Kargil, June 04, 2025 – In a celebration of rural entrepreneurship and women empowerment, the Ladakh Rural Livelihood Mission (NRLM) organized a product launch event in Kargil. The event featured locally produced items by women-led Self-Help Groups (SHGs), particularly Tabassum SHG from Kanoor Panchayat and Hussainya SHG from Tambis Panchayat.

Among the products showcased was Balti Khar Achaar and Kargil Achaar, a traditional pickle that has now been refined through improved packaging and branding. The event marked an important effort to promote local products beyond village markets and integrate them into larger commercial platforms.

The event was graced by several dignitaries, including Acting CEC/ EC, LAHDC Kargil, Kacho Mohammad Feroz, Executive Councillor Aga Syed Mujtaba, Secretary of the Rural Development Department, Shashank Ala (IAS), ADC Kargil Imteeaz Kacho, Councillor GM Pore Syed Ali, General Manager, DIC/Project Officer (Wages), Kargil Shafiq Ahmad, Executive Officer MC Arifa Iqbal Lone, DSWO Samina, members of Self-Help Groups, among many others.

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Acting CEC Kacho Mohammad Feroz praised the women for their hard work and described them as the backbone of both families and society. He stressed that these women deserve all possible support in developing their businesses and competing with national brands. The programme concluded on a high note with renewed calls for community support, institutional backing, and active market linkage to help local products from Ladakh gain recognition at the state and national levels.

In her remarks, Shashank Ala congratulated all the SHG members and expressed pride in the growing participation of women in Ladakh’s development. She highlighted the government’s progressive step of 33% reservation for women in the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC). She stated, “What we need is what we demand,” underlining that real change begins with small but determined actions. She also emphasized the need to improve product quality and packaging so that these efforts truly benefit the local economy and compete successfully in broader markets.

ADC Kacho Imtiyaz also praised the efforts of SHGs and the NRLM team. He recommended the addition of natural preservatives and advanced packaging methods to extend shelf life and ensure market readiness. He acknowledged that SHGs are not just excelling in food production but also in embroidery and crafts, all of which contribute significantly to local employment and economic growth. He encouraged closer coordination between the SHGs and the Merchant Association and assured that the District Administration would continue to support such grassroots efforts.

The programme began with a warm welcome speech by Mr. Shafiq Ahmed, who spoke on the importance of bringing SHG efforts into the spotlight and connecting local products to larger markets.

President of the Merchant Association, Mr. Mohd Yaseen appreciated the quality of the products and reminded the audience of the competitive nature of the market. He noted that many brands of achaar already exist, so attention to quality and uniqueness is vital. He promised full support from the merchant community in uplifting and promoting SHG products.

The event also included a video presentation showcasing the journey and achievements of SHG women, particularly in production, packaging, and marketing.