Says DIHAR ensures fresh veg supply for Army & locals in peak winters
Leh, September 13: Defence Institute of High-Altitude Research (DIHAR) has revolutionised Ladakh’s agro-tech sector by pioneering cold-arid agro-animal technologies, significantly improving food security, socio-economic development, and military-civil cooperation. Its research has enabled both locals and soldiers to cultivate a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables, strengthened food availability for troops, and introduced innovative solar thermal technologies for sustainable heating — all vital for enhancing the quality of life in Ladakh’s high-altitude environment.
This was stated by the Hon’ble Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, Shri Kavinder Gupta, during his visit to the DIHAR Centre in Leh. He was accompanied by First Lady Smt. Bindu Gupta; Director, DIHAR, Dr. O.P. Chaurasia; scientists and staff of DIHAR.
The Lt Governor highlighted DIHAR’s vital role in developing and implementing advanced cold-arid agro-animal technologies to support the Army and local communities in extreme climatic conditions. He noted that DIHAR’s innovations — such as specialised greenhouses, passive solar energy systems, acclimatisation of crops and livestock, and research on medicinal plants — have been of immense benefit to both soldiers and civilians.
Commending DIHAR for its revolutionary farming techniques, the Lt Governor said that the successful introduction of new vegetable and fruit crops in such a challenging terrain has been a breakthrough. He added that models like the Ladakh Greenhouse have ensured the supply of fresh vegetables during peak winter months, when temperatures plummet below minus 20 degrees, reducing dependence on tinned food.
Earlier, Dr. O.P. Chaurasia gave a detailed presentation on DIHAR’s journey since its inception in 1960, aimed at augmenting fresh food supply for troops in collaboration with local farmers. He highlighted the introduction of over 100 varieties of vegetables, several fruit crops, and the development of the Ladakh Greenhouse model.
Earlier, the Lt Governor also inspected the Vegetable Research Unit and the Animal Research Unit.
