Reviews Oma Dairy, apricot & sea buckthorn processing and rural infrastructure; calls for stronger farmer-market linkages
Leh, August 22: Chief Secretary Ashish Kundra on Saturday undertook an extensive field review of key development projects in Leh, putting the spotlight on local livelihoods, value addition of Ladakh’s produce, scientific waste management and improved rural infrastructure.
Kundra inspected the Ladakh Oma Dairy Plant, where he reviewed milk processing as well as facilities for value addition of locally produced apricot and sea buckthorn. He sought details about processing capacity, quality standards, farmer linkages and returns reaching local producers.
Calling for stronger farmer-to-market connectivity, Kundra stressed improving milk quality through better cattle breeds, scientific feeding, fodder development and improved breeding practices. He also sought strengthening of primary dairy societies and explored support such as refrigerated vehicles for efficient milk collection and transportation.
The Chief Secretary also discussed expanding dairy facilities in Nubra and reviewed measures to strengthen the Kargil dairy plant, with emphasis on improving milk collection and farmer connectivity.
Highlighting Ladakh’s potential in local produce, Kundra pushed for greater value addition of apricot and sea buckthorn, including juices and other processed products, through coordination among cooperatives, research institutions and government departments.
In a major boost to scientific waste management, Kundra later inaugurated a 3 TPD Tri-Fusion Gasifier Incinerator at the Solid Waste Resource Management Centre at Choglamsar.
Officials demonstrated the technology, which uses controlled thermal treatment to substantially reduce waste to ash. Kundra reviewed emissions management, operational safety, residual ash handling and possibilities of replicating the technology elsewhere in Ladakh. Similar interventions are being explored for Khaltsi and Nubra.
Continuing his field review, Kundra inspected the RDD Guest House, which is nearing completion and is targeted for handover by September 15. He reviewed rooms, suites, kitchen, landscaping, furnishing and other facilities to ensure the infrastructure is fully functional.
He also visited the nearby National Rural Livelihoods Mission (NRLM) building and reviewed its infrastructure, functioning and scope for further strengthening.
The day-long inspections reflected the administration’s focus on turning Ladakh’s local resources into stronger livelihood and employment opportunities, while simultaneously improving waste management and rural infrastructure across the Union Territory.
