Kargil, Aug 04: In a significant stride for the horticulture sector of the Union Territory (UT) of Ladakh, a remarkable achievement has been made with the successful export of 31 tonnes of the Halman variety of apricots. This achievement, primarily driven by the efforts of Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs) in the Sham valley, marks a pivotal moment for the region’s agricultural industry.
The fresh apricots, cultivated in the twin districts of Ladakh, embarked on their journey to the national market on Thursday, witnessed by dignitaries and officials. Aga Syed Mehdi Fazily, the Executive Councilor of Social Welfare, Horticulture, Handloom, Animal and Sheep Husbandry Departments, LAHDC, Kargil, along with Shrikant Balasaheb Suse, the Deputy Commissioner and CEO of LAHDC, Kargil, flagged off the consignment from Kargil to the national market.
The success of this endeavor can be attributed to the collaborative efforts of Krishak Agritech, a farmer-centric organization dedicated to supporting farmers across the Himalayan States. This initiative not only introduced Ladakh’s apricots to the Indian market but also paved the way for international export.
Expressing his delight, DC Shrikant Balasaheb Suse highlighted the significance of this achievement for Kargil. He underscored that Krishak Agritech’s initiative not only brings the fruit to the market but also ensures that local farmers receive fair compensation for their produce, thus minimizing wastage and maximizing profits.
Chief Horticulture Officer, speaking at the occasion, disclosed that this successful export includes 6 metric tons of apricots from Kargil and an impressive 31 metric tons from Leh. The fruits have already reached markets in major cities including Mumbai, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, and the Delhi/NCR region. The officer also praised the unwavering support from all stakeholders, emphasizing how it serves as a motivation for future endeavors.
This achievement sets a precedent for other regions and agricultural sectors to explore opportunities in the national and international markets, ultimately contributing to the growth and prosperity of the local farming community.
