22nd Scientific Advisory Committee Meeting Held at Krishi Vigyan Kendra Kargil.

22nd Scientific Advisory Committee Meeting Held at Krishi Vigyan Kendra Kargil.
Kargil, September 25, 2026: The 22nd Scientific Advisory Committee (SAC) meeting of Krishi Vigyan Kendra KVK -1 Kargil, University of Ladakh, held today to review ongoing agricultural and allied-sector activities, assess field-level challenges faced by farmers, and formulate scientific recommendations for improving farming, horticulture, livestock and allied sectors in the district.
The meeting was attended by Prof. Saket Kushwaha, Vice Chancellor, University of Ladakh; Niyaz Ali, Range Forest Officer (RFO), Kargil; Mohd Iqbal, Deputy Director Agriculture; Dr. Ghulam Mohd, Chief Animal Husbandry Officer, Kargil and Drass; Ali Raza, Chief Horticulture Officer, Kargil; Dr. Mohd Sadiq, DSHO Kargil; Dr. Zakir Hussain, DSHO Drass; Dr. Mohd Mehdi, Coordinator and Controller, KVK; and Dr. Nasreen Fatima, Head, KVK Kargil, besides officials and representatives from concerned departments.
At the outset, Dr. Nasreen Fatima, Head KVK Kargil, delivered a detailed presentation highlighting the activities and achievements of KVK in agriculture and allied sectors. She presented data on farm testing, organic cultivation, mixed trials, front-line demonstrations, mushroom cultivation, crop yield and winter vegetable production. The presentation also highlighted field-level observations and the need to strengthen scientific interventions based on local farming conditions.
The committee discussed various issues related to farm production, crop protection and pest management. The impact of insects on fruit crops was discussed with examples from villages including Lankerchay, while pest attacks affecting trees and crops in areas such as Ashina were also highlighted. The participants stressed the need for timely scientific advice, pest surveillance and environmentally sustainable management practices.
The committee discussed key issues in agriculture, horticulture and animal husbandry, including improved barley varieties, composting, natural farming, fodder development, crop protection, micro-irrigation, livestock diseases, poultry, cross-breeding, dairy and Pashmina goat rearing. Emphasis was placed on strengthening horticulture, particularly apricot, apple and seabuckthorn, through eco-friendly pest management, processing, value addition, marketing and infrastructure. The need to revive livestock-based livelihoods, develop high-altitude fodder in Drass and conserve the Zanskar horse through scientific breeding and documentation was also highlighted.
The committee stressed the deployment of scientists and technical experts, stronger coordination among KVK and concerned departments, and greater field-level research, demonstrations and extension services. It also called for proper documentation of issues and recommendations in the Minutes of Meeting, followed by timely departmental action and monitoring. The meeting further emphasized exploring suitable HADP and NLM components to strengthen agriculture and allied sectors in Ladakh.
The meeting concluded with Dr. Mohd Mehdi delivering the vote of thanks and expressing gratitude to the Vice Chancellor, participating officers, scientists, departmental representatives and all stakeholders for their valuable contributions and recommendations.