Chanthang: The third day of the Viksit Sankalp Abhiyaan witnessed significant momentum as the campaign reached the picturesque villages of Chumathang and Skidmang in the remote Chanthang Valley on Saturday.
The event was graced by Thinley Norboo, Councillor of the Kyungyam Constituency, who encouraged farmers and locals to actively engage with the campaign and share the issues they face in agriculture and horticulture.
Officials and scientists from various departments, including Horticulture, Agriculture, Sheep Husbandry, and Animal Husbandry, participated in the event.
They highlighted the significance of this nationwide campaign and its role in promoting sustainable and region-specific development.
Key highlights of the day included: Departmental presentations on schemes relevant to the high-altitude cold desert agro-climatic region.
Demonstrations on crop-specific package of practices, compost-making, and the importance of compost marketing to boost farm income.
Discussion on the decline in sheep rearing in the Rong region, stressing the need for revitalization and support.
The Horticulture Department announced upcoming trial plantations of fruit saplings to assess feasibility and benefits for local farmers.Special emphasis on entrepreneurship development among women, especially in light of the region’s potential for tourism-based microenterprises.
Training programs in baking, pickle-making, and other value-addition initiatives were highlighted as means for self-sustained income generation.
The event saw active participation from over 60 attendees, including farmers, departmental staff, and Goba members of Chumathang and Skidmang villages.
During the interactive session, farmers shared pressing issues including: Aphid and pest infestation in potato crops.Insect attacks on leafy vegetables. Shortage of cattle feed in the region.
Thinley Norboo encouraged open dialogue, assuring that efforts will be made to address the challenges raised by farmers through collaborative interventions.
The Viksit Sankalp Abhiyaan continues to empower rural communities across Ladakh, bringing expert guidance, government support, and grassroots feedback together to chart a path for inclusive and sustainable rural development.
The evening programme under the Viksit Bharat Sankalp campaign was organized at Kairay following the earlier session at Chumathang.
The event witnessed enthusiastic participation of 52 representing the villages of Kesser, Nee, Kairay, and Srheyul along with the chief guest and Officials from KVK Nyoma, Agriculture Department, Horticulture Department, and Sheep Husbandry Department.
The programme emphasized the significance of government schemes such as PM-KISAN and Kisan Credit Card (KCC), IWDP CCS schemes. During the interactive session, farmers requested subsidized horticultural inputs, greenhouse support, mulching, FPO formation and repair of the traditional water mill (Rantak) used in the region.
The Councillor, Thinlay Norboo, also graced the occasion, highlighting the need for collaborative efforts by all departments for the comprehensive development of villages.
He encouraged villagers to actively participate in such initiatives. Discussions were also held on pest and disease management in local crops.
