DC Kargil Reviews Entrepreneurship Initiatives; Stresses Promotion of Indigenous Products.

DC Kargil Reviews Entrepreneurship Initiatives; Stresses Promotion of Indigenous Products.
Kargil, May 30, 2026: Deputy Commissioner/CEO, LAHDC Kargil, Rakesh Kumar, IAS, chaired a review meeting with stakeholders from entrepreneurship, cooperative and industrial sectors to discuss the growth prospects of local enterprises, including Halman Apricot and Ladakh Carving.
The meeting was attended by Additional District Development Commissioner Ghulam Mohammad, Additional Deputy Commissioner Shabir Hussain, Chief Planning Officer Kacho Mohammad Hussain, Agriculture Officer Ali Raza, General Manager DIC Kargil, officials from Horticulture Department, representatives of PM Vishwakarma Scheme, entrepreneurs, apricot exporters and cooperative societies.
During the meeting, detailed discussions were held on strengthening entrepreneurship, improving market access and promoting indigenous products of Kargil. The Deputy Commissioner stressed the need for effective utilization of various schemes under MSME, Industries Department, SIDBI and PM Vishwakarma, and directed concerned departments to provide timely guidance and support to entrepreneurs and cooperative societies.
Reviewing the progress of apricot-based enterprises, the Deputy Commissioner highlighted the growing demand for apricot pulp and other value-added products and emphasized the need for modern processing infrastructure, including aseptic fillers and sterilizers. He also proposed skill development initiatives, including specialized training programmes in Pashmina production, design and marketing, to enhance product quality and competitiveness in national and international markets.
The meeting also discussed the potential of the wood carving sector, which is emerging as a promising industry in Kargil. The Deputy Commissioner called for greater support to artisans through training, financial assistance and market linkages. He further emphasized obtaining Organic Certification and Geographical Indication (GI) tags for unique local products to strengthen branding and improve market value.
Discussions were also held on High-Density Apple Plantation Schemes, diversification into high-value crops such as lettuce and the promotion of trout farming. The Deputy Commissioner directed concerned departments to disseminate relevant guidelines among farmers and ensure wider participation in government schemes aimed at enhancing productivity and income generation.
Emphasizing tourism-linked entrepreneurship, the Deputy Commissioner called for the development of unique Kargil-based souvenirs reflecting the region’s culture, heritage and historical significance.
He encouraged entrepreneurs and cooperative societies to market their products through e-commerce platforms such as Amazon and Flipkart and reiterated the administration’s commitment to strengthening entrepreneurship, promoting indigenous products and generating sustainable livelihood opportunities across the district.