Zanskar, October 27: The Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) Kargil-II, Zanskar successfully conducted a series of Training-cum-Awareness Programmes, Scientist–Farmer Interactions, and Animal Health Camps from October 15 to 27, 2025, under the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH), and DST-SEED Project.
Covering 11 remote villages — including Stongday, Pipcha, Karsha, Ufti, Pibiting, Padam, Stara, Salapi, Akshow, Rangdum, and Parkachik — the outreach benefitted nearly 400 farmers across the Zanskar valley.
The initiative focused on introducing high-value horticultural crops suited to cold-arid conditions, training farmers in modern and sustainable agricultural practices, promoting protected cultivation, and enhancing livestock health through free mineral supplement distribution. Cleanliness drives were also carried out in fields and kitchen gardens under the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan to prevent crop diseases before the next season.
Farmers expressed appreciation for the introduction of improved crop varieties and technologies under MIDH and DST-SEED interventions. They also raised key demands, including better supply of agricultural inputs, mineral-rich fodder, veterinary medicines, and more frontline demonstrations to strengthen livelihood opportunities in high-altitude areas.
The programme was led by Dr. Mohd Mehdi, Principal Scientist & Head (KVK), along with Dr. F.A. Shah Khan, Dr. Shabber Hussain, and Dr. Fatima from the Livestock Department, Zanskar.
