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.
Key Horticulture Statistics
Apricot Cultivation
Area: 2612 Hectare
Production: 15868 MT annually
Main cultivars: Halman, Raktsay Karpo, Khantay, Narmoo
Apple Cultivation
Area: 866 Hectare
Production: 5172 MT annually
Main cultivars: Karkitchu, Mongol, Tha, Red Delicious, Golden Delicious
Total Fresh Fruits
Area: 3530 Hectare
Production: 21669 MT annually
Dry Fruits
Area: 58 Hectare
Production: 220 MT annually
Main crop: Walnut
Ladakh region as a whole has a long tradition of growing Horticulture produce unique to its Geo-climatic conditions. 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. 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.
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 ecosystem.
- 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/Officials 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.
