KARGIL JULY 04, 2021:  Union Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Kailash Choudhary along with the Member of Parliament (MP) Ladakh Jamyang Tsering Namgyal visited Zanskar Sub-Division here today.

During his visit, the Union Minister Kailash Choudhary visited Sher e Kashmir University of Agriculture Science and Technology (SKUAST) Farm, where the  Senior Scientist and In charge Head Dr Shahnawaz briefed the him about different projects being carried out at the farm, and also informed about the achievements and progress of SKUAST in Zanskar Sub Division.

The Union Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare stressed on the formation of Farmer Producer Organization (FPO) for better agricultural practices in rugged terrain of Zanskar, and directed the concerned officers to enrol maximum farmers in this scheme, adding he said that minimum 100 people are required for the formation of single FPO group.

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Kailash Choudhary also directed that for the betterment of farmers’ community of Zanskar, establishment of Regional Yak Centre in necessary, and measures in this regard will be taken at the earliest possible. He also assured that the farmers’ fraternity will also be benefited from Fasal Beema Yojana, and directed the concerned officers that maximum farmers should get enrolled under the said scheme.

Meanwhile, the Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare also distributed Agricultural tool kits among some progressive farmers and Self Help Groups (SHGs).

Highlighting the importance of organic practices in the Himalayas, the Union Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare assured that Zanskar will be announced organic zone in near future.

The Minister also interacted with the scientists of SKUAST and suggested to do innovative and progressive work in the field of agriculture for betterment of the farming community. He also visited the Agriculture Farm at Stara and reviewed the pace of progress on the on-going construction of green houses and directed the concerned officers and contracting agency to complete the construction works at the earliest so that the locals can avail the vegetable farming in winters.

Later, the Minister also visited the Tungri Panchayat Halqa where he was welcomed by the villagers headed by Sarpanch Halqa Tungri.

The villagers projected certain demands before the Minister pertaining to developmental works in village.

The Minister assured that all possible measures will be taken for the redressal of the demands. He also suggested the farmers of Zanskar to take maximum benefit from the government sponsored schemes.

The Union Minister was informed by the Chief Agriculture Officer Kargil, Kacho Muhammad Ali Khan about the progress of works and schemes under the Department of Agriculture Kargil.

The Minister also visited a progressive farmer Thukjay Falzang’s vegetable farm and appreciated his hard work.

Earlier, the Union Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare  and MP Ladakh were  received at Civil Helipad Padum by BJP National General Secretary Ashok Koul, BJP General Secretary UT Ladakh Dr Skalzang Dorjay, Councilor Lungnak Stanzin Lakpa, Nominated Councilor  Stanzin Chosgail, Sub Divisional Magistrate (SDM) Zanskar Sonam Dorjay Presidents of Zanskar Buddhist Association, Zanskar Gompa Association, Zanskar Muslim Association, BDC Chairperson Karsha, Sarpanchs and civil society members.