place in national and global markets.
The Lieutenant Governor was speaking after inaugurating a Cafeteria-cum-Showroom of the Cooperative Department at Kharul, Kargil. On the occasion, Chief Executive Councillor, LAHDC Kargil, Dr Jaffer Akhoon; Member of Parliament from Ladakh, Mohmad Hanifa Jan; Executive Councillor, Agha Syed Mujtaba; Secretary Cooperatives, Bhupesh Chaudhary; Deputy Commissioner Kargil, Rakesh Kumar; Senior Superintendent of Police, Shree Raam R.; Councillor Altaf Hussain and other officials were present.
The Lt Governor asserted that the UT Ladakh Administration is committed to building robust marketing avenues for local products that define Ladakh’s identity and hold immense potential to boost the rural economy.
“Local products are our strength. Not just apricot and Pashmina, but every indigenous product of Ladakh deserves equal promotion. By giving them wider market access, we can empower farmers and artisans, generate new livelihoods, and tackle unemployment among our youth,” he said.
The Lt Governor stressed that PM Modi’s vision of doubling farmers’ income must serve as a guiding principle for Ladakh. For this, he asked cooperative societies to embrace modern branding, packaging, and digital marketing techniques so that local produce can compete effectively in wider markets.
Referring to the newly inaugurated facility, the Lt Governor directed officials to ensure proper public conveniences and aesthetic landscaping of the cafeteria area. “Situated on a busy highway, this center can become a gateway for tourists to experience Ladakh’s culture, cuisine, and craftsmanship. With the right facilities, it can emerge as both an economic hub and a cultural showcase,” he added.
The LT Governor further emphasised that cooperatives must evolve as direct bridges between farmers and consumers, reducing the role of middlemen and ensuring maximum returns to producers. He also called for the convergence of traditional knowledge with modern business practices to make Ladakh’s cooperative model self-reliant and sustainable. He also appealed to the youth to leverage government schemes in agriculture, skill development, and entrepreneurship to create value-added products from Ladakh’s natural resources.
“From cold storage and food processing to farm-to-market linkages, every initiative under the cooperative movement will serve as a stepping stone towards building a stronger, self-reliant Ladakh,” he said, reiterating his government’s commitment to inclusive and sustainable growth.
Meanwhile, the Hon’ble Lieutenant Governor also inaugurated the newly constructed office building of the Deputy Registrar and District Audit Officer in Kargil. The event was organised as part of the celebration of the International Year of Cooperatives 2025. The building was constructed at a cost of Rs 2.54 crores.
On the occasion, Chief Executive Councillor, LAHDC Kargil, Dr Jaffer Akhoon; Member of Parliament from Ladakh, Mohmad Hanifa Jan; Executive Councillor, Agha Syed Mujtaba; Secretary, Cooperatives Department, Bhupesh Chaudhary; Deputy Commissioner, Kargil, Rakesh Kumar; Senior Superintendent of Police, Shree Raam R. and other officials were present during the inauguration of the building.
