Kargil, September 19, 2026: Member of Parliament, Ladakh Mohmad Haneefa Jan attended an Exhibition-cum-Mela organised by the Agriculture Department, Kargil under the Agricultural Technology Management Agency (ATMA), aimed at promoting modern farming practices, agricultural technologies and farmer welfare.
The MP, accompanied by Additional District Development Commissioner Kargil Ghulam Mohd, JKAS, visited various stalls established by the Agriculture Department and allied departments. Chief Agriculture Officer Kargil Ashiq Hussain and Principal Scientist, KVK-I Kargil, Dr Nasreen Fatima, briefed the dignitaries about agricultural products, modern technologies, innovations and various initiatives showcased during the event.
The dignitaries and participants later attended the main programme at the Auditorium Hall, Kargil.
In his welcome address, the Chief Agriculture Officer highlighted the crucial contribution of farmers to the agricultural economy and urged them to make maximum use of government schemes and programmes designed to strengthen agriculture and improve farmers’ livelihoods.
He informed that 50 farmers from Zanskar and Drass participated in a five-day exposure visit to Kargil, where they gained practical knowledge of modern agricultural practices and successful farming models. A documentary highlighting agricultural development and progress in Kargil, Zanskar and other parts of the region was also screened during the programme.
Addressing the gathering, MP Haneefa Jan underlined the vast potential of agriculture and allied sectors to create employment and self-employment opportunities for the youth of Ladakh. He said the adoption of modern and high-end technologies could transform agriculture into an important contributor to the region’s economic development.
The MP said he would take up issues concerning agricultural development with the Union Government and work towards facilitating suitable projects for Ladakh. He informed that the Union Agriculture Minister had assured all possible support to the UT and added that he had also discussed agriculture and horticulture-related issues with the Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh.
Highlighting the challenges faced by farmers, Haneefa Jan said that while Ladakh has considerable cultivable land, limited water availability remains a major constraint to agricultural production. He called for greater emphasis on water conservation, efficient irrigation systems and modern technologies suited to Ladakh’s difficult climatic conditions.
He further suggested that the Administration and Hill Councils explore suitable schemes and initiatives through Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) to introduce and demonstrate new crops, technologies and modern farming techniques compatible with the region’s climate.
The MP also called for intensified awareness programmes to ensure that farmers have adequate information about government schemes, eligibility criteria and procedures for accessing available benefits.
Speaking on the occasion, Additional District Development Commissioner Ghulam Mohd, JKAS, stressed the need to boost agricultural production across Kargil through modern techniques, improved farming practices and effective utilisation of government schemes.
He said a stronger agricultural sector could contribute significantly to economic development while generating employment and self-employment opportunities, particularly for young people.
The ADDC also emphasised the need to strengthen packaging, branding and marketing of locally produced agricultural products, besides promoting organic farming. He assured that the administration would provide necessary support for improving packaging and marketing infrastructure.
He further stressed the importance of better inter-departmental coordination for implementing initiatives such as the Lakhpati Didi scheme and ensuring their benefits reach the intended beneficiaries.
The programme was attended by Dean SAST Dr Faizan Ahmad, Chief Horticulture Officer Kargil Ali Raza, Chief Animal Husbandry Officer Dr Ghulam Mohd, Principal Scientist KVK-I Kargil Dr Nasreen Fatima, officers of the Agriculture Department and other stakeholders.
The event concluded with the distribution of prizes and awards to participants, followed by a vote of thanks delivered by the Deputy Director, Agriculture Kargil, who expressed gratitude to the dignitaries, officers, farmers and all stakeholders for their participation and contribution towards the successful conduct of the programme.
