Padum, Zanskar – In a significant step towards strengthening the agricultural landscape of the remote and cold arid region of Ladakh, the Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) Kargil-II, Zanskar successfully concluded a 15-day long outreach campaign under the Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan (VKSA). The campaign was organized in close collaboration with the allied departments of Agriculture, Horticulture, Animal Husbandry, and Sheep Husbandry, reaching out to more than 45 remote villages across six blocks of Kargil district—namely Taisuru, Sankoo, Barsoo, Zanskar, Karsha, and Cha. Stretching over a geographical area of approximately 250 km in length and 15–20 km in width, the region is located at a staggering altitude ranging between 3600 meters in Kargil and up to 4000 meters in Zanskar, making the outreach not only unique in scale but also challenging in terms of terrain and accessibility.

The campaign was spearheaded by Dr. Mohd Mehdi, Chief Scientist & Head of KVK Kargil-II, with dedicated support from his committed team including Dr. F.A. Shah Khan and Dr. Shabber Hussain (Scientists), as well as non-teaching and supporting staff such as Mr. T. Dawa, Mr. Aangchuk, and others. The programme’s success was further strengthened by the unwavering support of Mr. Ashiaq Hussain Basharat, Chief Agriculture Officer, Kargil, whose collaboration was instrumental throughout the campaign. Special appreciation is also extended to Prof. Mehboob, Administrative Officer, University of Ladakh, for facilitating transportation arrangements for the farmer exposure visit during a critical shortage of buses from other sources.

Spanning from the far-flung village of Khargiak Cha Block to the agricultural zones of Faroona Sankoo Block and Bartoo Barsoo Block, the campaign covered more than 28 village clusters including Hamiling, Kushul, Chibra, Fangting, Longmur, Akshow, Phay, Tahan, Stara, Pibiting, Stongday, Kumik, Salipi, Youlang, Karsha, Ufti, Zangla, Pidmo, Tsazar, Pipcha, Itcher, Reru, KVK Station, Ubrak, Padum, Ating, Skygam, Tungri, Parkachik, Tangol, Khalamarpo Sankoo, Stakpa Sankoo, Umba Sankoo, Khawos, Gond, Saldak, Namsuru, Kochik, Purtikchy, Yuljuk Maita, Kargee, Thasgam, Tikat, Bartoo, Faroona, Khachan, Thuena, and Lankarchy.

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Objectives and Scope

The overarching goal of the VKSA campaign was to bring technological awareness and government agricultural schemes directly to the doorsteps of tribal farmers living in some of the most inaccessible areas of Ladakh. Through lectures, demonstrations, farmer-scientist interactions, and exposure visits, the KVK team sought to equip the farming community with knowledge and tools suited for the extreme climatic conditions of Zanskar.

Key areas of focus included:

• Awareness about major government schemes such as PM-Kisan, PMFBY, PM-KMY, AIF, SMAM, PMKSY, PKVY, SHC, NMEO, and NMSA.
• Dissemination of sustainable agriculture practices such as natural farming, protected cultivation, and low-cost input use.
• Promotion of high-yielding and climate-resilient horticultural and field crop varieties.
• Introduction to small-scale agri-entrepreneurship and the role of FPOs/SHGs.
• Training on livestock health, disease management, and fodder development.

Farmer Participation & Mega Events

Throughout the campaign, there was enthusiastic participation from the local tribal farming communities. A notable highlight was the mega awareness programme organized midway through the campaign at KVK Station, which witnessed participation of over 180 farmers. The event served as a platform to showcase ongoing technological interventions, success stories, and promote cross-learning among farmers from different blocks.

A mega exposure visit was also organized as the culminating activity of the 15-day campaign. Over 150 progressive farmers took part in this visit, gaining firsthand experience of innovative technologies in protected cultivation, high-density apple plantation, and mushroom production trials conducted by KVK in collaboration with local beneficiaries.

Dignitary Participation

The campaign was enriched by the gracious presence of several local dignitaries and elected representatives who extended their wholehearted support to the initiative. Among the chief guests who graced various events were:

• Er. P. Tashi, Hon’ble Executive Councillor, LAHDC Kargil
• Sheikh Ansari, Councillor, Barsoo Constituency
• Mr. Sajad, Councillor, Faroona Constituency
• Mr. Abdul Hadi, Councillor, Taisuru Block

Their participation not only elevated the morale of the KVK team and allied departments but also reaffirmed the importance of agricultural development in the regional development agenda of Ladakh.

Inter-Departmental Synergy

A defining feature of the VKSA campaign was the spirit of convergence and cooperation among multiple departments. Officials from the Agriculture Department, Horticulture Department, Animal Husbandry, and Sheep Husbandry Departments played integral roles in reaching out to the rural populace. They provided expert guidance, and clarified queries related to scheme eligibility and implementation.

Appreciation and Acknowledgments

KVK Kargil-II extends sincere gratitude to all partner departments and team members whose dedication made this extensive campaign a grand success. Special appreciation goes to Mr. Ashiaq Hussain Basharat, for their tireless field engagement, coordination, and technical inputs during the campaign.

Dr. Mehdi, while addressing the concluding ceremony, lauded the exceptional efforts of the field team and underscored the need for continuous handholding of tribal farmers to ensure the sustainability of interventions made under the VKSA campaign.

Future Roadmap

Encouraged by the overwhelming response, KVK Kargil-II plans to initiate follow-up activities, including capacity-building programmes, technology refinement trials, and seasonal advisory services. The centre is also committed to documenting the feedback and challenges shared by the farmers during the campaign to guide future research and extension efforts.

Conclusion

The 15-day campaign under Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan stands as a testament to KVK Kargil-II’s commitment to strengthening the agricultural resilience of tribal farmers in Ladakh’s most challenging agro-climatic zones. The extensive outreach, meaningful collaboration, and positive farmer feedback set a benchmark for future grassroots-level interventions. With continued support from LAHDC Kargil, UT Ladakh Administration, SKUAST-Kashmir, and allied departments, KVK Kargil -II envisions a self-reliant, technologically empowered, and climate-resilient farming community in the cold desert region of Ladakh.