Kargil, March 24, 2025: The School of Agricultural Science and Technology (SAS&T), Kargil, and the Precision Farming Development Centre (PFDC), located at SAS&T, Stakna, UoL, launched a week-long training program on “micro irrigation systems” aimed at promoting water-efficient technology in Ladakh.

The training is sponsored by Principal Investigator, Precison Farming Development Centre Leh. The event was graced by the Honorable Vice Chancellor of the University of Ladakh, Prof. (Dr.) Saket Khushawa, as the Chief Guest in hybrid mode, and Dr. Nasreen Fatima, Senior Scientist and Head of Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Kargil, as the Guest of Honour.

Dr. Faizan Ahmad, Dean of Agricultural Science at SAS&T Kargil, along with the faculty of the School of Agricultural Science and Technology, University of Ladakh, were also present. Thirty trainees from nearby villages in the Kargil district participated in the week-long training program, forming the core of the training programme.

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Dr. Rinchan Dolkar, Training Coordinator, welcomed the guests and participants and gave a detailed briefing about the week-long training programme. Dr. Nasreen Fatima Senior Scientist and Head KVK, Kargil introduced the benefits of micro irrigation systems, such as drip and sprinkler irrigation.

Dr. Faizan Ahmad, Dean Agricultural Science at SAS&T-Kargil, also addressed the farmers, emphasizing the importance of micro irrigation in Ladakh and acknowledged the efforts of the guests and participants.

The Chief Guest, Prof. (Dr.) Saket Khushawa, delivered an inspiring address underscoring the pressing need for sustainable agricultural practices in Ladakh, particularly in areas with water scarcity. He also suggested the formation of Farmer Interest Groups (FIGs) based on specific groups or enterprises and suggested the trainees to take the benefit of such training to improve their skill and not just to formality. Dr. Mansoor presented the formal vote of thanks to all the guests and participants.

Following the inaugural session, a live demonstration of the micro irrigation system was conducted by Dr. Rinchan Dolkar, Assistant Professor at SAS&T-Kargil, allowing the farmers to observe how these systems function, how they are installed, their cost, and how they can be maintained to ensure optimal performance.