Union Agriculture, Cooperation & Farmer Welfare Secretary, S. K. Patnayak today visited Ladakh to review the progress of various developmental projects and schemes being implemented by Agriculture and allied Departments there.He was accompanied by Principal Secretary Agriculture Production Department, Sandeep Kumar Nayak and Director Agriculture Kashmir, Syed Altaf Aijaz Andrabi.The Union Secretary called on Chief Executive Council, LADHC Kargil, Kachoo Ahmad Ali Khan during which programmes including the introduction of latest technology in the field of Apricot cultivation, Pradhanmantri Krishi Sinchai Yojna, Soil Health Cards, Vegetable production in the region were discussed threadbare. Concerned officers were also present on the occasion. The Union Secretary impressed upon the concerned officers to explore all the possibilities to increase the production and productivity of different crops grown in the area.Patnayak also visited Pushkun Farm Kargil and took stock of its functioning.Later, the Union Secretary met Chief Executive Councillor, LAHDC, Leh, Dr. Sonam Dawa. Principal Secretary Agriculture Production Department, Sandeep Kumar Nayak, Director Agriculture Kashmir, Syed Altaf Aijaz Andrabi, District Development Commissioner Leh, representative from High Altitude Defence Research Centre and district officers of Agriculture and allied wings were also present on the occasion. Sheep production, exotic cultivation of vegetables and establishment of cold storage was among other development works discussed in detail on the occasion.
Stressing on the teamwork and collective efforts of all stakeholders, the Union Secretary impressed upon concerned to achieve all set targets in a time-bound manner. He said strengthening the different allied wings of the agriculture would ultimately lead to the integrated development of the entire sector and shall boost the socio-economic status of the farming community of the State. He said that every possible support will be provided by the Union Ministry of Agriculture to boost the agriculture production in the region.While speaking on the occasion Director Agriculture Kashmir gave a detailed presentation of various Agriculture activities, schemes and projects being implemented in Ladakh region by Agriculture Production Department and its allied sectors.Earlier, the Union Secretary paid a visit to Fish Farm at Mamer Ganderbal and Model Floriculture Centre Nunar, Ganderbal, where work is under progress to develop it as a centre of excellence for vegetable seed production in Kashmir Division.