HORTICULTURE AT A GLANCE IN UT LADAKH
Ladakh Division comprises of Leh and Kargil Districts, spread over to an area of 59196 square kilometers i.e. Leh, 451 IO square kilometers and Kargil, 14086 square kilometers.
Being high mountain region is characterized by a rugged topography at an average altitude of over 3000 meter above sea level, although certain areas are as high as 5000-
5900 meters above sea level. The region is characterized by extreme temperature variations, low precipitation in the form of snow, high wind velocity, sparse plant density,
thin atmosphere with high UV- radiation and fragile ecosystem. The temperature often drops down to -30 centigrade in winter. Long harsh winter reduce the cropping season to
just four to five months in a year.
Ladakh region as a whole has a long tradition of growing Horticulture produce unique to its Geo-climatic conditions. Apricot is by for the most important and popular crop with
Halman, Raktsay Karpo, Khantay and Narmoo as main local cultivars, spread over an estimated area of 2612 Hectare with an annual production estimated at 15868 MT. Next
to Apricot is the Apple crop with Karkitchu, Mongol, Tha, etc as the main local cultivars, although several new cultivars viz Red Delicious, Golden Delicious, Royal Delicious,
etc. too have been introduced and are coming up to the expectations of masses. In an attempt to increase the productivity of the fruits crop, High Density Plantation has been
introduced by the Department in the region for the last couple of years. An area of around 866 Hectare in UT is spread under Apple fruits crop with an annual estimated production
of the order of 5172 MT. However, at the same time Horticulture area is under expansion with passage of time and fruit crops like Pear, Peach, Walnut, Grapes, etc are under
cultivation in UT. In all, corresponding to the figures of 2024-25, there is an area of around 3530 Hectare under fresh fruits including Apricot, Apple, etc with an annual
production of 21669 MT. approximately and 58 Hectare approximately under Dry fruit crop including Walnut, etc with a production of 220 MT approximately in UT Ladakh.
VISION:
To transform the whole scenario of Horticulture (Fruit cultivation) in the UT by
way of using latest technology/Research/Innovative ideas, causing to the sustainable
development of the population with due regard to natural resources and conservation of
fragile environment.
MISSION/OBJECTIVE:
To bring more and more area under quality fruit crop and increase productivity, both qualitatively as well as quantatively.
To cause to the diversification of fruit crop culture with high value crops thereby increasing the economy of the farming community as well as conserving the eco-
system.
Bringing excellence in post harvest technology/ value addition of fruit crops , thereby minimizing the wastage of produce and adding to the economy.Cause to organic interventions in cultivation in fruit crops by way of production and use of organic manures/composts etc. thus increasing the hygienic aspect of the produce as well as improving the soil structure in conformity with Mission Organic Development Initiative of UT Ladakh.
To improve the market structure and cause to the export of fresh fruits mainly Apricot, Apple etc. to outside markets in the country and abroad, thereby earning fortunes for the farmers community UT Ladakh.
Citizen Services:
In order to bring education amongst the farmers community regarding latest technical know how vis a vis fruit culture, programmes invogue with the department, the field staff in respect to jurisdiction engages themselves at grassroots level to achieve the objective in hand. Besides, demonstration activities in the field, awareness programmes at zonal/village levels happen to be the routine future of the Officer/()fficials to the Department to achieve the objective in hand.
Further, in order to redress the grievances of the farming community, PIOs in the department takeup the cognizance of the matters for immediate desired solutions to the entire satisfaction of farming community.
